Each and every one of us needs to do our part to make sure that our online lives are kept safe and secure.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a government and private sector partnership that raises awareness about cybersecurity and stresses the collective effort required to stop cyber crimes, online thefts, and scams.

Malicious cyber activity threatens the public’s safety and America’s national and economic security. Taking the right security measures and being alert and aware when connected are key ways to prevent cyber intrusions and crimes.

It’s important to understand the more common cyber crimes and risks online, which include:

• Business e-mail compromise (BEC) scams exploit the fact that so many of us rely on e-mail to conduct business—both personal and professional—and it’s one of the most financially damaging online crimes.
• Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, like your Social Security number, and uses it to commit theft or fraud.
• Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems, or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return.
• Spoofing and phishing are schemes aimed at tricking you into providing sensitive information to scammers.
• Online predators are a growing threat to young people.

The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber crimes and intrusions. They recommend that you should follow the cyber safety tips below to help protect yourself and your family:

Cyber Safety Tips 

• Keep software systems up to date and use a good anti-virus program.
• Examine the email address and URLs in all correspondence. Scammers often mimic a legitimate site or email address by using a slight variation in spelling.
• If an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call asks you to update, check, or verify your account information, do not follow the link provided in the message itself or call the phone numbers provided in the message. Go to the company’s website to log into your account or call the phone number listed on the official website to see if something does in fact need your attention.
• Do not open any attachments unless you are expecting the file, document, or invoice and have verified the sender’s email address.
• Scrutinize all electronic requests for a payment or transfer of funds.
• Be extra suspicious of any message that urges immediate action.
• Confirm requests for wire transfers or payment in person or over the phone as part of a two-factor authentication process. Do not verify these requests using the phone number listed in the request for payment.

Only together can we achieve safety, security, and confidence in a digitally connected world.

References:

1. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month
2. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber