Skeleton Key Investigations Inc.

10/09/2026

⚠️ CYBERSECURITY ALERT: LAW ENFORCEMENT & GOVERNMENT EMAIL SYSTEMS TARGETED

The FBI, CISA, NSA, and international partners have issued a joint warning about Chinese government-linked cyber actors targeting government agencies, law-enforcement organizations, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive networks.

These attackers have been observed:

🔑 Spraying stolen or guessed passwords across Microsoft 365 and Exchange accounts
📧 Accessing and stealing emails, calendars, contacts, and credentials
🖥️ Exploiting outdated internet-facing software
🌐 Installing unauthorized VPN software to maintain hidden access
⚠️ Attempting to obtain elevated control of Active Directory environments

This warning does not mean a local agency or North Carolina organization has been confirmed compromised. It does mean every organization—and anyone responsible for sensitive accounts—should take the threat seriously.

What you should do now:

✅ Enable multifactor authentication wherever possible
✅ Use strong, unique passwords for every account
✅ Review recent account activity for unfamiliar devices, locations, or login attempts
✅ Keep operating systems, websites, servers, and security appliances updated
✅ Disable unused remote-access services and internet-facing management pages
✅ Immediately report unexpected MFA prompts, password-reset messages, or unusual email activity
✅ Have your IT provider review Microsoft 365, Exchange, VPN, and administrator logs

Old vulnerabilities do not become harmless simply because they are old. Attackers actively search for forgotten systems that were never updated, replaced, or properly secured.

There is no need to panic—but this is an excellent time to verify that your digital doors are actually locked.

🔗 Official joint advisory:
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa26-281a

Skeleton Key Investigations Inc.
Awareness is the first layer of protection.

09/12/2026

PRESERVE THE PROOF—NOT MORE COPIES

If someone shares an intimate image of you without consent or creates a sexual deepfake depicting you—you have reporting options.

On September 10, the FTC published new guidance for people whose intimate photographs or videos were shared without consent, including images digitally altered or generated to depict them.

Under the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act, covered platforms must provide a reporting process and remove reported intimate material—and known identical copies—within 48 hours of a valid request.

Preserve the URL, account information, threats and report confirmation. Avoid forwarding or publicly reposting the image, which can spread the harm further.

If the platform does not respond, report it at TakeItDown.ftc.gov.

Read the FTC guidance⁠ here for more specific details.

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/09/was-your-intimate-image-shared-online-without-your-consent-heres-what-do

Skeleton Key Investigations Inc.
(252) 621-2226

09/05/2026

Don’t buy an OSCOR. Technology has improved and the cost of hardware is lower than ever. Buy an appropriate analysis software and bring your own hardware. You can utilize inexpensive radios that are sensitive enough for TSCM analysis. Our solution you pay for once and you have a lifetime license. Includes software, SDR and Panasonic Toughbook.

09/04/2026

08/31/2026

Words matter in an investigation.

Being targeted does not prove an account was breached. Being investigated does not mean someone was charged. Being charged does not mean someone was convicted.

Before sharing a developing story, read the original source, check its update date and look for corrections. A dramatic headline may travel faster, but verified facts hold up when the dust settles.

Skeleton Key Investigations Inc.
(252) 621-2226

08/25/2026

Remembering the heroes of America!

John Glenn refused to fly until one woman checked the computer's math by hand.

Her name was Katherine Johnson. NASA had electronic machines by 1962, and nobody fully trusted them. Glenn's instruction was blunt: get the girl to run the numbers. If she says they're good, I'm ready to go.

She ran them. He flew.

Johnson's trajectory work carried Alan Shepard into space, put Glenn in orbit, and helped bring Apollo 11 back from the Moon.

She did it while working in a segregated building, using a segregated bathroom, at an agency that called her a computer instead of a mathematician.

She died in 2020, aged 101. Obama had already handed her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Pencil beat processor.

08/25/2026

We have a TSCM course kicking off tomorrow. If this is something of interest reach out as there is space in the class.

08/25/2026

Veterans and military spouses are receiving postcards claiming they may qualify for extra monthly benefits through a “Veterans Savings Program.” According to the FTC, that program does not exist.

The goal is to rush recipients into calling and surrendering Social Security numbers, banking details or other personal information.

Do not call the number on the postcard. Verify benefits independently through VA.gov, and preserve both sides of the mailer before reporting it.

Read the FTC warning:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/how-spot-postcard-scam-targeting-veterans

Skeleton Key Investigations Inc.
(252) 621-2226

08/24/2026

🚨 SCAM WARNING

The FBI is warning that scammers are impersonating its Internet Crime Complaint Center, commonly known as IC3.

These fraudsters often target people who have already lost money, claiming they can recover the funds in exchange for another payment or additional personal information.

Never trust the contact information or links they provide. Verify representatives independently through the official IC3 website, and preserve all messages before blocking the account.

Read the FBI’s complete warning here:
https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2026/PSA260720

Skeleton Key Investigations Inc.
📞 (252) 621-2226