Warnings
Always use due diligence when using the Internet
Your Email Breach Check
If you wish to check if your email was included in any breaches (including other account data). Use the Have I Been Pwned, a legitimate site which can verify online.
Arsink Malware virus on Android device
From February 2026, this virus is hidden in Apps which downloaded online and not from the official Google Play Store.
It impersonates legitimate, popular applications, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Spotify, tricking users into installing them. Once installed, this malicious software can read text messages, steal contacts, log call history, and listen to conversations through the device’s microphone.
Experts are issuing urgent warnings to Android users to delete any suspicious apps and be cautious of downloading applications from unofficial sources.
You should delete any such Apps and have your device checked.
Always ensure your device firewall is active and you have a good antivirus installed.
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/2166991/android-users-placed-red-alert-apps
Report Fraud replaces Action Fraud from 19th January 2026
To report fraud in the UK, you now use the new Report Fraud service at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040, as the old Action Fraud website redirects to this new unified platform for cybercrime and fraud reporting, with immediate calls for ongoing cyberattacks. After reporting, contact your bank if financial details were given and consider other organizations like Citizens Advice for specific scam types.
https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/
https://youtu.be/CpZRbpNxCOM?si=loY-PcoFOiJi-5qh
Google – privacy concerns as Gmail has 2 changes. 9th January 2026
Today Google introduce AI changes which in short means it can read all your email content, which has an automatic opt in. You have the option to disable this, using both your mobile and computer.
Please see the article below or search on the Internet. The article, scrolling further into it, tells you how to disable it.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opt-out-gmail-ai-training-goog_l_69405837e4b0fa125e7f49a7
Contact limit changes 19th March 2026
The limit is to have changes. Check your provider and make sure you are aware or apply any customer options to suit.
BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2prjr4lpko?app-referrer=deep-link
Cyber Attacks
Criminals attacks to access your Google, Apple, Microsoft accounts.
See HERE
Refresh your awareness and consider looking at what are, and using Passkey security as part of your very important for any of your important accounts.
As for unexpected security prompts, if you have not initiated an account recovery process or clicked to reset a forgotten password or changed a device, then you must ignore the prompts or messages. Do not click. Do not share codes via email, text or call. Do not engage with anyone contacting you at that same time. It’s always an attack.
Scammer Hacks and Sim Card Swap Attacks
BBC report HERE on useful information on what to look out for. Especially if your Sim card is duplicated.
Gift Card Draining Fraud
There are multiple types of this kind of fraud. However, note the ones regarding buy off the shelf from outlets. Fraudsters downloading from displayed cards as an example. Another example, Amazon cards at Morrisons have been tampered with.
Tips: Check the cards for any tampering including the foil code cover. Less chance of tampering if the cards are behind a counter. Keep the receipt, and consider email digital gift cards.
Safe Driving in Winter
From a known insurance company, tips on winter driving HERE if you have not already considered them.
Email/Password breaches
Sites to check your email address
https://www.f-secure.com/en/identity-theft-checker
Flu
H3N2 New flu virus mutation warning could see ‘worst season in a decade’
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dr8gzdz1wo
Stop Fraud
https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime
WhatsApp Gold Viral Scam