10 Practical Ways to Stop Phishing-Based Ransomware Attacks

10 Practical Ways to Stop Phishing-Based Ransomware Attacks Ransomware attacks usually start with an email that looks legitimate. You get a message from what appears to be a colleague, a vendor, or a well-known service asking you to open an attachment or click a link. One wrong click and your files are encrypted, with a demand for payment to get them back. ...

June 30, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Lessons from a $5 Million Fraud Bust

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Lessons from a $5 Million Fraud Bust Hong Kong police announced last week the arrest of 78 people linked to a series of online shopping scams that defrauded victims of about HK$5 million (roughly US$640,000). The operation, reported by the South China Morning Post on June 29, 2026, involved fake e-commerce sites, phishing messages, and promises of goods that never arrived. While the suspects have been taken into custody, the methods they used are still circulating globally. For anyone who shops online—especially on unfamiliar websites or cross-border platforms—this case is a reminder to stay alert. ...

June 30, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself

About a Third of Americans Have Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself Online shopping has become second nature for most of us, but it comes with a risk that is more widespread than many realize. According to a new report from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That statistic, published in November 2025, is a reminder that fraud is not an edge case—it’s a regular hazard in e-commerce. Whether you shop weekly or only during holiday sales, understanding how these scams work and how to avoid them is worth your time. ...

June 29, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

What Microsoft's Year of Email Security Data Reveals About Protecting Your Inbox

What Microsoft’s Year of Email Security Data Reveals About Protecting Your Inbox Introduction Email remains the most common way attackers try to reach people. Every day, millions of malicious messages land in inboxes around the world. Recently, Microsoft published a detailed report based on one year of data from its Defender service, covering the threats it detected and blocked. While the report was written for security professionals, the patterns it reveals are directly useful for anyone who uses email. This article translates those findings into practical advice for everyday readers. ...

June 29, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day As Amazon Prime Day approaches, shoppers are on the lookout for bargains. Unfortunately, scammers are also gearing up. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning in late June 2026 about a spike in fraudulent activity tied to the event. With fake websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit products cropping up, knowing how to shop safely can save you money and protect your personal data. ...

June 29, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Amazon Prime Day Scams Are On the Rise: How to Shop Safely (BBB Warning)

Amazon Prime Day Scams Are on the Rise: How to Shop Safely (BBB Warning) Prime Day deals can be tempting, but scammers know that too. Just ahead of Amazon’s flagship sales event—this year scheduled for mid-July—the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a surge in online shopping scams. These frauds are designed to steal both your money and your personal information. Here’s what you need to know and how to shop safely. ...

June 29, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Amazon Prime Day Scams: BBB’s Top Warning Signs

How to Spot Amazon Prime Day Scams: BBB’s Top Warning Signs Amazon Prime Day brings steep discounts and tight deadlines—and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day, pointing to a surge in fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent websites targeting bargain hunters. If you plan to shop during the event, knowing how to separate legitimate offers from traps can save you money and personal information. ...

June 29, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, drawing millions of bargain hunters. But it also draws scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about an increase in online shopping scams tied to Prime Day. If you plan to shop this year, a few precautions can help you avoid losing money or sharing sensitive information. ...

June 29, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner. For shoppers, that means big discounts and limited-time deals. For scammers, it means a surge in opportunities to trick people out of their money and personal information. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about this predictable uptick in fraud, and knowing what to look for can keep your shopping experience safe. ...

June 29, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before Amazon Prime Day

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before Amazon Prime Day Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year. For scammers, it’s also one of the busiest. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about a surge in fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals targeting shoppers ahead of the event. If you’re planning to take advantage of the sales, it helps to know what to look for—and what to avoid. ...

June 29, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk