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June 01, 2026 • read
Technology Tips June 2026 Edition
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Skyward IT Services Network Infrastructure and Security Specialists |
Skyward IT Services
Traffic citation text scam
“ACT NOW TO AVOID LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVIEGES. Your Driver’s License shall be SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY.”
Scammer, we are going to have to ask you to calm down.
If the Department of Transportation is texting you with threatening messages from a suspicious email address, know it’s likely a scam. Per their government website, the DMV or Department of Transportation will never text you to demand payment for a service.
AI headshot risks
If you’re on LinkedIn, you’ve probably seen the latest AI trend: AI-generated headshots. While there may be some benefits (low cost, limited time involved) it’s worth evaluating the risks.Your headshot is your first impression – your friendly face is what connects you to fellow humans. An AI generated headshot will likely come across as ingenuine since it isn’t you, it’s just an artificial version of you. It’s difficult to build trust when someone’s first impression of you is ‘they aren’t quite who they say that they are’.
One of the biggest risks of generated headshots is that the AI company can use your photo for their own purposes, whether that be data, research, or something else. The company may retain the rights to the images or data, which could impact your control over your own likeness.
If you are able, hiring a professional photographer goes a long way. You are supporting someone’s business and livelihood while investing in your personal brand. This effort will always be noticed. Also, it’s okay if professional headshots aren’t in your budget. Using your cell phone to take a photo of yourself with good lighting is more than enough to make your first impression a memorable one.
Authenticity matters more than aesthetics. And remember, you don’t need to artificially change for an employer. The world needs more of who you are, just the way you are.
Bad actors are busy cooking up fake job postings
A dash of one very fake website.Two cups phony company reviews.
Three pinches of ‘this seems too good to be true!’
And one heaping spoonful of deceitful AI.
This is just one recipe a bad actor will use to try to lure vulnerable folks into applying for fake jobs. As you likely know, they will do just about anything to try to scam someone into sharing personal information. Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you are browsing job openings.
#1. Make sure the company’s website is legitimate. Check for contact information, names of their staff or leadership team, and a real address (look it up in a map app, too).
#2. Read employee reviews on LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor.
#3. Cross-check that they are active on LinkedIn. You’ll be able to see profiles of employees that work there. Confirm they are real people with education or job backgrounds. A fake LinkedIn page will have limited information and a stock photo as a profile photo.
#4. Poorly written, vague job descriptions are a giveaway. Look out for typos!
#5. If it seems too good to be true—whether it be the hours, location, or pay—it probably is!
Malware of the month
Earlier this month, Microsoft’s ‘Patch Tuesday’ fixed 206 bugs, including 3 zero-days. This was their largest patch release yet. To update your Windows PC, go to:Settings/Start/Settings/Windows Update/Check for updates/Download and install.
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Skyward IT Services Network Infrastructure and Security Specialists |
