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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Latest updated COVID figures; Beware of computer hackers

Posted

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The below information is current as of 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 30. As we know, the news regarding Coronavirus and responses is changing by the minute. We will work to update as needed.)

Daily statistics

According to the Centers of Disease Control, www.cdc.gov, the national confirmed COVID-19 cases increased from 122,653 March 29, to 140,904 March 30. There have been 2,405 deaths.

In New Mexico, confirmed cases rose from 208 March 28 to 237 March 29 (with two deaths) and 17 cases in Doña Ana County. In Texas, cases increased from 2,552 March 29 to 2,877 March 30, with 38 deaths. El Paso County has confirmed 40 cases. Of those 40 cases in El Paso County, 25, or 63 percent, are people under age 50. Information from Mexico is more difficult to track, but Ciudad Juarez has so far confirmed at least five cases. Nationwide, Mexico reported 993 cases as of March 29, with 20 deaths, and the country is urging business closures and social distancing.

Regional Statistics

NEW MEXICO (info from March 29)

11,006 people tested

237 positive (1.9%)

2 deaths

17 cases in Doña Ana County

Source: NM Dept of Health (https://cv.nmhealth.org/)

TEXAS

35,880 people tested

2,877 positive (8.0%)

38 deaths

40 cases in El Paso County

Source: Texas Dept of Health (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus)

Watch out for the other kind of virus: the computer kind

This new environment of many Americans working from home is going to be a great experiment for all the computer hackers of the world.

 So here are some precautions to look for.

  • Places where you sign in with your email and password.

                Even if it’s a place you’ve signed in 100 times before, take a closer look at it. Some of the hackers are really adept at creating sign-in windows that look just like the real thing (whether it’s Microsoft, Pandora, your bank, or whatever). Just look for little differences.

  • Don’t click on these. Many of the hackers use “phishing” techniques to lure you in. So if you see pop-up ads or other invitations that sound really enticing, steer clear. They could include things like the following, especially geared for current times:
  • Click here to learn about the sure-fire COVID-19 vaccine. Only available to the first 100 people!
  • Want to double your $1,200 stimulus check from the government? Click here to find out how?
  • Is your grandmother in the nursing home already dead from COVID-19? Here’s how to find out what information they’re keeping from you.

As creative as Americans have been in working out telecommuting set-ups, just remember the hackers are always two or three steps ahead, trying to find ways into secured servers all over the world.

For some general tips on keeping your computer and connections secure, read these tips from computer software protection company Norton, https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-emerging-threats-working-from-home-due-to-coronavirus.html

For specific advice to you and your company’s situation, please consult your business’s IT administrator.

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Statistics, computer, hacker

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