by Alain Filotto | Feb 19, 2024 | Cybersecurity, General Topic
Auto theft is up 30-50% in 2023 depending on where you live. Why is this happening? This report features the legendary Samy Kamkar. He is one of the original “white hat” hackers. In his words, “all cars use the same wireless technology and are essentially computers on wheels”. Thieves have figures out how to “hack” these computers. Did you know you can put your car keys in an “RF Faraday bag” when you get home? I use these to transport mobile devices and secure them against outside interference. Check out these for sale on Amazon:
Article here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/marketplace-electronic-car-theft-1.3515106
Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARrlhlQiFzM&t=682s
Why do this? Thieves can use a “relay” close to your front door and unlock your car in the driveway using your key fob in your house!
If you have any questions or want to book a free consultation, contact me on LinkedIn. It is the best place to reach me.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-filotto
by Alain Filotto | Feb 6, 2024 | Cybersecurity, General Topic
This is a great story and they were able to interview an actual romantic #scam fraudster! Spoiler alert, he’s in Nigeria. I found it very interesting to hear about his reasoning. One thing I learned in my years of policing is that everyone has an excuse for the crimes they commit, everyone… even murderers. #fraud
The article is here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/go-public-romance-scams-1.7088334
And the video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C5CCJ26a9E
If you have any questions or want to book a free consultation, contact me on LinkedIn. It is the best place to reach me.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-filotto
by Alain Filotto | Feb 2, 2024 | Cybersecurity
On Monday January 22, 2024 I was interviewed by Bryn Griffiths LIVE on 630 CHED in Edmonton! I discussed artificial intelligence and AI powered disinformation and how it can impact elections in Canada (and the world). You can listen to the audio here (only 10 mins). I received some great feedback so thanks everyone!
If you have any questions or want to book a free consultation, contact me on LinkedIn. It is the best place to reach me.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-filotto
by Alain Filotto | Jan 3, 2024 | Cybersecurity, Forensics, General Topic
Happy new year everyone! For Christmas I got myself a new phone. The screen was broken on my old one and it was cheaper to get a new one than to fix it! Such is life in the modern world. I’m pretty cheap when it comes to phones, I always buy last year’s model on Craigslist. I get the phone new of course, usually Christmas gifts people don’t want or need. I got me a nice Samsung S22 (don’t forget to reset the phone to factory settings). Anyway, I’m always amazed at all the notifications being pushed out by ALL the apps. So I spent a good hour turning everything off and I thought it would make a good blog. I turn off almost all of the notifications on my phone, even LinkedIn. Our mobile devices have become indispensable tools, seamlessly integrating into every aspect of our lives. Over the last 30 years I’ve witnessed the evolution of technology and its impact on society and people. One of the significant challenges we face today is the incessant stream of notifications that permeate our mobile devices, disrupting daily life, hampering productivity, and even affecting the health of our children. In the words of comedian Chris Rock in his great video about dealing with the police, “Turn that shit off”!
The Constant Buzz:
Our smartphones have become a constant companion, alerting us to every message, email, social media update, and news flash. While notifications were initially designed to keep us informed, they have now become a double-edged sword, disrupting the flow of our daily lives. I’m mostly worried about the impact this has on kids. Have you seen the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma? Go watch it now! No wait, finish reading my blog first:)
Interrupted Productivity:
For those of us who rely on concentration and focus in our work, the barrage of notifications poses a serious threat to productivity. Whether you’re in a crucial meeting, working on a complex task, or trying to unwind after a long day, constant interruptions can significantly hinder your ability to perform at your best. This isn’t just a matter of inconvenience; it’s a productivity crisis that affects individuals across various professions. Remember this, notifications are like someone else trying to use YOUR time.
Children’s Health at Stake:
The detrimental effects of mobile notifications extend beyond the realm of adults and into the world of children’s health. With the rise of smartphones and tablets as babysitters, children are increasingly exposed to the same flood of notifications that adults contend with. Studies have shown that excessive screen time, coupled with constant interruptions, can lead to issues such as sleep disturbances, attention deficits, and even behavioural problems in children. My kids were upset with me as I did not let them have their phones at bedtime. But it was for best interest.
Balancing Act:
I understand the importance of staying connected in an increasingly digital world. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging technology and being consumed by it. Here are some practical tips for mitigating the negative effects of mobile notifications:
1. **Customize your notification settings:** Take control of your device by customizing notification settings. Prioritize essential alerts and silence unnecessary ones during specific hours.
2. **Schedule notification breaks:** Designate specific times during the day to check and respond to notifications. This allows you to maintain focus during work or quality time with family.
3. **Establish tech-free zones:** Create designated areas or times in your home where mobile devices are off-limits. This promotes healthier communication, fosters relationships, and prevents constant distraction.
4. **Parental controls:** Implement parental controls on devices used by children to limit screen time and exposure to potentially disruptive notifications.
Conclusion:
As we navigate the digital landscape, it’s crucial to be aware of the impact that mobile notifications can have on our daily lives, productivity, and the well-being of our children. Striking a balance between staying connected and maintaining a healthy, focused life is key. I encourage individuals and families to adopt mindful technology usage to ensure a harmonious and productive existence in our digital age.
If you have any questions or want to book a free consultation, contact me on LinkedIn. It is the best place to reach me.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-filotto
by Alain Filotto | Nov 16, 2023 | Cybersecurity, Forensics, General Topic
After an amazing 20 years in business, TCS Forensics Ltd. will be ceasing operations at the end of this month. I have been authorized to make the announcement. I want to wish Keith Perrin the absolute best retirement 🍻! You deserve it my friend. You are one of the hardest-working persons I know. I worked with Keith after I retired from the RCMP and I consider him to be a mentor. I would not be where I am without him.
I am also proud to announce that ALPHAFOX Forensics Ltd. 🦊 has been designated as a point of contact for all clients who currently have an open case with TCS or require any #digitalforensics work in the future. Please contact me and I will ensure your case is well looked after and that the transition is very smooth. #dfir #lawyers #legalcase #mobileforensics #expertwitness
If you have any questions or want to book a free consultation, contact me on LinkedIn. It is the best place to reach me.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-filotto
by Alain Filotto | Sep 6, 2023 | Cybersecurity, Forensics
First things first, Elon Musk is in no way associated to Quantum AI and it’s cryptoscam. Neither is Tucker Carlson or any of the personalities used for promotions. It’s all DEEP FAKES! In the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrencies, the allure of quick profits has not only attracted legitimate investors but also a new breed of scammers. These scammers, operating on the fringes of technology, have found ways to exploit artificial intelligence (AI) for their illicit schemes. In this blog, I will delve into the dark side of AI, exploring how it is being used to perpetrate crypto scams that bear eerie similarities to Ponzi schemes. Specifically I will look at a recent scam I was made aware of, Quantum AI.
The Crypto Scam Landscape
Before we delve into the misuse of AI in crypto scams, it’s crucial to understand the nature of these fraudulent activities and their resemblance to Ponzi schemes.
1. Ponzi-Like Deception: Much like Ponzi schemes, crypto scams lure unsuspecting victims with promises of astronomical returns on their investments. Scammers craft narratives of guaranteed profits through various investment vehicles, often citing fabricated success stories to create an aura of credibility. In this case, the links pointed to Fake websites that looked like the official sites of CNN or Forbes.
I looked up Johnathan Ponciano. He is a real reporter with Forbes and unfortunately a victim of this scheme. I sent him a message about it.
These scams will also use urgency to make you decide quickly. Fake, fake, fake!
2. Shadowy Operations: In the spirit of Ponzi schemes, crypto scam operators often conceal their true identities, making it virtually impossible for victims to unmask or hold them accountable. In this case the actual website is https://catwaring.com which was created only a few days ago with https://www.namecheap.com. And finally the registration is with an anonymizer service, https://withheldforprivacy.com, which is based in Reykjavik, Iceland,
3. Recruitment and Expansion: Just as Ponzi schemes rely on the recruitment of new investors to pay off earlier ones, crypto scams thrive by continuously bringing in fresh victims. This cycle sustains the illusion of profitability until you want to take money out. Then you have to pay “fees” and more fees and you never get any money. I’ve had clients who lost several thousand dollars! This scam even pretends to have a positive social impact…
AI’s Role in Perpetrating Crypto Scams
Now, let’s explore how AI is playing a pivotal role in enabling crypto scams:
1. Sophisticated Phishing: AI-powered algorithms can craft convincing phishing emails and websites that imitate legitimate cryptocurrency platforms. These scams trick users into sharing sensitive information, such as private keys or wallet credentials, leading to the theft of their assets.
2. Social Engineering: AI-driven chatbots and voice synthesizers can simulate human interactions, making it easier for scammers to manipulate victims through online chat or voice calls. These deceptive tactics increase the chances of users falling for fraudulent schemes.
3. Fake News and Pump-and-Dump Schemes: AI-generated fake news articles and social media posts can artificially inflate the reputation of certain cryptocurrencies, driving up their prices. Scammers then sell off their assets at a profit, leaving unsuspecting investors with worthless tokens.
4. Targeted Scam Campaigns: AI can analyze vast datasets to identify potential victims based on their online behavior and preferences. Scammers can tailor their scams to appeal specifically to these individuals, increasing the likelihood of success.
Comparing Crypto Scams to Ponzi Schemes
While crypto scams share similarities with Ponzi schemes, the use of AI introduces unique aspects to the deception:
1. Technological Advantage: Crypto scams leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to craft convincing schemes, making them more sophisticated and harder to detect than traditional Ponzi schemes.
2. Global Reach: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies allows AI-powered scams to target a global audience, whereas traditional Ponzi schemes are often limited in scope.
3. Evasive Tactics: AI enables scammers to remain anonymous and change tactics quickly, making it challenging for authorities to track and apprehend them.
Conclusion
The misuse of artificial intelligence in crypto scams represents a dark and evolving facet of the cryptocurrency landscape. While AI has tremendous potential for legitimate applications, it is essential to remain vigilant and skeptical in this digital age. There is a great review of this scam here https://csracademy.org.uk/quantum-ai-elon-musk-review-scam/
To protect oneself from the alluring but perilous world of crypto scams, individuals must stay informed, exercise caution, and be wary of too-good-to-be-true promises. As scammers continue to harness AI for their illicit schemes, it’s crucial for users to educate themselves and seek out reliable sources of information to navigate the cryptocurrency space safely.
If you have any questions or want to book a free consultation, contact me on LinkedIn. It is the best place to reach me.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-filotto
