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September 19
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house


Recently, the world saw the biggest ever cyber-attack in Internet history. Ransomware named “WannaCry” stormed its way through the World Wide Web, and encrypted the files of thousands of computers throughout the world, thereby rendering all the data useless. In order to regain access to this encrypted information, users are instructed to pay a ransom, otherwise lose that data forever.

“WannaCry” has infected a variety of businesses sectors, health care providers, as well as average citizens. Effects of ransomware to business and health care providers can range anywhere from a minor annoyance to a major disruption of critical services. The effect on the average person is also disruptive but given the integration of computers into family life, they are not just a tool used to create documents and handle personal finances, they are the repositories that store family photos and videos of baby’s first steps.

In order to protect your digital assets, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wish to give you several tips that may keep you from falling victim to “WannaCry” and other computer viruses:

Make sure you have backup copies of critical files. This is probably the most important thing you can do to fight against ransomware. Most institutions that pay ransomware criminals are those whose only options are pay or live without the data. By having a backup copy (preferably not on the same network and in a separate location) you now have the option of wiping out your computer’s hard drive, reinstalling your operating system, and restoring your critical files. This robs the criminals of power over you and takes away their incentive to continue on to other victims.

Regularly update your operating system, browser, antivirus, and other programs. Culprits tend to exploit vulnerabilities in software to compromise systems. Operating systems as well as most software applications have the ability to automatically check if software updates are available. Consider activating these features and take the time to update them as soon as you know about them.

Don’t run your computer as an administrator. When you run your computer as an administrator, every program you run has unlimited access to your computer. If ransomware or other malicious code finds its way onto your computer, it also gains unlimited access. Consider running your computer under a standard user account as this will limit malicious codes ability to install itself on your computer.

Don’t interact with spam email or email from unknown senders. By clicking links or opening suspicious attachments, you could be inviting ransomware, or other malware, onto your computer. Consider deleting it without opening it.

Avoid suspicious sites and downloads. Web sites that illegally promise free software, music, and movies are often bait to lure in unsuspecting victims.
If you are infected by ransomware or any other virus, disconnect it from your network. This will contain the problem to just one machine and limit its spread throughout your network. Be sure to unplug network cables as well as disable Wi-Fi connections.

If your files get encrypted, don’t pay the ransom. Unless the instant access to some of your files is critical, don’t pay the ransom. Each payment fuels this unlawful business which only prospers as long as people pay money.

If you have additional questions or comments, please call LASD’s Fraud & Cyber Crimes Bureau (562) 347-2601.

Resources

United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US CERT) – Alerts, Tips & Publications (https://www.us-cert.gov/)
California Attorney General’s Office – Cyber safety (https://oag.ca.gov/cybersafety)
Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cyber Resources (https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/cyber)

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau, Captain Christopher Cahhal at (562) 946-7201. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app for FREE or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
COC Receives $300,000 NASA Grant to Expand Student Access to STEM Fields
The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
Sept. 26: Community Invited to David March Park Expansion Groundbreaking
One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
COC Board of Trustees Appoints Carlos Guerrero to Area 5 Seat
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.
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The Master's women's volleyball team opened Great Southwest Athletic Conference play on the road in Prescott, Ariz. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, defeating the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles in straight sets 28-26, 25-22, 25-18.
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College of the Canyons freshman Sahya Kitabatake shot a two-under-par round of 70 to tie for medalist honors while helping the Cougars place fourth at the Western State Conference tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo on Monday, Sept. 16.
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One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
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SRD Straightening Reigns, a therapeutic organization offering equine assisted psychotherapy, has been awarded $278,870 from the California State budget to improve mental health services.
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The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
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California Institute of the Arts alums Alyssa Dressman Lehner and Clara Plestis captured Emmy Awards at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
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The California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses.
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The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library in collaboration with Santa Clarita Valley Libraries will have a silent Book Auction beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
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1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
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Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
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A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
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The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
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SCVNews.com