Beware of Phishing Text Messages Pretending to Be USPS
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Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and one of the latest scams involves fake text messages pretending to come from trusted organizations like USPS. At RichardTECH, we are committed to keeping you informed and protected against such scams. This article will help you recognize these phishing attempts and protect yourself from becoming a victim.

What Are Phishing Texts?

Phishing texts, also known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), are fraudulent messages designed to trick you into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, or other personal data. These scams often impersonate trusted organizations to gain your trust and prompt immediate action.

Example of a Phishing Text

Below is an example of a suspicious message many people have reported receiving. The message claims to be from USPS, but it contains several red flags:

Message Details:

  • The sender is an unfamiliar phone number.
  • The message claims there’s an issue with a package due to an “invalid zip code.”
  • It includes a suspicious URL (e.g., https://usps.com-packzem.com) that is not an official USPS website.
  • The instructions to reply with a “Y” and reopen the text to activate the link are highly unusual for USPS or any legitimate organization.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Here are some signs that the text message you received might be a phishing attempt:

  1. Unknown Sender: The message comes from a phone number or email address that doesn’t look official.
  2. Suspicious Links: The URL in the message may look similar to a legitimate website but contains extra words, characters, or domains (e.g., “usps.com-packzem.com”).
  3. Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers often use urgency (e.g., “Act within 24 hours”) to pressure you into acting without thinking.
  4. Poor Grammar or Spelling: Legitimate organizations usually proofread their messages carefully.
  5. Requests for Personal Information: USPS will never ask for sensitive information like passwords or credit card details via text.

What to Do if You Receive a Phishing Text

  1. Do Not Click the Link: Clicking the link could lead to malware being downloaded onto your device or your information being stolen.
  2. Do Not Reply: Replying to the message confirms that your number is active and may lead to more scam attempts.
  3. Verify the Message: If you’re concerned about the validity of the message, go directly to the official USPS website or contact USPS customer service.
  4. Report the Message:
    • On iPhone: Tap “Report Junk” below the message.
    • On Android: Block the sender and report the message as spam.
    • You can also forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile carrier.
  5. Delete the Message: Once reported, delete the message from your phone.

How to Stay Safe Online

  • Be Skeptical: Always question unexpected messages that request personal information or urge immediate action.
  • Use Official Websites: Access services directly through official websites or apps instead of clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can protect you even if your credentials are compromised.
  • Keep Software Updated: Ensure your device’s operating system and antivirus software are up-to-date to protect against malware.

Final Thoughts

Phishing scams like this one are on the rise, but staying informed is the first step in protecting yourself. At RichardTECH, we prioritize cybersecurity and are here to help if you need guidance or support. Share this article with your friends, family, and colleagues to spread awareness and keep everyone safe from these deceptive scams.

Stay safe online,

Richard A. Ovalle JR
RichardTECH

Revolution Wind: Rhode Island and New England’s Leap into Clean Energy
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As we step deeper into the 21st century, the transition to renewable energy is more critical than ever. Here in New England, we are not just talking about the future of clean energy—we’re actively building it. The Revolution Wind project, an offshore wind farm, is a prime example of this transformation. As a local technology expert, I’ve seen firsthand how projects like this are reshaping our economy and future energy infrastructure. Let’s explore why this development is so crucial for Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and beyond.

Revolution Wind: What’s Happening Offshore?

The Revolution Wind project, a collaboration between Ørsted and Eversource, is currently under construction off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut. This massive initiative will deliver over 700 megawatts of power, split between the two states, and is expected to power more than 350,000 homes. With offshore construction in full swing and the onshore transmission systems taking shape, the impact of this project is already being felt in the region.

But this project isn’t just about energy—it’s about jobs, innovation, and the future of sustainable development in the U.S. Rhode Island, often referred to as the birthplace of American offshore wind, continues to lead the way. The state is hosting ECO EDISON, the first American-built offshore wind service operations vessel. This ship will be the home base for the technicians maintaining the turbines and supporting the ongoing clean energy revolution right in our backyard.

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The Economic and Environmental Impact

For Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, this is more than just an energy solution. It represents a pivotal shift in how we think about job creation and economic development. Hundreds of local union jobs are being created, spanning everything from welders and engineers to protected species observers working to ensure environmental safety. The Revolution Wind project is employing workers from three key Northeast ports, contributing to a robust regional economic impact.

Rhode Island’s ProvPort, one of the busiest offshore wind hubs in the U.S., plays a key role in these developments. The port is not only a bustling center of activity but also a symbol of the state’s commitment to a sustainable future. As more foundation components are built and installed, the local economy is reaping the rewards of this clean energy investment.

Why This Matters for IT Professionals

You might be wondering: what does offshore wind have to do with IT? The answer is plenty. This project, like many others in the clean energy sector, is powered by advanced technologies—whether it’s the monitoring systems aboard the ECO EDISON or the complex data analytics required to optimize turbine performance. For IT professionals, Revolution Wind offers a glimpse into the future of tech-driven sustainability. The energy sector is increasingly relying on sophisticated software, real-time data analysis, and automation, all of which are driving efficiencies and helping to reduce carbon footprints.

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Moreover, as companies like Ørsted and Eversource continue to integrate more digital solutions into their energy projects, the need for IT professionals will only grow. From cybersecurity to data management, there are ample opportunities for those of us in tech to support the development of renewable energy infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Rhode Island and the broader New England region are poised to be leaders in clean energy. The Revolution Wind project is just the beginning. With a commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2033, Rhode Island is setting the pace for other states to follow. And with Massachusetts and Connecticut making similar strides, the Northeast is rapidly becoming a hub for wind energy innovation.

For businesses, homeowners, and IT professionals alike, this shift presents a multitude of opportunities. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, tap into new job markets, or support groundbreaking technology projects, now is the time to get involved.

As we continue to push forward, projects like Revolution Wind are not just powering homes—they’re powering change. And that’s something we should all be excited about.

Richard A Ovalle Jr., Lead Tech at RichardTECH LLC, providing all-in-one IT solutions and a proud supporter of clean energy initiatives across New England.

Google explains why the Pixel 6’s fingerprint scanner may be sluggish.
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There’s a lot to rave about with the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, but their fingerprint scanners are not among those things. Since the Pixel 6 release in October, users have been complaining about its sluggish, unreliable fingerprint scanner that makes the phone a hassle to unlock. Google has finally responded to those complaints, and while it provided an explanation, it didn’t really offer any solid solution (via Engadget).

In a reply on Twitter, Google attributes the issue to the “enhanced security algorithms” that the Pixel 6’s fingerprint scanner uses. Google says that these security measures can make your fingerprint “take longer to verify or require more direct contact with the sensor.” It then provides a link to a Google support page that really doesn’t offer much help, besides suggesting to ensure your fingers are clean and that you’re using a finger that you’ve registered with the phone.

Replies from other Twitter users suggest that it may be a hardware issue. The Pixel 6 uses an under-the-screen optical fingerprint scanner instead of a fast ultrasonic one like the Samsung Galaxy S21, which some users say could be the reason behind the sensor’s poor performance. But as noted by Engadget, other users on Reddit say that the optical fingerprint scanner works fine on their OnePlus phones, possibly indicating a software issue specific to the Pixel 6.

For now, it looks like there’s no clear solution to the Pixel 6’s finicky fingerprint scanner, and Google’s answer is vague at best. There’s no telling whether Google can patch the issue in a software update, or if the scanner’s so-called “enhanced” security system really is picky when it comes to prints.

Until Google decides to resurrect face unlock, which had its own security flaws, you’ll just have to resort to typing in your PIN. Otherwise, the Pixel 6 will test your patience as you try to scan your fingerprint over and over again.

https://www.msn.com/en-US/news/scienceandtechnology/google-explains-why-the-pixel-s-fingerprint-scanner-may-be-sluggish/ar-AAQqxc7?ocid=sapphireappshare

Microsoft and Google openly feuding amid hacks, competition inquiries
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Google and Microsoft are at knives drawn. Driven in part by pressure from lawmakers and regulators over the extraordinary power the two technology companies wield over American life, the California-based search engine giant and Washington-based software firm are wrestling to throw each other under the bus.

Tensions between Microsoft Corp and Alphabet-owned Google have been simmering for a while but the rivalry has become unusually public in recent days as executives from both firms have been put on the defensive over competing crises.

Google faces bipartisan complaints – and journalistic ire – over its role in gutting the media industry’s advertisement revenue, the subject of a Congressional antitrust hearing on Friday.

Microsoft, meanwhile, faces scrutiny for its role in back-to-back cybersecurity breaches.

In the first, the same allegedly Russian hackers who compromised the Texas software firm SolarWinds Corp also took advantage of Microsoft’s cloud software to break into some of the company’s clients. The second, disclosed on March 2, saw allegedly Chinese hackers abuse previously unknown vulnerabilities to vacuum up emails from Microsoft customers around the world.

Addressing lawmakers on Friday (12 March) at a House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee on news, Microsoft President Brad Smith was due to fire a shot at Google, telling representatives that media organizations are being forced to “use Google’s tools, operate on Google’s ad exchanges, contribute data to Google’s operations, and pay Google money,” according to excerpts of his testimony published by Axios.

Google fired back, saying that Microsoft’s “newfound interest in attacking us comes on the heels of the SolarWinds attack and at a moment when they’ve allowed tens of thousands of their customers — including government agencies in the U.S., NATO allies, banks, nonprofits, telecommunications providers, public utilities, police, fire and rescue units, hospitals and, presumably, news organizations — to be actively hacked via major Microsoft vulnerabilities.”

Source: https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/microsoft-and-google-openly-feuding-amid-hacks-competition-inquiries/