Brooke Seipel
Verified
(She/Her)
- Journalist | Audience Growth & Content Strategy Expert, Freelance
- Editor-in-Chief, mcafee.com
California
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN Canada,
Estadão,
Aol,
Yahoo Finance,
Yahoo Finance Canada,
Yahoo Finance Singapore,
Fortune,
Flipboard,
International Business Times (U.S.)
and
Covers:
General U.S. News, Business and Finance, Trending News, Internet Culture, Local News, Breaking News
Still here for some reason
Articles by Brooke Seipel
Hackers Drain $6.3B From Binance in Record Crypto Heist: How to Protect Your Wallet
Hackers stole about $6.36 billion in cryptocurrency from Binance wallets on Oct. 29, 2026, according to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs, the largest crypto heist on record. Binance estimates the impact at $6.3 billion and says it will cover all losses from its SAFU fund and company funds. If you hold crypto on any platform, expect scammers to use this news as bait: check your account only in the official app, and never share your seed phrase.
Discord Messages in Google Search: How to Change Your Privacy Settings
Discord announced on October 27, 2026, that messages from public channels in its more than 63,000 Discoverable Servers will start appearing in Google and other search engines from mid-December 2026, according to Discord’s official blog. In the US and most other countries, the setting that shares your messages is on by default for adult accounts. To keep new messages off the web, turn off “Show my message content from Discoverable channels on web pages” under User Settings > Data & Privacy.
Quest Diagnostics Data Breach Exposes Patient Records: How to Stay Safe
Quest Diagnostics, one of the largest lab testing companies in the US, disclosed in an October 22, 2026, SEC filing that an unauthorized party accessed certain patient records in its Quanum Lab Services Manager (LSM) system. The company’s Quanum security notice says Quest believes protected health information and personal information were involved. The number of affected patients and the specific data taken have not been disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing. No compromise.
CAPCOM ID Data Breach Hits 11.7M Accounts: What Players Should Do
Capcom, the Japanese publisher behind Street Fighter, Resident Evil, and Monster Hunter, confirmed on October 22, 2026, that an unauthorized third party accessed records tied to more than 11.7 million CAPCOM ID accounts worldwide. According to the company’s official notice, the exposed data includes email addresses and account details such as creation dates, login counts, and the IP address used at last login.
Navigate360 Breach Exposes Millions of Anonymous Tips: How to Protect Your Family
Hackers stole about 8.3 million confidential tip records submitted to school safety and crime tip lines across the US and Canada, according to Nevada education officials citing media estimates. The exposed data may include names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The tips were stored on P3 Global Intel, an anonymous reporting platform owned by safety software company Navigate360, which acknowledged the breach on Oct. 23, 2026, as reported by Reuters. No compromise.
The Top 5 Scams Hitting Gen Z Harder Than the Rest of America
Gen Z grew up online. But that isn’t giving them an advantage against the next generation of AI-powered scams, and the data shows it. More than one in three Gen Z adults reported losing money to an online scam in the past year. They’re also encountering several types of online fakes at higher rates than Americans overall, including fake social media profiles, fake recruiters, AI-generated images and deepfake-style videos.
Pentagon Data Breach Impacts 3.05 Million: How Military Personnel Can Protect Themselves
A security breach at the Pentagon’s Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) exposed unencrypted personal and military records for approximately 3.05 million individuals between October 2025 and July 2026. First reported by Military Times on September 24, 2026, the intrusion compromised sensitive files, including Social Security numbers, belonging to active-duty personnel, veterans, and deceased service members.
ASOS Push Notification Hack: Inside the Breach and How to Stay Safe
On October 6, 2026, the ASOS push notification hack sent unauthorized messages to millions of customer devices after cybercriminals accessed a connected third-party platform. ASOS, a British online fashion and cosmetic retailer serving active shoppers worldwide, confirmed that an attacker compromised employee credentials to access external systems.
CloudSyncD macOS Malware Hidden in Fake Zoom Installer: How to Avoid Malicious Installers
Security researchers at Jamf Threat Labs issued a September 2026 threat report warning Mac users about a newly discovered malware program called “CloudSyncD.” Disguised as a Zoom installer on unverified download sites, this malicious software tricks users into entering their administrator password, allowing attackers to secretly take remote control of the computer. The campaign targets individuals looking to install or update the popular video conferencing software. No compromise. Promise.
Microsoft X Account Hacked in Crypto Scam: How to Spot Hijacked Accounts Promoting Scams
On October 2, 2026, attackers hijacked Microsoft’s official X account (which reaches over 13 million followers) to execute a cryptocurrency pump-and-dump scheme, as reported by The Verge. The unauthorized access allowed attackers to replace Microsoft’s profile image with its retro mascot Clippy and promote a fraudulent token called $Clippy before the posts were removed.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026: 4 Simple Ways to Stay Safer Online
Cybersecurity used to be easier to picture. It was antivirus software protecting the family computer. A suspicious email you knew not to open. A password you were reminded to make a little harder to guess. Today, our digital lives don’t fit neatly inside a computer. And neither do the risks. A scam text can follow you into a purchase. Personal information scattered online can fuel unwanted calls and messages. An account you haven’t thought about in 10 years can still hold information about you.
BigCommerce Ribon App Breach: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself
Customer names, email addresses, phone numbers, and shipping addresses were exposed across multiple e-commerce storefronts when attackers breached two third-party shopping applications. The cyberattack was confirmed when UK online spirits retailer Master of Malt notified its customers on September 18, 2026 of the risk to their personally identifiable information (PII).
Your State’s Scam Reality: What New Research Reveals Across All 50 States
There is a small tax many of us pay in our everyday interactions without even realizing it. A package notification arrives, and we stop to check whether we actually ordered something. A recruiter reaches out about a job, but before replying, we research the person and the company. A bank alert appears, and instead of tapping the link, we open the banking app ourselves. These are sensible habits.
FBI Warns of Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams: What They Are + How to Protect Yourself
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued a September 2026 public service announcement warning of a rise in government and law enforcement impersonation scams. These scams feature individuals posing as law enforcement agents leveraging threats to acquire money or personal information. Between January 2025 and July 2026, the IC3 received nearly 61,000 complaints regarding fraudsters posing as local police, federal agents, or court officials, with reported losses exceeding $1.6 billion.
Fake HBO Max Ads Spread ClickFix Malware on Reddit: This Week in Scams
If a website asks you to open Terminal, PowerShell, Command Prompt, or the Windows Run box and paste something in, stop. That simple rule can protect you from a type of attack McAfee has been tracking for years. Known as ClickFix, the scam turns an ordinary-looking online instruction into a way for criminals to install malware on your device. The lure might look like a CAPTCHA, a software fix, a download, or a quick tutorial. The trick is getting you to run the attack yourself.
Up to 150 Million Driver’s License Records Exposed in IDScan Breach: What to Do Next
Your driver’s license can be replaced. The information printed on it is much harder to take back. That’s the concern after identity verification company IDScan confirmed a data breach involving driver’s license and other government ID information. Reporting has connected the incident to a database containing more than 150 million driver’s license records — raising an obvious question for consumers: What should you do if your information may be exposed? That’s our lead story in This Week in Scams.
Carhartt Data Breach Reportedly Exposes Millions. What to Know This Week in Scams
A data breach doesn’t have to expose your password or credit card number to create problems. Sometimes, scammers just need enough information to make you believe they know you. That’s the concern after data reportedly stolen from Carhartt was published online. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what consumers should watch for next. Take control with McAfee+ Advanced Full-service identity and credit protection now in one plan What Happened in the Carhartt Data Breach?
Is That TikTok Ad Legit? How to Spot Fake Ads on Social Media During Major Sales Events
Labor Day weekend means sales. And if you spend any time on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, some of the biggest discounts may find you before you even start shopping. That convenience comes with a catch: Not every deal in your feed is really from the brand it appears to be. Scammers can create polished social media ads that impersonate familiar retailers, advertise steep discounts and send shoppers to convincing lookalike websites.
Airport Wi-Fi Data Breach Exposes Millions of Travelers: This Week in Scams
Free airport Wi-Fi can be useful when you’re waiting for a flight. But this week’s biggest security story is a reminder that there are two different ways your information can be exposed when you connect. One risk happens while your information is traveling across a public network. Another happens after a company collects and stores information about you. A cyberattack affecting three major UK airports illustrates the difference, and why travelers need protection for both.
Pokémon Center Breach Shows Why Your Delivery Data Matters: This Week in Scams
A data breach doesn’t have to hit the company you shopped with directly to put your information at risk. That’s the lesson from this week’s Pokémon Center breach. Customers in the United Kingdom and Germany are being notified that personal and order information was exposed after attackers compromised CEVA Logistics, the third-party company used to fulfill and ship Pokémon Center orders. The good news: Pokémon Center says CEVA did not have access to customers’ payment-card information.
Fake “The Odyssey” Downloads Are Spreading Malware: This Week in scams
This week in scams and cybersecurity news, Looking for a free download of this summer’s biggest movie could come with something you definitely didn’t ask for: malware. Here’s what to watch for. Fake The Odyssey Downloads Are Hiding Malware Speaking of Trojan horses…. Security researchers have reportedly identified malicious downloads disguised as pirated copies of The Odyssey, including files designed to look like high-quality movie releases.
GTA 6 Is Coming. So Are the Scams. Here’s What McAfee Experts Found
Millions of gamers are counting down the days until this fall’s biggest releases. After more than a decade of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto VI is finally set to launch this November. Surprise indie hit Meccha Chameleon has exploded across Twitch and YouTube after selling millions of copies within days.
Can Malware Bypass Your Passkeys? This Week in Scams
This week in scams and cybersecurity news, Passkeys are increasingly replacing passwords because they offer stronger protection against phishing and stolen credentials. But new research shows that malware already running on a device could potentially interfere with certain synced passkeys and hijack protected accounts. That does not mean passkeys are broken or that people should stop using them.
Can AI Hack People Now? What the Reported Hugging Face Cyberattack Means
This week in scams and cybersecurity news, Artificial intelligence is a key tool in helping defend against cyberattacks. But it may also be capable of helping carry them out. Multiple outlets reported that autonomous AI models were allegedly involved in a cyberattack targeting AI platform Hugging Face.Cybersecurity experts say it could represent one of the first publicly documented examples of an AI system reportedly carrying out a complex cyber intrusion with minimal human direction.
Chick-fil-A Data Breach Explained: What Customers Need to Know
This week in scams and cybersecurity news, Chick-fil-A disclosed that hackers may have accessed customer loyalty accounts using stolen usernames and passwords leaked in previous breaches. It’s a reminder that reusing passwords across websites can be dangerous and allow one breach to snowball into many others. Here’s what happened and what customers need to know: Take control with McAfee+ Advanced Full-service identity and credit protection now in one plan So How Did Hackers Breach Chick-fil-A?
How to Use Claude with McAfee to Check “Is This a Scam?”
Scam messages are getting smarter and faster. According to McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report, Americans now spend 114 hours a year trying to figure out what’s real and what’s fake online. That’s nearly three full workweeks lost to second-guessing messages, alerts, and links. And when scams do succeed, they move quickly. The typical scam unfolds in about 38 minutes, leaving little room for hesitation.
The FaceTime Bank Scam That Can Expose Your Passwords in Real Time: This Week in Scams
Scammers don’t always need sophisticated malware to steal your money. Increasingly, they’re relying on something much simpler: your trust. This week, fraudsters were reported using FaceTime to watch victims log into their online banking accounts in real time, while Arizona authorities warned about fake QR codes exploiting the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Here’s what happened, and how to protect yourself.
Nearly 7 Million Driver’s Licenses Exposed in Assurance Breach: This Week in Scams
Millions of Americans hand over personal information every day. They share their data with insurance companies, banks, investment apps, and other services they trust. And that’s exactly why cybercriminals target and impersonate those services. This week, an insurance provider disclosed a breach reportedly affecting nearly 7 million people’s driver’s license numbers, while a California journalist shared how a convincing fake Robinhood text ultimately cost her more than $70,000.
Imposter Scams Are Evolving. Here Are the 10 Identities Scammers Pretend to Be Most.
Imposter scams remain the most reported type of fraud in America for the fifth year in a row, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Americans submitted more than 1 million reports of imposter scams in 2025, making them the agency’s top fraud category once again. Victims reported more than $3.5 billion in losses, though the real number is likely much higher since many scams go unreported. But “imposter scam” is a broad category.
McAfee Mobile Security Earns a Perfect AV-TEST Score Yet Again
McAfee Mobile Security has once again earned a perfect score from AV-TEST, one of the cybersecurity industry’s most respected independent testing organizations. In AV-TEST’s latest Android security evaluation, McAfee achieved a flawless 18 out of 18 points, receiving perfect 6/6 scores in Protection, Performance, and Usability. The result also earned McAfee AV-TEST’s highest certification for mobile security. More importantly, this isn’t a one-time achievement.
AI Can Find Your Location 91% of the Time Using Just One Photo
How AI uses simple details in your photos to pinpoint where you are and why that’s a gold mine for scammers McAfee Labs Safer Summer Travel Report | Summer 2026 A Photo Is Worth a Thousand Data Points You just got back from a week in Central America. You posted a few shots: the colorful streets of Tulum, a picture of the ancient ruins of Tikal, a close-up of your shrimp tacos. No location tag. No caption naming the city. Just a good photo. A few days later, you get a message. It references your bank.
The New DoorDash Scam Every Gig Worker Should Know About: This Week in Scams
Millions of Americans rely on apps and online services every day to work, shop, game, and manage their lives. Scammers know that, and they’re hijacking platforms and brands you already trust. This week, gig workers were targeted by fake DoorDash support calls designed to steal their earnings, while gamers searching for early access to Grand Theft Auto VI found fraudulent websites promising something Rockstar Games simply isn’t offering.
Is That Delivery Text Real? How to Spot Package Smishing and Delivery Scams
Blog How To Guides and Tutorials Is That Delivery Text Real? How to Spot Package Smishing and Delivery Scams You’re expecting a package. Maybe it’s a birthday gift. Maybe it’s a purchase from a major shopping event. Maybe it’s something you forgot you ordered three days ago. Then your phone buzzes. Your package couldn’t be delivered.There’s a problem with your shipping address. A small fee is required before delivery can continue.
7 Shopping Scams Americans Report Seeing Most: This Week in Scams
Last week, McAfee warned that economic pressure and AI are creating ideal conditions for online shopping scams. This week, that warning got another real-world example. New reporting revealed that cloned shopping websites have appeared in AI-generated search results, potentially directing consumers to convincing fake storefronts designed to steal payment information and personal data.
ServiceNow Data Exposure and a New VA Scam: This Week in Scams
Most people think a data breach starts with a hacker breaking into a system. In reality, and in many cases, it starts with human error or oversight. This week, cloud software giant ServiceNow disclosed that a software flaw allowed some customer data to be accessed without authentication, potentially exposing information that should never have been publicly available. The incident is a reminder that your personal information can be put at risk even when cybercriminals aren’t directly responsible.
McAfee Wins SE Labs’ Highest Honor for Home Anti-Malware Protection
McAfee is proud to be recognized with the SE Labs Home Anti-Malware Award 2026, one of the most respected independent recognitions in consumer cybersecurity. This marks the second year in a row that McAfee is being recognized with the Home Anti-Malware Award, proving our continued excellence and efficiency. Now in its eighth year, the SE Labs Awards honor cybersecurity providers delivering outstanding protection across consumer, small business, and enterprise markets.
New Research: Rising Costs Are Driving Consumers to Ignore Scam Instincts for Better Deals
Blog Security News New Research: Rising Costs Are Driving Consumers to Ignore Scam Instincts for Better Deals Most people don’t get scammed because they ignore warning signs. They get scammed because they find a reason to explain those warning signs away. The website looks a little off, but the deal is incredible. The text message is unexpected, but they’re already waiting for a package. The seller is unfamiliar, but the discount is too good to pass up.
GTA Cheat Users Exposed in Breach as Minecraft Malware Hits 116,000 Players
One gaming cyberattack this week exposed nearly 64,000 users. Another has already infected more than 116,000 players. Both are connected by the same common gaming behavior: looking for a cheat, mod, or shortcut. This week in scam news, a popular Grand Theft Auto V cheat service was hacked, exposing tens of thousands of users. At the same time, McAfee researchers uncovered a massive malware campaign spreading through fake Minecraft mods, cheats, and game clients.
New Malware Targeting Minecraft Infects 2K Daily, and Teens are Becoming Attackers
Blog Security News New Malware Targeting Minecraft Infects 2K Daily, and Teens are Becoming Attackers McAfee Labs has discovered a massive, ongoing 116,000 victim infections, averaging 2,000 to 3,000 new hits every single day. What makes WeedHack different from most malware is how cheap and easy it is to use. Typically, a hacker would pay hundreds of dollars per month to access attack tools through underground criminal networks.
Are Your World Cup Tickets Legit? 40% of Fans May Risk Unofficial Sellers
Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or just hoping to catch a match while it’s in your city, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already driving a surge in ticket searches, travel bookings, and last-minute plans. But where there’s high demand and big money, scammers aren’t far behind. Let’s break down the new McAfee research, what scams to watch for, and how McAfee’s tools help you stay safe.
Trevor Lawrence’s Viral “Haircut” is a Lesson in Deepfakes: This Week in Scams
Trevor Lawrence didn’t actually cut his hair. But millions of people thought he did. The Jacksonville Jaguars recently released a viral schedule announcement video that appeared to show their star quarterback chopping off his signature long blond hair. The clip spread quickly online, pulling in nearly 4 million views on X and triggering reactions from fans, friends, and even Lawrence’s grandmother. The catch? It wasn’t real.
Do Windows PCs and Macs Need Antivirus Software? How McAfee Goes Beyond Built-In Security
Your Windows PC or Mac already includes built-in security features, and that’s a good thing. These tools provide an important first layer of protection against malware and other common threats users encounter every day. But today, staying safe online is about much more than blocking viruses. Scam texts arrive daily. Phishing emails imitate trusted brands. Fake websites are designed to steal passwords and payment information. Personal details can appear on data broker sites.
5 Scams to Watch for This Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer, and for millions of Americans, that means road trips, flights, cookouts, and a little online shopping for the deals. Unfortunately, scammers know this. They count on the fact that you’re distracted, you’re moving fast, and you’re probably connected to a network you don’t own. Here are five scams surging this holiday weekend, what they look like, and how to stay ahead of them.
1 in 3 Targeted by Travel Scams and Rising Costs are Making it Worse
You’re comparing airfare on your phone, watching prices climb by the hour, when a deal pops up that feels just good enough to grab. The timer’s ticking. The price looks right. You don’t want to miss it. You’re comparing airfare on your phone, watching prices climb by the hour, when a deal pops up that feels just good enough to grab. The timer’s ticking. The price looks right. You don’t want to miss it. That moment, when you’re rushing to lock something in, is exactly where scams thrive.
McAfee Ranks #1 in AV-Comparatives PC Performance Test — Again
McAfee Total Protection just took first place in the latest AV-Comparatives PC Performance Test, the gold standard for measuring how much (or how little) security software slows down your computer. With an overall impact score of 3.3 out of a possible 100, McAfee outperformed all 19 other security products tested and earned the highest possible rating: 3 Stars ADVANCED+. The industry average? 12.8. McAfee came in nearly 4x lower than that.
How to Spot Fake Court Texts and Celebrity Deepfake Ads: This Week in Scams
A text that looks like it came straight from a courthouse is making the rounds across the U.S. And yes, I got it too. First things first, that’s a scam. And to be clear: DON’T SCAN THAT QR CODE. It’s the same playbook as last year’s toll road scams, just dressed up with a little more authority and a lot more pressure. Before doing anything, our team ran it through McAfee’s Scam Detector. It immediately flagged the message as suspicious, and that’s exactly the kind of moment this tool is built for.
The New Grad’s Guide to Job and Recruitment Scams
Landing your first job should feel like a win. But for many new grads, the job search comes with something else: scam offers that look just real enough to trust. The shift to remote work, and remote hiring, has made it easier than ever for scammers to pose as recruiters, build convincing job listings, and reach candidates directly. And the stakes are real: job scams have cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars, with losses climbing year over year.
How to Protect Yourself After the Canvas Education Data Breach + Fake Amazon Recall Texts
If you have ever checked your child’s grades online, submitted a college paper through a school portal, downloaded homework assignments, or received messages from a teacher through a classroom app, there is a good chance you have used Canvas, a nationwide learning management system that was just in a massive data breach. This is exactly the moment McAfee+ Advanced was built for.
Now Available: Use ChatGPT with McAfee to Spot Scams Faster
Scam messages are getting smarter and faster. According to McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report, Americans now spend 114 hours a year trying to figure out what’s real and what’s fake online. That’s nearly three full workweeks lost to second-guessing messages, alerts, and links. And when scams do succeed, they move quickly. The typical scam unfolds in about 38 minutes, leaving little room for hesitation.
The New Grad’s Guide to Student Loan Scams: How to Stay Safe
Graduating should feel like a fresh start, a time when the whole world is at your fingertips. Unfortunately, scammers often see graduates and think “student loans.” Or more specifically “student loan scams.” As student loan payments resume or repayment plans shift, scammers move in fast; posing as loan servicers, promising forgiveness, or offering to “simplify” your loans for a fee. The tricky part? These messages often look real. That’s where tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector come in.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Brooke
Contact Brooke, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack