As we move through 2026, these “imposter” phishing attacks are on the rise. Here is how you can stay one step ahead of the scammers and keep your information secure.

What is a Phishing Email?

A phishing email is a digital forgery. Threat actors create messages that look nearly identical to official communications from brands you trust—like your bank, utility company, or PC Matic.

Their goal isn’t to provide service; it’s to create a “fake” emergency that scares you into clicking a link, calling a fraudulent number, or handing over your login credentials.

Why Scammers are Targeting Security Users

Phishing is at an all-time high because scammers are using AI to mimic professional branding. They specifically target users of security software because they know those users care about safety. By pretending to be a “Security Alert” or a “Renewal Invoice” from PC Matic, they hope to catch you off guard.

Warning: Recent “Imposter” Emails to Watch For

Criminals are currently sending out “Spam” emails that claim to be from PC Matic. These are not sent by PC Matic. They are sent by external threat actors using fake email addresses.

Example: The “Fake Invoice” Scam

This is a more clever tactic where scammers use automated collaboration tools to “mention” you in a fake support case.

The Red Flags:

• The Formatting: It includes a list of random “User” tags at the bottom, which is a common trick used by bot-driven spam campaigns.
• Verification Needed: It claims an automatic renewal is happening “today” and provides a fake support line to “dispute” the charge.

How to Handle These Emails

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from PC Matic, remember: It’s not us, it’s them. Here is how to handle it:

• Don’t Respond or Call: Scammers want to get you on the phone to pressure you. If you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t use the phone number provided in the email.
• Report as Spam Immediately: This is the most helpful thing you can do. By marking the email as “Spam” or “Phishing” in your inbox (Gmail, Outlook, etc.), you help their systems block the scammer from reaching other people.
• Go to the Source: If you ever have a question about your PC Matic account, subscription, or a renewal, ignore the email and go directly to www.pcmatic.com or email help@pcmatic.com.

PC Matic remains committed to your safety. By staying alert to these external “imposter” scams, you can ensure that the only person in control of your digital life is you.

In February 2026, hackers—potentially linked to the notorious ShinyHunters group—gained access to a customer support platform used by Hims. This wasn’t just a leak of credit card numbers; it was a breach of sensitive medical information contained in support tickets.

The New Threat: Extortion, Not Just Identity Theft

Standard identity theft is bad enough, but the Hims breach is different. Because Hims specializes in stigmatized health areas, the stolen data is a goldmine for blackmail.

Cybercriminals aren’t just looking to open a credit card in your name; they’re looking for leverage. They know that many people would pay a “privacy ransom” to keep their medical history from being sent to their contacts or employer.

The Telehealth Trade-Off

The irony of the Hims breach is that many users chose the service specifically for its perceived anonymity. Unfortunately, when companies take a “penny-pinching” approach to their customer service platforms, that anonymity evaporates.

How to Protect Your Digital Life with PC Matic

You can’t always control how a company handles your data, but you can control how you protect your personal digital footprint. PC Matic provides the tools you need to stay one step ahead of the bad actors.

• Dark Web Monitoring: If your medical data or email is leaked in a breach like Hims, PC Matic can alert you instantly. Knowing your information is “out there” allows you to change passwords and stay vigilant against extortion attempts before they escalate.
• Identity Theft Protection: While Hims is offering a year of credit monitoring, PC Matic provides a comprehensive safety net for your digital identity, helping you recover if your PII is ever misused.
• Advanced Phishing Protection: Hackers who steal data often follow up with targeted phishing emails. PC Matic blocks malicious links and fraudulent sites designed to trick you into giving up even more information.

Your health is personal—your security should be too. In an era where even your support tickets can be used against you, don’t leave your privacy to chance.

Take control of your privacy. Secure your home devices and identity with PC Matic today.

Recently, unauthorized actors—allegedly linked to the ShinyHunters group—gained access to a third-party customer support platform used by Hims. The result? A “limited set” of customers had their names, email addresses, and highly sensitive medical information exposed.

For businesses, this isn’t just a headline; it’s a masterclass in modern risk management.

The “Support Ticket” Goldmine

Most companies view customer support as a cost center, but hackers view it as a goldmine. Support tickets often contain raw, unencrypted Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI).

When a customer reaches out for help, they are in a “moment of trust.” They provide details they might never post on a public profile. By targeting the third-party support “stack” rather than the main medical database, attackers found the path of least resistance to the most sensitive data.

The Real Cost: Fragmentation and Stigma

The Hims incident highlights two critical business failures:

1. System Fragmentation: As noted in the reporting, customer data is often scattered across a patchwork of disconnected systems—recordings, transcripts, and workflows. This fragmentation is where risk lives.
2. Reputational Toxicity: Because Hims treats stigmatized conditions like hair loss and mental health, the breach isn’t just about identity theft—it’s about the potential for blackmail and extortion.

When you lose a customer’s credit card number, you lose their money. When you lose their medical secrets, you lose their loyalty forever.

Securing the “Backdoor” with PC Matic Pro

The Hims breach proves that you are only as secure as your weakest third-party vendor. To protect your business from lateral movement and supply chain vulnerabilities, a “detect and react” mindset is no longer enough. You need a Zero Trust foundation.

PC Matic Pro offers the specialized tools needed to close these gaps:

• Application Allowlisting: While traditional antivirus tries to keep up with a list of “bad” files, PC Matic Pro only allows known, trusted applications to run. If a threat actor attempts to execute malicious scripts via a support platform or remote tool, they are blocked by default.
• Vulnerability Management: Hackers often exploit unpatched “patchwork” systems. PC Matic Pro automates the patching of third-party applications, ensuring your support stack isn’t the reason for your next board-level crisis.
• Zero Trust Architecture: By assuming that no user or application is inherently safe, PC Matic Pro helps contain breaches before they can spread from a support ticket to your core infrastructure.

The Lesson for 2026: Don’t let your customer service platform become your greatest liability. Security isn’t just a “feature” of the customer experience—it’s the only thing that keeps that experience trustworthy.

Stop being the next headline. Learn how PC Matic Pro can secure your business today.

What is a VPN Kill Switch?

For a full understanding of what a kill switch is and why it’s essential, read our complete guide to VPN Kill Switches.

In short, a kill switch immediately stops all internet traffic the second your VPN connection drops, ensuring your real IP address and unencrypted data are never exposed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Logging into PC Matic VPN

1. Enter the email address associated with your PC Matic account, click Send Verification Code.
2. Enter the verification code delivered to your inbox.
3. Alternatively, click Login with email and password instead and enter your credentials.

Step 2: Connecting to a PC Matic Server

2.1 Using Quick Connect

Quick Connect will automatically connect you to the best available server.

1. To use Quick Connect, simply click the green Quick Connect button at the top of the window.

2.2- Manually Selecting a Pc Matic Server

You can also view a list of all available PC Matic Servers and select the one that you want to connect to.

1. From the dashboard, scroll through the recommended locations and click the “green chainlink button” to connect, or click a location on the map to connect.
2. Click “Search city or country” next to the recommended list if you wish to connect to a specific country outside of the United States or within the United States.

Step 3: Configuring PC Matic VPN Settings

You will find the configuration options for the PC Matic VPN on the Settings page.

Step 4: Locate the “Kill Switch” Toggle

Within the Security settings area, you will find a list of specific features. Scroll down if necessary until you locate the “Kill Switch” feature. By default, this is likely set to the “Off” or a grayed-out “Disabled” position.

Step 5: Enable the Kill Switch

Click the toggle switch or checkbox next to the “Kill Switch” label to change its position. The switch will slide to the right and turn blue to indicate that it is now “On” or “Enabled”.

That’s it! Your PC Matic VPN is now configured with the kill switch enabled. When you connect to a VPN server, the kill switch is active in the background, ready to protect your data.

What is a VPN Kill Switch?

Think of a VPN like a super-secure, encrypted tunnel connecting your device to the internet. All your data travels safely through this tunnel, hidden from prying eyes (like your internet service provider, hackers, or anyone else snooping around).

But what happens if that tunnel suddenly collapses? Perhaps your internet connection drops, the VPN server gets overloaded, or something else goes wrong. This is where your VPN disconnects, leaving your devices vulnerable.

A VPN kill switch is like a superhero standing at the entrance of that tunnel. The moment the VPN connection starts to fail or drops, the kill switch instantaneously cuts off your entire internet access. It acts as a digital emergency brake.

Why Does a VPN Kill Switch Matter?

Imagine you’re sending confidential information or just browsing the web, believing you’re safe inside your encrypted VPN tunnel. If that tunnel disappears and the kill switch doesn’t exist, your internet connection automatically switches back to its normal, unencrypted state (using your ISP’s connection).

Here’s the problem:

1. Your Real IP Address is Exposed: Your unique internet identifier, which usually reveals your approximate location and other details, is now visible to everyone.
2. Your Data May Lose Encryption: Any data you’re currently sending or receiving may no longer be encrypted, depending on the sites and platforms used.
3. Your Online Activity Can Be Tracked: Your internet service provider can now see exactly which websites you’re visiting and what you’re doing online.

This is a data leak. It undermines the entire purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

A kill switch prevents this entire nightmare. By immediately stopping all internet traffic the second the VPN drops, it ensures that your sensitive information never gets sent over an unencrypted connection. It’s your ultimate insurance policy.

Why You Need a Kill Switch: Real-Life Examples

Strict Security Needs: If you’re a journalist, activist, or just someone who prioritizes data privacy, a kill switch isn’t optional – it’s mandatory. It’s the only way to ensure your safety and anonymity.

Public Wi-Fi: Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi is essential to protect your data. But public networks can be unstable. If your VPN disconnects and you don’t have a kill switch, you’re instantly exposed to any hacker on that same network.

Downloading or Streaming: If you’re downloading a file or streaming something through a VPN and the connection drops, you don’t want your real IP address to be suddenly revealed. A kill switch stops this.

Key Takeaway

A VPN without a kill switch is a dangerous gamble. Your data privacy depends on a continuous, encrypted connection. A kill switch provides the essential fail-safe, the last line of defense, that protects you when the unexpected happens. When choosing a VPN, this should be one of the very first features you check for and enable.

Looking for a VPN with an Integrated Kill Switch?

PC Matic’s VPN solution understands the critical importance of a kill switch for user privacy and security. Our VPN client includes a powerful, reliable kill switch that automatically cuts your internet connection if your VPN ever drops.

This feature ensures that your real IP address and sensitive data are never exposed, even for a fraction of a second. With PC Matic VPN, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your primary defense against data leaks is always active, providing you with true, unwavering online security.

This year, PC Matic was recognized for excellence in:

• Endpoint Security
• Zero Trust Platform

Redefining Cybersecurity Standards

The Global InfoSec Awards are among the most prestigious in the industry, judged by a panel of CISSP, FMDHS, and CEH certified security professionals. These experts performed independent reviews of market variables, white papers, and product literature to identify “next generation” solutions that provide a unique value proposition.

Regarding the double win, PC Matic CEO Shaler Houser shared:

“Being named a winner in both Endpoint Security and Zero Trust Platform by Cyber Defense Magazine underscores the importance of rethinking cybersecurity from the ground up. The future belongs to organizations that embrace zero trust principles and proactive endpoint defense, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that transformation.”

Why PC Matic Won

Cyber Defense Magazine’s judging philosophy focuses on innovation and the ability to mitigate cyber risk in unexpected ways, rather than just market share. According to Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine, winners must embody three major features:

• Understanding tomorrow’s threats, today.
• Providing cost-effective solutions.
• Innovating to stay one step ahead of the next breach.

About Cyber Defense Magazine

With over 13 years of honoring InfoSec innovators, CDM is a premier source of cybersecurity news for professionals in business and government. Managed by ethical and passionate security experts, their mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge and real-world stories through their monthly electronic magazines and specialized RSAC editions.

But what happens if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly?

Even a momentary blip can expose your real IP address to the torrent swarm and your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is where a crucial but often overlooked feature comes in: VPN interface binding.

Here is everything you need to know about what VPN interface binding is, why it matters, and how it keeps your data safe.

What is a Network Interface?

To understand interface binding, it helps to understand how your computer connects to the internet.

Think of a “network interface” as a doorway. Your computer has several doors to the internet: your Wi-Fi adapter is one door, and your Ethernet cable port is another.

When you turn on a VPN, the VPN software creates a brand-new, secure, virtual doorway (a virtual network adapter). When the VPN is active, your computer routes its internet traffic through this secure, encrypted door.

What is VPN Interface Binding?

Normally, an app on your computer will use whatever “doorway” is currently open and connected to the internet. If the secure VPN door suddenly closes, most apps will automatically walk through the standard, unencrypted Wi-Fi door instead.

VPN Interface Binding is a setting inside your torrent client (like BitTorrent, qBittorrent, or uTorrent) that forces the software to only use the VPN’s specific doorway.

You are effectively telling your torrent client: “You are only allowed to connect to the internet through the VPN network adapter. If that adapter is not available, you are not allowed to connect at all.”

Why Interface Binding Matters for Torrenting

If you want true peace of mind while downloading or sharing files, interface binding is non-negotiable. Here is why:

1 – Failsafe Protection Against IP Leaks: VPN connections can drop for a variety of reasons—software updates, server reboots, or temporary internet hiccups. If your torrent client is bound to the VPN interface, the moment the VPN drops, all torrenting activity stops instantly. Your real IP address is never exposed.

2 – More Reliable Than a Standard Kill Switch: Many VPNs come with a “kill switch” that cuts off your entire internet connection if the VPN drops. While great, kill switches rely on the VPN software recognizing the drop and acting quickly. Interface binding happens at the core level of the torrent client itself, making it a nearly foolproof, structural blockade against leaks.

3 – Set It and Forget It: Once you select your VPN’s network adapter in your torrent client’s advanced settings, you don’t have to worry about it again. If you accidentally open your torrent client before turning on your VPN, the client simply won’t be able to download or upload anything.

How PC Matic VPN Fits Into the Picture

To use interface binding, you first need a reliable VPN to create that secure “doorway.” This is where a service like PC Matic VPN comes into play.

PC Matic VPN is designed to provide the encrypted tunnel necessary to keep your online activities private. When you connect to a PC Matic VPN server, it masks your real IP address and secures your data stream. By generating this secure virtual network interface on your device, you provide the exact adapter your torrent client needs to bind to.

Using a privacy-focused VPN alongside your torrent client’s interface binding setting ensures that your digital footprint remains secure, your identity stays hidden, and your internet traffic is protected, even if your connection experiences a sudden drop.

The extension has also been completely removed from the Chrome Web Store.

What was “Save image as Type?”

This was a widely used and seemingly innocent tool that made it easy to right-click on any image on a webpage and quickly save it as a PNG, JPG, or WebP file. Because of its useful function and over 1,700 positive reviews, many users felt it was a safe and legitimate add-on.

What was the Malware Actually Doing?

While it’s not yet officially confirmed by Google, investigative work by savvy Reddit users reveals a common and clever scam. It appears the extension was not stealing sensitive personal data, but instead, stealing sales commissions.

According to these users, the extension’s code was designed to:

1. Identify when a user visited popular e-commerce sites like Amazon or Best Buy.
2. Use a hidden “iFrame” (a small window within the webpage) to secretly load the site.
3. Swap out the existing affiliate or referral codes for those owned by the scammer.

This means that if you made a purchase while the extension was active, the scammer, not the original referrer (like a product review site), received the commission. While it didn’t cost you extra, it’s a deceptive and fraudulent practice.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

This case highlights a common problem with browser extensions. They often require broad permissions to function, which can be easily abused by developers who turn malicious. In fact, this same extension was flagged for similar behavior on the Microsoft Edge browser over a year ago. Even more shocking, Google had previously featured this extension on the Chrome Web Store, giving users a false sense of security.

If an extension with a 4.2-star rating and over a million users can be a scam, it’s clear that the average consumer needs more robust protection than a simple browser prompt.

How to Protect Yourself: Upgrade to a Real Antivirus

This is where a comprehensive security solution like PC Matic Antivirus comes in. Unlike the basic, often delayed protection provided by a browser’s built-in tools, PC Matic offers a powerful, multi-layered approach to security that can defend you against these and more serious threats.

Here’s how PC Matic Antivirus is your best defense:

• Proactive Malware Blocking: PC Matic’s patented application allowlisting technology is designed to block all unapproved files from running.
• Real-Time Ad Blocking & Tracker Prevention: PC Matic goes beyond simple virus scanning. It includes sophisticated tools to block annoying ads and malicious scripts.
• Comprehensive System Optimization: PC Matic doesn’t just protect you; it makes your device run better. It automates security patches, optimizes performance, and keeps your system up-to-date.

Don’t wait for your browser to tell you about a scam after you’ve already been a victim. Take control of your digital security and upgrade to PC Matic Antivirus today. Your data, your privacy, and your wallet are worth it.

With the average cost of a data breach now reaching $4.44 million, businesses can no longer afford to treat security as a “check-the-box” compliance task. The rise of machine-driven threats like “vibe coding” (where AI generates functional code from simple instructions) and autonomous AI-orchestrated espionage means that traditional “detect and respond” tools are increasingly obsolete.

The Problem: The “Implicit Trust” Trap

Most legacy antivirus solutions operate on a “blacklist” model—they allow everything to run unless it is recognized as “bad.” As TIME points out, AI now allows hackers to create polymorphic malware that changes its signature mid-operation, easily slipping past these reactive defenses.

Furthermore, many organizations skip essential hurdles like multi-factor authentication (MFA) or strict application controls to avoid “bothering” employees. This gap in proactive defense is exactly what modern cybercriminals exploit.

The Solution: PC Matic Pro’s Zero-Trust Foundation

To counter these intelligent, machine-speed threats, your organization needs a shift in philosophy. PC Matic Pro moves your defense from “detect and respond” to absolute prevention through three key pillars:

1 – Zero-Trust Application Allowlisting

Unlike traditional AV, PC Matic Pro uses a “Default Deny” approach. It blocks all unknown executions by default. Only applications verified by our global list of 22 billion “known good” files are allowed to run. This effectively neutralizes AI-generated malware and “vibe coding” scripts that haven’t been seen before.

2 – Fileless Malware & Script Protection

Modern attacks often bypass files entirely, using legitimate tools like PowerShell to execute malicious commands. PC Matic Pro includes a patented scripting allowlist that identifies and blocks malicious scripting activity before it can reach the engine.

3 – Securing the Human Element

The TIME article noted how a deepfake scam cost one company $25 million because an employee followed “unusual” instructions. PC Matic Pro helps close these gaps by securing Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports and enforcing automated patch management, ensuring that even if a user is tricked, an attacker cannot exploit an unpatched vulnerability.

Closing the Gap

Cybersecurity is no longer just about defending against human adversaries; it’s about confronting autonomous systems. If your organization continues to use “yesterday’s tools” to fight tomorrow’s AI threats, you are already at a disadvantage.

By implementing PC Matic Pro, you aren’t just adding another layer to your tech stack; you are building a Zero Trust foundation that prioritizes security over convenience, protecting your bottom line and your data.

For years, we’ve relied on reactive tools (AV and EDR) to catch the “bad guys.” But if you’re looking to grow your government book of business in 2026, it’s time to shift the conversation from detection to prevention.

The key? Application Allowlisting.

The “Zero Trust” Reality Check

Local governments are under increasing pressure to align with CISA’s Cybersecurity Performance Goals and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). For many MSPs, “Zero Trust” sounds like a million-dollar project that small municipalities can’t afford.

However, application allowlisting—the practice of “deny-by-default”—is the most cost-effective way to achieve the “Least Privilege” pillar of Zero Trust. It’s not just a security win; it’s a compliance win for your clients.

3 Reasons MSPs Should Lead with Allowlisting

1. Immunity to “Alert Fatigue”

Traditional EDR tools are great, but they’re noisy. They require a SOC to investigate every “suspicious” behavior. Application allowlisting (like the model used by PC Matic) stops unknown executables before they even start. For an MSP, fewer alerts mean higher margins and a less stressed technical team.

2. The Legacy System Savior

Municipalities are notorious for running critical infrastructure on Windows 7 or older hardware that modern EDR agents might choke on. Allowlisting is lightweight and policy-based, making it the perfect “shield” for those unpatchable legacy systems that your clients aren’t ready to decommission yet.

3. Alignment with Federal Funding

When you recommend allowlisting, you aren’t just selling a tool—you’re helping your client meet NIST 800-53 and CJIS Security Policy requirements. This makes it much easier for them to justify the spend through state or federal grants.

Overcoming the “It’s Too Hard to Manage” Myth

In the past, allowlisting was a management nightmare—every update required a manual tweak. Modern, cloud-managed solutions have changed the game with:

• Automated Policy Generation: Learning “known-good” apps automatically.
• Global Trusted Lists: Leveraging a vendor’s database of millions of safe files.
• One-Click Approvals: Handling exceptions in seconds, not hours.

The Bottom Line

Local governments don’t need more “tools” that scream at them when something goes wrong. They need a proactive posture that ensures their systems stay up and their data stays safe. By integrating allowlisting into your security stack, you aren’t just an IT provider—you’re the architect of their resilience.