Cornerstone Group © 2025 Venture Commun i cat ions • 605-852-2224 • www. venturecomm.net What’s Synthetic Identity Theft? Synthetic identity theft is one of the fastest-growing types of fraud. Instead of stealing a real person’s full identity, fraudsters create a new one by combining real and fake information, such as using a real Social Security number with a made-up name or address. These fake identities are used to apply for credit cards, bank accounts, loans, or government benefits. Protecting yourself starts with monitoring. Regularly check your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts, and freeze your credit to block unauthorized access. We’ve Launched New and Improved Venture Webmail The upgraded version of our webmail service now features enhanced security tools, new personalization options, and a refreshed design for an improved user experience. An email about this upgrade has been sent to all customers with an active email account. Please check your inbox for additional details and instructions. Key Dates: • Now through November 30th – You’re able to log in to either the current webmail or try the new version. • December 1, 2025 – The current webmail version will be retired, and only the new version will be available. Have questions? Call us at 605-852-2224. Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that cyber criminals can install on your computer, enabling them to hold your files for ransom. They use a variety of means to do this, including email attachments, fake websites, and phony ads. They’re counting on you opening their attachment, or clicking on links within their emails or on a website. However, there’s no need to feel foolish if you’ve ever done this — the fakes can be very convincing. One example of a ransomware scam is called Fantom, and it’s particularly harmful. Here’s why: • It poses as a Windows update that you need to install. • It looks realistic, complete with the Microsoft copyright and "critical update" file name. • It locks up all your files and prevents you from using your computer while it’s “downloading.” Once it’s installed, you’ll receive a notice informing you that your files have been encrypted, and you need to pay a ransom before the criminals will unencrypt them. You can pay the ransom, and the bad guys may unencrypt your files. A better strategy is to ignore the request for a ransom and just restore your backed up files; this is one reason regular backups are so important. But the best strategy is to avoid ransomware in the first place. You can do this by installing a strong computer security system. In addition, follow all the standard online safety rules: • Don’t open email attachments or click on links within emails from unfamiliar senders. • Stick to well-known websites, and be thoughtful about where you click. • Don’t accept file transfers from unknown sources. • Keep your applications up to date (with the real updates your system provides). • Never give personal information, such as login data, to someone calling you from out of the blue. If it’s a company you do business with, always call them back at a number you already know. Staying knowledgeable and aware is important in the fight against scammers! How to Spot Ransomware and Avoid This Common Threat
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTMzNDE=