An #Outsider Newsflash (Special Edition): On the Google Docs Phishing Attack

FYI as our team here was one of the 1 Million Users affected...FYI as we feature this on all our properties:

National Cyber Awareness System:

Google Docs Phishing Campaign

05/04/2017 03:08 PM EDT

Original release date: May 04, 2017US-CERT is aware of a phishing campaign that affected Google Docs users. The campaign used spoofed email addresses to target users with emails purporting to share a document for collaboration. Once the targeted users accepted invitations, they were encouraged to allow the phishing program access to their email accounts. Google has taken action to protect users, including removing the fake Google Docs pages and disabling the offending accounts.
US-CERT reminds users that they play a critical role in protecting their organizations and themselves from cyber threats. Users should:

• Be careful when clicking directly on links in emails, even if the sender appears to be known; attempt to verify web addresses independently (e.g., contact your organization's helpdesk or search the Internet for the main website of the organization or topic mentioned in the email).
• Exercise caution when opening email attachments. Be particularly wary of compressed or ZIP file attachments.
• Immediately report any suspicious emails to your information technology (IT) helpdesk, security office, or email provider.

Users of Google Docs are encouraged to review Google's statement and US-CERT's Tip on Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information. You can report any suspected phishing emails to the anti-phishing group APWG.

Notations From the Grid (Special Thursday Edition): On @POTUS watch, #Iran & Other Thoughts

It has been quite a week.    As we went to press,  we wanted to note some brief late breaking developments:

• President Trump will be traveling to Saudi Arabia and Israel.   Reports indicate that President Trump; will have a follow up meeting with Mahmoud Abbas as a follow up to the  meeting they had in Washington Yesterday.   President Trump expressed optimism about achieving peace--although the founder of Electronic Intifida was quite sceptical on an appearance on Al Jazeera yesterday.     The Israeli Prime Minister said Abbas Lied as his spokesmen dismissed Hamas' Charter Change earlier in the week--and as  how Abbas' Meeting with President Trump was depicted in the Hamas Daily Al-Resalah:

• Iran's Presidential Election is in Full Swing as the candidates are fighting it out.    The Mine Disaster that claimed at least 23 miners overshadowded the campaign.    It is quite interesting how the factions have lined up--as we look forward to reporting on it after the 2nd Presidential debate airs on Iranian State Television Tomorrow.  Candidates also have been on the air throughout the week responding to questions--it has been interesting as President Rouhani has been critical of the State Broadcasters' Stance.  
• Meanwhile, in Washington, the quest to repeal and replace "Obamacare" is continuing as the House of Representatives is set to vote on the measure--it has passed by 217-212 (just by one vote)--and the President is about to celebrate this win in the Rose Garden of tehW hite House.       It faces an uncertain future in the US Senate.   This is as the President continued a flurry of Executive Orders--including the latest on religious liberty which will allow more politics into the pulpit based on initial reading.   There is, though, a Budget thru September 30 even though the President has said that a "good shutdown" is needed.    
• As we went to press, we are on the lookout as France goes to the Polls on Sunday, the UK elections begin in earnest in the aftermath of the formal dissolution of  Parliament by Queen Elizabeth II    All indications are that Mr. Macron will be the next President of France. 
• May 3 Yesterday was World Press Freedom Day.    We here at the Daily Outsider salute all around the World who are on the frontlines and all who have lost their lives in Mexico, languish in the prisons of Egypt, Sudan, Iran and Turkey.    
• It is also an end of an era of sorts as Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has announced he will retire from Royal Duties later on this year.  Our team made it a point of thanking him for his service to the UK as we salute him for serving as a vocal advocate for Conservation and wish him all the best as he retires from Public Life.      

Notations From The Grid (Weekly Edition): A WalkAbout in Our World Courtesy of @GlobalCitizen...

Please enjoy!!

Climate change is real – just ask the people of coastal Alaska. Global Citizen went to the island of Kivalina to talk to people who are already losing their homes to climate change. Watch here. Good morning, Global Citizens! Wake up with these sunrises from around the world. Watch here. "I don't love when you waste your food". Watch here. The future is here and water bottles are now edible. Watch here.