PC users are being warned about update emails, sent from a fake Microsoft address, that have an attachment that contains ransomware and will encrypt the user's files, demanding $500 in bitcoin to unlock data. "Windows users should understand that Microsoft will never send patches via email, but rather use their internal update utility embedded in every current Windows operating system," wrote Karl Sigler, threat intelligence manager at Trustwave SpiderLabs.

The dark web amplifies fraud risk for finance departments, and it's a nefarious element of what's become known as the "fraud economy." In this podcast with transcript, learn how your data may be at risk even if your company hasn't been breached.

Cyberattacks including malware and phishing are constant dangers to the more than 6,000 911 dispatch centers in the US, making security critical. Cloud-based systems, clear cybersecurity policies and adherence to ISO standards can help avert data breaches, writes Dan Retzer.

Louisiana shut down some of its state government servers in response to a ransomware attack Monday that disrupted services throughout the state but did not result in a ransom payment. The governor mobilized the state's cybersecurity team, which was activated after attacks on school systems earlier this year.

Hundreds of popular Android apps, including Facebook, Facebook Messenger and WeChat, still contain remote code execution vulnerabilities dating back several years, says IT security firm Check Point. Google says it is investigating the matter and noted that it is expanding its security reward program for Google Play.

Google has brought Smart Compose feature into Google Docs in beta, providing its users with writing corrections and suggestions powered by Google Search. It has also rolled out Google Assistant and Calendar for G Suite so companies can allow employees to better manage their workloads, send messages and schedule meetings.

PayPal has agreed to a $4 billion acquisition of Honey Science, a platform that helps online shoppers find discounts. PayPal says Honey Science will enhance its ability to help retailers develop offers that attract buyers.

Snips, a Paris-based conversational artificial intelligence company, has been acquired by audio company Sonos in a $37.5 million transaction. Tens of thousands of developers have used Snips' open-source conversational AI offerings.

Two senators have sent a letter to Facebook regarding its location-tracking policies, questioning whether the social media giant collects data from phone users who have either turned off or restricted location services, whether it can identify users' location based on their internet use, and whether it uses such information to target ads or shares the data with third parties. Facebook has until Dec. 12 to respond.

As many as 1.4 million accounts from the GateHub cryptocurrency wallet service and 800,000 accounts on RuneScape bot provider EpicBot have been posted on a hacker forum, reports breach notification service Have I Been Pwned. The stolen GateHub data included mnemonic phrases, hashed passwords and two-factor authentication keys, while usernames and IP addresses were stolen from the gaming site.