Larry Patterson
@itpatt.bsky.social
Mature IT professional, that keeps up on the latest tech issues. Personal hobbies, keeping the Koi alive in the seasonal pond, enjoying minor house improvements - landscaping and daily dog walks.
Once again, thanks to the folks at www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/securit... as they've uncovered the details behind a phishing harvesting campaign using LinkedIn comments. Regardless of the source, be mindful of any messaging demanding immediate action or else, as it's likely a scam.
January 14, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Once again, thanks to the folks at www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/securit... as they've uncovered the details behind a phishing harvesting campaign using LinkedIn comments. Regardless of the source, be mindful of any messaging demanding immediate action or else, as it's likely a scam.
As per cybersecuritynews.com/new-phishing... we have another example of a contract signing email scam wanting to infect your system. Even if you're expecting an agreement, be CAREFULL, review and if unsure, ask a friend (whatever it is, can likely wait the time to double check and be safe).
January 11, 2026 at 12:47 PM
As per cybersecuritynews.com/new-phishing... we have another example of a contract signing email scam wanting to infect your system. Even if you're expecting an agreement, be CAREFULL, review and if unsure, ask a friend (whatever it is, can likely wait the time to double check and be safe).
www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/securit... from the folks of @bleepingcomputer.com comes another browser base vulnerability to be aware of. If you encounter the final screen, remember it's just a webpage and if you're unsure of what to do next, call a tech friend or hit the power button to start over.
January 8, 2026 at 12:18 AM
www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/securit... from the folks of @bleepingcomputer.com comes another browser base vulnerability to be aware of. If you encounter the final screen, remember it's just a webpage and if you're unsure of what to do next, call a tech friend or hit the power button to start over.
If you see the below, STOP, RECONSIDER WHY YOU'RE BEING ASKED FOR CREDENTIALS and exit out of your browser or don't click on what's likely a scam. Another example of the baddies changing their techniques, as described in detail www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/securit....
December 21, 2025 at 2:33 PM
If you see the below, STOP, RECONSIDER WHY YOU'RE BEING ASKED FOR CREDENTIALS and exit out of your browser or don't click on what's likely a scam. Another example of the baddies changing their techniques, as described in detail www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/securit....
No matter who you're, when it comes to the baddies "YOU CAN'T BE RELYING ON SOMEBODY LOOKING AT THAT (another firm being hacked) AND GO, WELL, YOU KNOW, THANK GOODNESS THAT WASN'T US". Good advice for us all. Thanks www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3YS..., @riskybusiness & Simon Onyons.
December 15, 2025 at 12:37 AM
No matter who you're, when it comes to the baddies "YOU CAN'T BE RELYING ON SOMEBODY LOOKING AT THAT (another firm being hacked) AND GO, WELL, YOU KNOW, THANK GOODNESS THAT WASN'T US". Good advice for us all. Thanks www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3YS..., @riskybusiness & Simon Onyons.
Emphasizing the term "TRUST IS THE VULNERABILITY", realizing that the baddies are thinking long term, loading a currently useful browser extension now, can end up being dangerous later. See the initial writeup by www.koi.ai/blog/4-milli... & follow up from www.techradar.com/pro/security...
December 5, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Emphasizing the term "TRUST IS THE VULNERABILITY", realizing that the baddies are thinking long term, loading a currently useful browser extension now, can end up being dangerous later. See the initial writeup by www.koi.ai/blog/4-milli... & follow up from www.techradar.com/pro/security...
A follow up as the baddies continue to up their game. See the graphic with a condensed version of the screenshots discovered by www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-b1/ and reporting by www.pcmag.com/news/this-wi.... If you encounter this, STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING and get assistance or power down your system.
November 16, 2025 at 10:54 PM
A follow up as the baddies continue to up their game. See the graphic with a condensed version of the screenshots discovered by www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-b1/ and reporting by www.pcmag.com/news/this-wi.... If you encounter this, STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING and get assistance or power down your system.
Not a scam, just a warranty extension. Here's a real life tale in which @knowbe4.bsky.social seasoned security guru Roger Grimes asks the question as to why vendors send messaging that makes it appear to be a scam? blog.knowbe4.com/is-it-or-is-...
November 12, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Not a scam, just a warranty extension. Here's a real life tale in which @knowbe4.bsky.social seasoned security guru Roger Grimes asks the question as to why vendors send messaging that makes it appear to be a scam? blog.knowbe4.com/is-it-or-is-...
Proving that we're all at risk, is the screenshot recently received example of a Google Meet phishing scam. See technology.berkeley.edu/news/prevent... for further details and remember, if you're not sure, don't click the link or call the number on the invite or message.
October 31, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Proving that we're all at risk, is the screenshot recently received example of a Google Meet phishing scam. See technology.berkeley.edu/news/prevent... for further details and remember, if you're not sure, don't click the link or call the number on the invite or message.
www.pcworld.com/article/2922... is a great article to emphasize that whatever the message, "assume it's a scam" & "when in doubt, manually visit the website - don't click on the link", as the baddies find ways to make a message seem authenticate.
October 5, 2025 at 10:34 PM
www.pcworld.com/article/2922... is a great article to emphasize that whatever the message, "assume it's a scam" & "when in doubt, manually visit the website - don't click on the link", as the baddies find ways to make a message seem authenticate.
If a baddie decides you'll be the victim of a prompt bombing campaign (multiple notifications for a site you're not currently using) YOUR SUCCESS is to ignore the notifications, than when you have a moment, check the site's security profile for any issues. lifehacker.com/tech/spot-ma...
September 21, 2025 at 11:10 AM
If a baddie decides you'll be the victim of a prompt bombing campaign (multiple notifications for a site you're not currently using) YOUR SUCCESS is to ignore the notifications, than when you have a moment, check the site's security profile for any issues. lifehacker.com/tech/spot-ma...
A new take on an old scam. Fake casinos promising big payouts, but only if you pay. Like the proverbial gold at the end of the rainbow, it'll end up taking your money and you'll have nothing to show in return. krebsonsecurity.com/2025/08/affi...
September 7, 2025 at 7:42 PM
A new take on an old scam. Fake casinos promising big payouts, but only if you pay. Like the proverbial gold at the end of the rainbow, it'll end up taking your money and you'll have nothing to show in return. krebsonsecurity.com/2025/08/affi...
Yes Google's customer database was hacked, yes it may include your name and email address and it's unlikely that the baddies have your Google password. And NO GOOGLE WILL NOT CALL YOU!!!! Check myaccount.google.com/intro/securi... instead.
September 1, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Yes Google's customer database was hacked, yes it may include your name and email address and it's unlikely that the baddies have your Google password. And NO GOOGLE WILL NOT CALL YOU!!!! Check myaccount.google.com/intro/securi... instead.
Watch for "unsolicited packages containing a QR code that prompts the recipient to provide personal and financial information or unwittingly download malicious software that steals data from their phone." www.tomsguide.com/computing/on...
August 25, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Watch for "unsolicited packages containing a QR code that prompts the recipient to provide personal and financial information or unwittingly download malicious software that steals data from their phone." www.tomsguide.com/computing/on...
SIMPLE Secure Input Modeled on Phrases that are Long and Effortless and keep you in the green / impractically worth hacking into. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
August 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
SIMPLE Secure Input Modeled on Phrases that are Long and Effortless and keep you in the green / impractically worth hacking into. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
Understanding that if the baddies get a hold of your encrypted password through a data breach, any password can be broken, though keeping your passwords in the green area make you a less likely target. www.insidehalton.com/news/hive-sy...
August 17, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Understanding that if the baddies get a hold of your encrypted password through a data breach, any password can be broken, though keeping your passwords in the green area make you a less likely target. www.insidehalton.com/news/hive-sy...
IF IT'S FREE AND SHADY, YOU ARE LIKELY THE VICTIM .- Estelle Ruellan, Flare Though this is about AI and capturing the baddies, this one statement is all that needs to be said to protect yourself from becoming another infostealer victim. www.pcmag.com/news/caught-...
August 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
IF IT'S FREE AND SHADY, YOU ARE LIKELY THE VICTIM .- Estelle Ruellan, Flare Though this is about AI and capturing the baddies, this one statement is all that needs to be said to protect yourself from becoming another infostealer victim. www.pcmag.com/news/caught-...
AI IMPACT Prompt Strategy; increasing the likelihood of obtaining the right answer the first time, using thoughtful methods. See how I setup my prompts in Google Gemini to have Excel calculate the week of the month that a transaction takes place. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
August 3, 2025 at 10:35 PM
AI IMPACT Prompt Strategy; increasing the likelihood of obtaining the right answer the first time, using thoughtful methods. See how I setup my prompts in Google Gemini to have Excel calculate the week of the month that a transaction takes place. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
The Hilarious Horror of Bank Statements, Store Names and How AI Saved My Sanity (Mostly)
sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
July 28, 2025 at 11:51 PM
The Hilarious Horror of Bank Statements, Store Names and How AI Saved My Sanity (Mostly)
sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
Finding the correct Risk Assessment technique can be overwhelming, recognizing this I came across a fairly comprehensive list, with examples on why and how. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
July 21, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Finding the correct Risk Assessment technique can be overwhelming, recognizing this I came across a fairly comprehensive list, with examples on why and how. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
Microsoft Excel one of many gems that I happened to come across is the Unpivot. Take your multi-column cable and turn it into 3 columns PivotTable ready for further analysis. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/....
July 21, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Microsoft Excel one of many gems that I happened to come across is the Unpivot. Take your multi-column cable and turn it into 3 columns PivotTable ready for further analysis. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/....
"Fraudsters impersonating businesses going bankrupt: BBB", is another reason to be weary on what to click, especially if it appears to be, another, too good of a deal to pass up. www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
July 21, 2025 at 11:24 PM
"Fraudsters impersonating businesses going bankrupt: BBB", is another reason to be weary on what to click, especially if it appears to be, another, too good of a deal to pass up. www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
IMPACT - for better AI prompting, T is for Timing, in making sure your prompt's context includes dates or deadlines that it needs to consider when answering your prompt. If you have to start working on a Halloween costume in July, best include that detail to avoid a scary answer.
July 13, 2025 at 11:47 PM
IMPACT - for better AI prompting, T is for Timing, in making sure your prompt's context includes dates or deadlines that it needs to consider when answering your prompt. If you have to start working on a Halloween costume in July, best include that detail to avoid a scary answer.
IMPACT - for better AI prompting. C is for Clarity, as in taking the time to be clear, concise and compact. Don't beat around the bush in not stating important details that allows the AI to better interpret the question, and instead be direct on the answers you're looking for.
July 6, 2025 at 11:28 PM
IMPACT - for better AI prompting. C is for Clarity, as in taking the time to be clear, concise and compact. Don't beat around the bush in not stating important details that allows the AI to better interpret the question, and instead be direct on the answers you're looking for.
www.makeuseof.com/delete-this-... Thank you Ben for providing examples and good advice on how to avoid being a victim. Please take the necessary time to read messages carefully and don't assume they can be trusted.
July 6, 2025 at 11:20 PM
www.makeuseof.com/delete-this-... Thank you Ben for providing examples and good advice on how to avoid being a victim. Please take the necessary time to read messages carefully and don't assume they can be trusted.