A User’s Guide to Avoiding Cybersecurity Scams

The incredible convenience of online transactions and communication also brings with it becoming the unwitting target of cybersecurity scams. Having represented multiple individuals and organizations that have been the victims of cybersecurity breaches and have sometimes suffered catastrophic loss, the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” becomes even more pronounced. Cybercriminals employ various tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals, in ever-increasing sophistication, aiming to steal sensitive information, money, or even endanger personal safety. To navigate the digital landscape safely and to enjoy the benefits of cyber technology without becoming a victim of a scam, it's crucial to be aware of potential threats and adopt proactive measures. Here are some practical steps that individuals and organizations can take to avoid falling prey to cybersecurity scams.

1. Educate Yourself: As GI Joe used to say, Knowing is half the battle. Stay informed about common cybersecurity threats, such as phishing emails, fake websites, and social engineering tactics. Regularly update your awareness to keep up with evolving scams.
    
2. Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): As annoying as it is to have to remember multiple passwords and jump through multiple steps, using strong, unique passwords for each online account, and enabling MFA whenever possible, greatly reduces risk of being compromised. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access.
    
3. Be Skeptical of Emails and Messages: Cybercriminals often use phishing emails or messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. Be cautious of unexpected emails, especially those urging you to click on links or provide personal information. Slow down and look carefully at the actual email address of the sender, not just the name that the sender purports to be. Email addresses will often look like the right ones, but on closer inspection, phishing emails will have variations that give them away. In other words, verify the sender's legitimacy before taking any action. Be particularly skeptical of emails that come at unusual times of the day for that particular sender.
    
4. Update Software Regularly: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications up to date. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of exploitation by cyber attackers.
5. Secure Wi-Fi Connections: Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi networks and enable WPA3 encryption. A guide on how to do this can be found here. Avoid whenever possible using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, as these networks are more susceptible to cyber threats, and if you need to use the public Wi-Fi, utilize a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) application that allows you to secure your use of the public network.
    
6. Check Website Security: Before entering personal or financial information on a website, ensure it is secure. Look for https:// in the URL and a padlock symbol, indicating that the connection is encrypted. Avoid clicking on links from untrusted sources.
    
7. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any suspicious activities. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately to your financial institution.
    
8. Use Reputable Security Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices. Keep these programs updated and perform regular scans to detect and remove potential threats.
    
9. Limit Personal Information Sharing: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media platforms. Cybercriminals often use information gathered from social media to craft convincing phishing attempts or gain unauthorized access to accounts.
    
10. Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your important files and data to an external hard drive or secure cloud storage. This ensures that even if you fall victim to a ransomware attack, you can restore your information without paying a ransom.

By adopting these proactive measures and staying vigilant, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce their risk of becoming the victim of cybersecurity scams. Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and staying informed and cautious is key to maintaining a secure digital presence.