As we dive into week three of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re reminded that while technology connects us, it also exposes us to various online threats. Every generation has embraced the digital age, but with that comes the responsibility to stay informed and vigilant. This week, we’ll cover some critical topics to help you navigate the online landscape safely.
Phishing: Don’t Take the Bait
Phishing is one of the most common online threats. It involves cybercriminals impersonating legitimate organizations or individuals to steal sensitive information. Emails or messages often contain links to fake websites that look real. To protect yourself:- Verify the sender’s email address. Check for slight misspellings or unusual domains. Domain squatting is a practice used by attackers used to make a look-alike domain.
- Don’t click on suspicious links. Hover over them to see the actual URL before clicking. If you are unsure, contact IT support.
- Phishing attempts can be poorly written. With the rise of AI, phishing attempts are less likely to be poorly written anymore but keep in mind emails that are written too well.
- Attackers building trust.  Newer and more targeted approaches by attackers build trust with the victim and initially don’t contain malicious links or attachments. Instead, the goal is to build rapport and trust with the victim before sending a phishing attempt. These types of targeted approaches may only be sent to 2 or 3 individuals within a company to bypass email security measures.
Social Media Safety: Share Wisely
Social media platforms are great for staying connected, but they can also expose you to risks. To enhance your social media safety:- Adjust your privacy settings. Limit who can see your posts and personal information. Limit who can contact you or add you.
- Think before you post. Remember that what you share can be permanent and may be viewed by unintended audiences. Be careful about posting locations and personal information.
- Be cautious with friend requests. If you receive a request from someone you don’t know, investigate before accepting. Keep in mind scams that are financial in nature (pig butchering scams, bad investments and cryptocurrency scams).
Social Engineering: The Art of Manipulation
Social engineering tactics exploit human psychology to trick individuals into divulging confidential information. Be aware of:- Pretexting. This involves a scammer creating a fabricated scenario to obtain information.
- Baiting. This tactic offers something enticing to lure you into a trap, like free downloads or prizes.
- Tailgating. In physical settings, an unauthorized person may gain access by following someone legitimate into a secured area.
Identity Theft: Protect Your Digital Identity
Identity theft is a serious concern in today’s digital world. Here’s how to safeguard your identity:- Use strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
- Monitor your financial statements. Regularly check your bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Be careful of where you enter your personal and financial information on the internet and in person. Keep in mind, businesses may have good intentions to keep your information safe, but if their information is breached, you can be exposed.
AI-Generated Content: A Double-Edged Sword – The Misinformation Minefield
It’s crucial to recognize the harmful effects of disinformation. In a world where our decisions—about health, finances, and community issues—are increasingly informed by online information, the consequences of bad data can be significant. With the rise of AI-generated content, we’ve seen it grow immensely during the COVID-19 pandemic and have it seen it with health scams (ie: miracle cures, weight-loss programs, fake pharmacies), financial scams, and elections. it’s essential to discern credible information from fake. Here’s what to consider:- Verify sources. Always check the credibility of the source before trusting the information. Here are four ways to tell if something is true online.
- Be skeptical of overly polished content. AI can create convincing text, but it may not always reflect accurate or reliable information.
- Understand the limitations of AI. AI lacks human insight and critical thinking; it’s vital to use your judgment.
