Public Wi-Fi isn’t secure. Yet, there are ways to safeguard your information when you are on the go. Implement best practices such as:
Weak passwords make data breaches easy. Unfortunately, most people aren’t using strong passwords—and even worse, they’re reusing the same ones across multiple accounts.
MFA stands for multi-factor authentication. It is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource.
It is a core component of a strong identity and access management (IAM) policy. If you have the choice, use it to decrease the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.
Be especially cautious when you receive an unexpected email. Make sure to always hover your cursor over links to verify that the link is from a trusted site.
Cybercriminals love social media because people often overshare personal information. They can piece together data from social sites to conduct identity theft or conduct cyber attacks.
Make an informed decision before posting info on your profile. Use privacy settings to prevent your data from being easily accessible.
Secure websites feature “https” at the beginning of the web address. These sites encrypt data. This helps keep your personal data safe.
However, scammers know how to create these encrypted sites, too. They often create fake, encrypted sites that look like organizations you are familiar with. This means that not all HTTPS sites are legit.
A truly secure, legitimate site should:
Installing updates and security patches might not be fun, but it is important to your cybersecurity. Uninstalled patches can leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks. You’re leaving the door open for cybercriminals to steal your personal data.
Watch for these signs to identify an online scam attempt:
Data security is an essential aspect of your business continuity. Data backups are an important part of this process because they allow you to have a copy of your systems ready to restore. Encrypt the backup file for added security.
One of your business’s key vendors is calling. You answer, only to learn that a payment for services—now overdue by months—is urgently needed. Your company owes them $5,238.21.
They warn that they’ll end their contract if you don’t pay today. To complicate matters, you’re responsible for handling their payments.
How did this happen? You’re busy, under pressure from the executive team, and things have been tough at home. The call ends, but soon after, the vendor texts, demanding payment within the hour, threatening to work with a competitor if they don’t receive it. Panic sets in.
You can’t afford to lose your job. Resolving this immediately seems critical. But should you?
Take a moment. Breathe.
Never share personal information or send money on impulse. Chances are, it’s a vishing scam.
Scammers thrive on impersonation and emotional pressure. They push you to act quickly, hoping you won’t stop to question their legitimacy.
Instead, end the call. Contact the organization directly (using a known number) to confirm the details—especially if the request was unexpected.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to protect your identity online, you can take action to prevent scammers from targeting you. By staying current with your training, you’ll continue to safeguard yourself even as scammers develop new, sophisticated tactics.
Remember, always be proactive.
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