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While computers and the Internet offer great benefits, they also provide cyber criminals with opportunities to steal personal information. Cyber crook have shown they can keep up with the fast-paced growth of technology. They constantly develop new tools and methods to trick and exploit people through computer and Internet use. The more aware you are of cyber threats, the more prepared you will be to avoid them. 

How to Recognize Common Cyberthreats

Malware: a broad term for the many forms of malicious software designed to disrupt, harm, or hijack a computer system or data. It includes viruses and spyware. Secretly installed without your knowledge or consent, malware programs can damage your privacy and the security of your computer or mobile device. They can capture your personal information in a variety of ways and secretly send it to identity thieves.  Computers and mobile devices are commonly infected with malware through email attachments, downloads, and the links within emails, instant messages, or pop-up windows. 

Phishing: When cyber thieves send you emails that try to lure you into providing or confirming personal information. The emails look like they’re from legitimate organizations, often ones you know. They ordinarily use threats, warnings, or enticements to create a sense of urgency. You’re usually asked to click on a link. If you do, it can lead to a spoof website. The site looks real enough to trick you into entering personal information. 

Catfishing: When a person creates a fake identity on social media, usually targeting a specific victim for abuse, deception, or fraud. Catfishing is often used for romance scams on dating websites. 

Smishing & Vishing: Very similar to phishing, this is when criminals use automated dialing systems to call or text you with messages intended to trick you into sharing personal information. The message will direct you to a phone number or website that asks you for the information. 

Pretexting: Pretexting is a social engineering technique that involves creating a fake scenario to trick people into sharing sensitive information or giving access to systems or services. Always verify the requester’s identity through trusted communication channels before sharing sensitive information or complying with any unusual requests. 

Business Email Compromise: Business email compromise (BEC) is a cybercrime where criminals trick people into giving away sensitive information or money by spoofing the email of a trusted source such as your boss or HR manager or even actually hacking into and sending emails from their legitimate email account. Ensure all business communication is verified through known contacts and secure communication channels. 

AI Chatbots: AI Chatbots are susceptible to cyberattacks and other security threats because they interact with personal information and connect to organizational systems and the internet. Follow your organization’s policy regarding the use of AI chatbots. Never share any personal organizational information with them. 

Be Cyber Secure

Anti-Virus: Install and update anti virus software on all devices connected to the Internet.  

Back it up: Data loss doesn’t come with a warning. Automatically back up your critical data at least once a week. 

Delete when done: Uninstall mobile apps you no longer use. 

Stay aware: Cybersecurity is every changing. Stay ahead of cyber issues with ongoing education. 

Secure: Look for https as part of the URL of a site you visit. It shows the authenticity of the security certificate on that webpage. 

Keep it clean: Keep a clean machine with current security software, web browser, and operating system. 

Look before you leave: Lock your computer before stepping away from your desk. Press the Windows key + L to quickly lock your screen. 

Go beyond the username and password:  For an added layer of security, enable multi-factor authentication when available. 

Lock up your password list: Replace your written list of passwords with a password management software. 

Passwords: Make your password a sentence that is easy to remember and incorporate a special character and number. Examples – 1Love$ecurity!, MyF@milyHas3Kid$ 

Beware of phishy emails: 

• Comes from a suspicious sender 
• Offers a prize or enticing deal 
• Contains typos and bad grammar 
• Requests you to verify or update account information, stop payments, or complete other important processes 
• Secure your devices: Use strong passwords, codes or touch ID features to lock your devices. 

See something, say something: If you see something suspicious, report it to the proper authorities as soon as possible. 

Think before you app: Be thoughtful about which apps you download and allow to collect your personal information. 

Think before you click: Don’t click on any link unless you know you can trust the source and are certain of where the link will send you. 

Don’t trust an unknown USB drive: If you find a USB drive, do not plug it in to your computer to identify the owner. 

When in doubt, throw it out: If an email, link or post looks suspicious, delete and/or mark it as junk. 

Be WiFi savvy: Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure. Avoid logging in to important accounts such as email and financial services while on a public network. 

The Importance of Software Updates & Patches 

You’re probably no stranger to those little pop-up windows. They tell you software updates are available for your computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. You might be tempted to click on that “Remind me later” button. If the pop up for a software update is from a known and trusted site, don’t put off updating your software for long.    

Software updates often include software patches. They cover the security holes to keep hackers out and they can also add new features and improve existing ones. 

Cybersecurity is mostly about protecting you, but you’ve got other people to think about, too. If your device gets a virus, you could pass it on to your friends, family, and co-workers. That’s why you want to keep your software and systems updated. 

If you’re still not keen on clicking “Update now,” you may be able to configure your devices to update automatically. If so, your problem is solved.