Check back here from time to time to get the latest scoop and tips to make your digital life less stressful.
Find the latest security breaches and information here.
CHC Breach- As of early 2025, the largest data breach reported in Maine is considered to be the "Community Health Center" (CHC) breach, where hackers accessed and stole personal and health information of over a million individuals, including current and former patients, as well as those who received COVID-19 tests or vaccinations at their clinics; this breach was discovered in January 2025 and is believed to have started in October 2024. Affected individuals: Over 1 million patients, Data compromised: Personal information, health records, COVID-19 test and vaccination data.
PowerSchool Breach- On December 28, 2024, PowerSchool discovered a data breach that compromised student and staff information. The breach occurred through the company's customer support portal, PowerSource. Names, addresses, contact information, date of birth, Social Security numbers was compromised
DISA Breach- In May 2023, cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in the Maine government's file transfer system. The personal information contained in these files may have included name, social security number, driver's license number, other government ID numbers, financial account information, and other data elements.
23&Me Breach- The breach began around April 2023 and lasted about five months, affecting nearly half of the 14.1 million customers in 23andMe's database at the time. It was disclosed by 23andMe in an October 2023 blog post , opens new tab.
Here you can find everything you need to know about high-risk threats.
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A "Trojan virus" is a type of malicious software (malware) that disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick users into downloading and executing it, allowing hackers to gain unauthorized access. It can also be loaded onto a thumbdrive for plug and play access to a computer. This is a very dangerous type of infection.
What to look for- Unexpected pop-ups or alerts, Sudden Slow system performance, Missing or corrupted files, Unusual network activity, Suspicious emails with attachments, Unfamiliar programs installed, Erratic keyboard behavior.
How to prevent- Use a reputable antivirus software, Be cautious with email attachments, Verify links before clicking, Keep software updated, Be wary of phishing attempts: Don't share sensitive information like passwords or credit card details on suspicious websites.
Trojan Scanner / Remover Visit https://www.malwarebytes.com/solutions/trojan-scanner
Spyware is a type of malicious software (malware) that is installed on a computing device without the end user's knowledge. It invades the device, steals sensitive information and internet usage data, and relays it to advertisers, data firms or external users.
What to look for- Look for endless pop-up windows, being redirected to websites you didn't request, new toolbars in your browser, browser is sluggish.
How to prevent- Be cautious with links and attachments, Use a pop-up blocker, Dont click popup windows. Use Use antivirus software.
Spyware Remover Visit https://www.malwarebytes.com/spyware
Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted ads on a computer. It can also collect personal or financial information about users.
What to look for- Unwanted browser changes, Excessive advertising, Performance issues, New toolbars or extensions, Your homepage or default search engine changes without your consent.
How to prevent- Be cautious with links and attachments, Use a pop-up blocker, Dont click popup windows. Use Use antivirus software.
Adware / Remover Visit https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner
This software is Free and will clean your pc of unwanted junk which can slow a PC down alot. Do this at your own risk. It can delete saved information on websites like saved passwords and such.
PC Cleaner Visit https://www.ccleaner.com/
How to Use PC Cleaner Visit https://www.wikihow.com/Use-CCleaner
Here are some useful websites that can save you money and help you start a business fast.
ChatGPT- Use AI for Free and ask it anything you want to know. Click stay logged out.
Visit https://chatgpt.com/
Square- Sell online and use this platform to accept credit cards FREE to start. You can also upgrade to a payment system as you grow.
Visit https://squareup.com/
Wave Accounting Software- Accounting software so easy anyone could use it and its Free to start. Make invoices, estimates, payroll you name it and its saved to the cloud.
Visit https://www.waveapps.com/pricing
AI Logo Generator- Free AI Logo Generator. You may have to sign up but its free and you get other useful tools as well.
Visit https://www.adobe.com/express/create/logo
VistaPrint- Take your logo and have it slapped on a buisness card here for a reasonable price and get started. When you are ready they offer lawn signs and car decals as well.
If you get calls about these issues they are most likely a scam hang up and call your local police or whoever to verify. The best protection you can have is yourself. If something dont seem right trust your gut and check things out before you download anything or click any links. These things can help keep you safe.
Password Phishing- You get an email saying you need to change your password from a weird and new email. This could be fake virify with the provider they sent the email.
Email Scams- You get an email saying a bill is due and it looks real and is asking for money. Verify the bill is due by contacting or logging into your provider via your normal ways.
Tax Scam- They will say you owe taxes on your home to scare you into paying them using cash, bitcoin or gift cards. Call the local agency yourself to verify before paying scammers.
Computer Fix- Is your computer locked and you are being told to call a number? This is most likely a popup a computer reboot would stop. Do not give any money!
Caller ID Spoofing- When you are called by what shows as Law enforcement may not be the law. Criminals can now show any name!
Dating Scam- Someone new enter your online life saying all the right things with wounderful model like appearance or even someone famous? There are people now who spend all day making people fall in love with them online and then somehow start stealing money from them in creative ways. Usually with a really good story and asking you to take a loan out. They may even have a fake profile they stole to do this. Be warned.
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