have ASUS laptop?

 Yet another supply chain attack.

 These attacks are dangerous. The update appears genuine for any and all checks that one would perform to NOT get malware on your devices.

 Attackers distributed hardware vendor updates for Asus computers. The updates were signed with valid digital certificates belonging to the vendor. If you have an Asus computer and allow updates or performed an update earlier this year you may have installed the update with malware.

 In this case, from what is known thus far, the instance known checks for a specific list of  MAC addresses. You can check your MAC against this list at this link.

 Asus has yet to notify their customers.

Chrome browser update urged

 Various mainstream media outlets are urging Chrome browser users to update to version

Version 72.0.3626.121

with some urgency. Details are sketchy, which is worrying.

To check your Chrome browser version, click on the 3 vertical dots as shown

scroll to the right on the above picture if needed.

On the pull-down select  Help   then  About Google Chrome.

Your current version will be displayed, and the option to update the version if desired. Once the update is downloaded and applied, a new Tab will allow you to relaunch Chrome with existing open tabs still open.

 It is good advice to check for current versions of all browsers before sensitive use.

IRS 'Dirty Dozen'

From the IRS, this year's 'Dirty Dozen'
irs.gov  Search for Dirty Dozen'

IRS Tax Tip 2018-52, April 4, 2018

The IRS reminds taxpayers to watch out for scams and schemes that put them and their personal information at risk. Each year, the IRS releases the top 12 scams, known as the Dirty Dozen. The schemes run the gamut from simple refund inflation to technical tax shelter deals.

Here’s a recap of this year's Dirty Dozen:

1. Phishing: Taxpayers should watch for fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email about a bill or tax refund. Don’t click on links in these emails claiming to be from the IRS.
    
2. Phone Scams: Phone calls from criminals impersonating IRS agents remain an ongoing threat to taxpayers.
    
3. Identity Theft: Taxpayers should be alert to tactics aimed at stealing their identities. The IRS continues to pursue criminals who file fraudulent tax returns using someone else’s Social Security number.
    
4. Return Preparer Fraud: Most tax professionals provide honest, high-quality service. However, there are some dishonest preparers who scam clients. These preparers commit refund fraud, identity theft and other scams that hurt taxpayers.
    
5. Fake Charities: Groups masquerading as charitable organizations solicit donations from unsuspecting contributors. People making donations should take a few extra minutes to make sure their money goes to legitimate charities.
    
6. Inflated Refund Claims: Taxpayers should be wary of anyone promising inflated tax refunds. Some signs of this include preparers who ask clients to sign a blank return or those who promise a big refund before looking at taxpayer records.
    
7. Excessive Claims for Business Credits: Taxpayers should avoid improperly claiming the fuel tax credit. Most taxpayers aren’t eligible for this credit, as the law usually limits it to off-highway business use, including farming.
    
8. Falsely Padding Deductions on Returns: Taxpayers should avoid the temptation to falsely inflate deductions or expenses on their tax returns. Taxpayers do this to pay less than what they owe or receive a larger refund than they should get.
    
9. Falsifying Income to Claim Credits: Con artists may convince taxpayers to invent income to erroneously qualify for tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
    
10. Frivolous Tax Arguments: Some taxpayers use frivolous tax arguments to avoid paying tax. Promoters of these schemes encourage taxpayers to make outlandish claims about the legality of paying taxes. These claims are repeatedly thrown out in court.
     
11. Abusive Tax Shelters: Taxpayers who use abusive tax structures do so to avoid paying taxes. The majority of taxpayers pay their fair share, and everyone should be on the lookout for people peddling tax shelters that sound too good to be true.
     
12. Offshore Tax Avoidance: It’s a bad bet to hide money and income offshore. People involved in offshore tax avoidance are best served by voluntarily disclosing offshore money and getting caught up on their tax-filing responsibilities.