VIDEO Security Jungle: Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Busted

[Mike]

I recently published a video on YouTube about false computerized phone calls and identity theft. Interestingly enough, Corrine over at SecurityGarden reports that Microsoft removed one of their Gold Certified Partners over a very similar issue: telephone scams.

This is true:

It is important to understand that being a Microsoft Partner, in any shape, whether Certified or Gold Certified, does not mean that the company represents Microsoft. Rather, it merely means that the company has met the requisite requirements, has paid the requisite fee and has earned the appropriate Partner Points for the Partner level. The requirements for both Microsoft Gold Certified and Microsoft Certified Partners are fully described at the eHow.com references…

http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/#ixzz1Z3opSvJl

In fact, we are a Microsoft Certified Partner, but do not rise to the level of Gold Certified Partner because we need a prerequisite of, if I am not mistaken, two or three Microsoft Certified Professionals and a multi-thousand dollar a year fee to put such a logo on the website. I think we also have to buy a Microsoft Action Pack Subscription for extra points, but who knows. The point is that to gain Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, you simply need to be a company with a few skilled employees and a lot of money. This is an unfortunate reality, but it is the truth.

As a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, I routinely receive NDA correspondence from Microsoft. I am also certified by Microsoft as a MCITP, MCSA, MCTS, and MCP. This does not make me a Microsoft representative, and it does not make our website Microsoft certified or sanctioned. However, we are led to believe, through the MVP program’s actions, that they have appreciated our contributions to the Windows community, by nominating MVPs from this forum site. Early in the site’s beginnings, we did have some of the developers register on the site, with one or two of them even answering a question. That was nice of them.

Similarly, you will see indications everywhere, from the footer of every page, to the Frequently Asked Questions area, indicating that we do not have a direct affiliation or relationship with Microsoft at all. Communicating with Microsoft and affiliating your entire business or organization with them are two major things. Our moderators have done an exceptional and awesome job answering questions and keeping the site on the straight and narrow.

We continue to work closely with Microsoft on many different projects. For example, we have contact with one of the mainstays of their anti-piracy group when dealing with posters who link or provide information that would allow you to infringe on Microsoft’s copyrights or trademarks. I will also be at the Microsoft Global MVP Summit in Redmond, Washington at the end of February 2012 to engage in workshops and other activities.

Some time ago, we had issues with members of the "Microsoft Outreach Team" coming to our forums and advising everyone to simply go to the Microsoft knowledgebase or the official MS forums for answers to their support questions. At one point, it got to an issue where they were just telling people to go to microsoft.com.

Investigations further revealed that these individuals, while given access to microsoft.com e-mail addresses, were third party contractors based out of India and outside the US. This practice was so repugnant, because this "Outreach Team" had no answers for anyone. They were paid marketers designed to send people off to Microsoft's website. We can only assume the firms were being paid based on conversions, since they would mask Microsoft URLs with TinyURL and Bit.ly, a practice that we became aware of that Microsoft frowns upon for security reasons. In fact, Bill Bright (MVP), I believe, suggested that the Outreach Team was banned from using these URLs.

They were tracking their own success/fail ratio and sending it to whoever was the lead contractor for the program by using these links, no doubt. It was a number of firms coming from IPs in India and this was very unfortunate, as the Microsoft.com e-mail addresses led us to believe they were legitimate employees. The cat got out of the bag when an honest one actually told us what was going on.

It is my contention a great amount of harm is done by these programs, marketers, fraudsters, as well as those who are paranoid of information syndication and awareness. Why put up a RSS feed or report news if you think syndicating it requires you file a federal arbitration claim using the DMCA? I guess that’s for an entire other article, but it does bring to mind that robots and criminals are more likely to use the phone these days than people. Corrine also informs her audience to hang up on people you don't know who are making strange unsolicited phone calls: a funny reminder to me that we are in the era of e-mails, SMS, instant messaging, and Facebook. A phone? You mean I actually hang up on people if they call me unsolicited?

Here's a tip if you live in the US:

https://www.donotcall.gov/

The National Do Not Call Registry prevents third party marketers from calling your telephone.

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[ChatGPT]

I recently published a video on YouTube about false computerized phone calls and identity theft. Interestingly enough, Corrine over at SecurityGarden reports that Microsoft removed one of their Gold Certified Partners over a very similar issue: telephone scams. In a world where technology often serves as a double-edged sword, the presence of scams has notably increased. The removal of the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner serves as a reminder that not all businesses that claim to be affiliated with reputable companies really are. As highlighted in the original forum post, being a Microsoft Partner does not equate to having a direct representation of the company. Instead, it reflects compliance with certain criteria such as meeting performance benchmarks and paying requisite fees .

The Varied Landscape of Microsoft Partnerships​

The disparity in levels, from certified to gold, can often lead to misunderstandings among consumers about who is genuinely endorsed by Microsoft. For example, achieving Gold Certified Partner status requires showing substantial expertise (like having qualified staff) but also involves financial commitments that can seem abstract to the general public. This scenario underscores the potential for consumer confusion in a landscape rife with scams .

The Risks of Identity Theft​

This ongoing issue gates into the realm of identity theft, a topic increasingly relevant in our digital age. Scammers are leveraging technology to execute schemes that can significantly harm victims, both financially and emotionally. The advice to hang up on unsolicited calls is not just practical but essential in protecting personal information. Given that telephone scams are becoming more sophisticated, continuing education about identifying and responding to such threats is crucial .

Modern Communication: Between Convenience and Security​

In an era dominated by digital communication methods—be it email, SMS, or social media—the phone remains a potent tool for unauthorized access. Corrine's perspective serves as a reminder: while our lives have gravitated toward instant messaging and emails, it’s still vital to stay vigilant, particularly when it involves unsolicited calls from unknown numbers . To mitigate some of these risks, utilizing resources like the National Do Not Call Registry can prove beneficial. It's a straightforward mechanism for individuals to protect themselves from unwanted marketing calls .

Community Engagement​

As community members and Windows enthusiasts, how do you stay informed and educated regarding scams and security threats? Have you ever encountered a situation where your identity was at risk? Your thoughts and experiences could greatly benefit others! For those interested, you can check out the video shared in the original post for more detailed insights. Your proactive engagement can be a step toward fostering greater awareness in our community.