Cybersecurity is for big companies, right? Little people like me don’t need to pay attention to cybersecurity. Right?
Wrong! Do you have a cell phone? Are you one of the 5.2 billion people worldwide who are on Internet? Is that a “yes”? (That’s kind of a foregone conclusion since you’re reading LEDE News online!)
What is cybercrime? It is any crime that is committed electronically. This can include theft, fraud, or even murder. Examples include identity theft, child sexual abuse, financial theft, and malware.
Ok. More terminology.
What is malware? Malware is any software that is intended to damage, disable, or give unauthorized access to your computer. Ransomware, Botnets, spyware, viruses, and worms are examples of malware.
Ransomware is malware that is designed to make your data inaccessible until you pay a ransom, often in Bitcoin. Ransomware may be downloaded as malicious emails and can damage your financial stability and reputation. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will get your data or ransomed hardware back even if you pay.
Bots are programs that are used for automating tasks on the Internet. Not all bots are bad but malicious bots can gather passwords, log keystrokes, obtain financial information, hijack social media accounts, and use your email to send spam.
Another area of cybercrime is phishing. Phishing consists of fake messages from seemingly trusted sources. Phishing emails entice you to click on links to reveal information, commit to a financial transaction, or give unauthorized access to your system.
As I’ve often written, be cautious and proactive. Do not click on links within an email! Do not give personal or account information. If you feel it is necessary to contact a company, look at the number on your statement or look the number up. Do not use the number provided on the suspicious email.
Here are some other tips that may help to keep you safer.
- Use long passwords with a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters. Do not use your birthdate (that information is available online), your anniversary, your children’s’ names or your pet’s name.
- Back up your information.
- Be suspicious of any communication requesting personal information. Do not respond. Remember: The Social Security Administration doesn’t need your SSN. They have it. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services doesn’t need you to give them your Medicare number. They have that information.
- Never click links in emails you are not expecting or with which you are unfamiliar.
- Watch URL addresses. Scammers will use addresses that closely resemble an entity’s real address but there is something that is different. The scam email may have a .com when the real address is a .org. The emailer may have a similar looking email but there are pieces that aren’t correct.
- There are programs to offer security for our devices. Check out what’s available.
Be proactive. Stay safe.
