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As groundbreaking leaders in personal security and risk management for travelers, we stand ready to equip and serve as you are called to the ends of the Earth.
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ARE YOU PREPARED?
Faith-based guidance and practice in prevention, protection, interaction, and survival
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Collaborative workshops on assessing risks, mitigating crises, and managing contingencies
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Partner together to provide 24/7 emergency access, consultation, and threat analysis
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NEWS FOR YOU
IPHONE USERS BEWARE!
The ever-growing list of apps that discretely access the iPhone user’s clipboard now includes Google News, LinkedIn, and Reddit. When confronted, some of these companies have touted they have good reasons to glean that information but add that they will release a fix to their code to eliminate this procedure. Why is this a big deal? Remember your phone’s clipboard is a tool to “copy” text from one location and “paste” to another. Many people use this to transfer passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data that is difficult to remember and type. After you “paste” these private details, it is still stored on the clipboard until deleted or overwritten. Many of the 56 plus apps that access the clipboard have no apparent reason, nor is the user notified. This information is then easily transmitted or sold. What to do? Some companies have promised to stop scraping information but that has yet to be seen with many. TikTok continues to collect. Reddit and LinkedIn promise to stop in late July. In the meantime, utilize anti-spyware and anti-malware apps to automatically clean /erase the clipboard. Reconsider “copying” your private information as well. ~ Most people traveling overseas on mission trips take out insurance policies that cover sickness, death and evacuations. How are these policies being affected by the corona-virus outbreak? ~ US government assistance is being increasingly limited. What changes are the US Department of State putting into place? ~ Can a worldwide pandemic cause harassment toward foreign travelers? What should you be preparing for? <Read the 1-page summary here> |
TIPS & ADVICE
GOING, GOING, GONE!!
WHAT:
Thousands of organizations are being frauded out of millions of dollars with Payment Protection Program loan scams. In light of the corona-virus pandemic, many people and companies have been reliant on government funds to survive. Criminals are taking advantage of this situation in order to trick businesses into applying for loans and ultimately, stealing personal information and finances.
HOW:
Scammers pretending to be lenders send you a fake application complete with Treasury Department or Small Business Association logos, official-sounding website addresses, and promissory statements. Once you fill out the form, the fake lender has your personal and confidential information that they can use to steal your hard-earned funds. Often they will then claim that you need to pay a small fee to apply for the PPP Loan. They will even offer to “fast-track” the application for an additional fee.
Whether they contact you by phone, email, or postal mail – always verify the lender before applying for the loan. Only approved lenders by the Small Business Administration can administer the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. To find out if the lender you are applying with is approved to distribute PPP loans, you can visit the SBA website.
REMEMBER:
Businesses can only get a PPP Loan through an approved site, and there is no fee or fast-track process. Anybody saying otherwise is a fraud.
WHAT:
Thousands of organizations are being frauded out of millions of dollars with Payment Protection Program loan scams. In light of the corona-virus pandemic, many people and companies have been reliant on government funds to survive. Criminals are taking advantage of this situation in order to trick businesses into applying for loans and ultimately, stealing personal information and finances.
HOW:
Scammers pretending to be lenders send you a fake application complete with Treasury Department or Small Business Association logos, official-sounding website addresses, and promissory statements. Once you fill out the form, the fake lender has your personal and confidential information that they can use to steal your hard-earned funds. Often they will then claim that you need to pay a small fee to apply for the PPP Loan. They will even offer to “fast-track” the application for an additional fee.
Whether they contact you by phone, email, or postal mail – always verify the lender before applying for the loan. Only approved lenders by the Small Business Administration can administer the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. To find out if the lender you are applying with is approved to distribute PPP loans, you can visit the SBA website.
REMEMBER:
Businesses can only get a PPP Loan through an approved site, and there is no fee or fast-track process. Anybody saying otherwise is a fraud.
Trip to Hong Kong? Be Prepared!
There is an increased risk of detention and deportation for non-permanent residents who commit offenses under a new law. Additionally, due to recent heightened political sensitivity, there could be an increase in protests and violence.
What New Law?
A new national security law, initiated on July 1, that gives Beijing broad powers to crack down on political dissent against the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong. It specifically criminalizes “secession, subversion, organization and perpetration of terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security.” That’s a mouthful right? Vague? Yes!
Quite possibly a recipe for broad application of the law, one that also carries steep penalties, including up to life imprisonment for the most serious offenses.
Key Takeaways?
1. The focus includes non-permanent residents and foreign travelers
2. Many actions and conversations can be construed as “subversive” or “collusive” so be wise with your words.
3. Another reason to take B+ training!!
