As cyberattacks increase, learn to protect our online safety

by Carolyn Ray

Scams. Hackers. Fraud. Phishing. Smishing (SMS phishing). Identity theft.  Words that strike fear into all of us these days. Even if we have a strong password, we are still vulnerable to cyberattacks. More than ever before, women need to protect our online safety, including our data, privacy and money. With layoffs happening across the technology sector, we can’t rely on others to protect us. We need to know how to protect ourselves and we’ve not a moment to lose! 

According to online security company Norton, the top three most reported cybercrimes are: malicious software on a computer, Wi-Fi network, smartphone, tablet, smart home, or other connected devices (24%),  unauthorized access on a social media account (14%) and unauthorized access on an email account (14%).

However,  scammers are getting more sophisticated and they’re taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to con people into giving up their money. Scripps News reports scammers are targeting Medicare recipients across the US, claiming that they need their Medicare information to receive a new card. In 2022, Action Fraud received over 350 reports relating to fake text messages and emails purporting to be from the UK Government. The messages stated that the recipient is “owed” or “eligible” for an energy bill discount as part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. The links in the emails and texts lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information. There has been a rise in consumers being targeted by phishing emails offering fuel vouchers, phone bill discounts and supermarket offers. These emails are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are designed to harvest personal and financial information. Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organizations and the police. 

Two CyberSafety Webinars to help protect our online safety (60-90 minutes each) 

We’re hosting two webinars to help you learn how to protect your online safety and answer your questions. Joining us is Paige Hanson, an expert on consumer and digital safety. She is a certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist, holds a certificate in Identity Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, Center for Identity, and has 15+ years of experience in identity management. Hanson’s expertise covers a range of identity fraud and cyber security topics.

Each session is slightly different but there may be some overlap depending on the Q&A.

Please plan to attend at least one of these sessions. Attendance is limited so don’t wait to sign up. Please provide any questions in advance. 

Session 1:  Thursday, April 13 at 7:00 pm ET: Covering Cybersecurity basics and questions including scams, malware, passwords, two-factor authentication and apps to use, and Q&A

Session 2: Thursday May 11, 2:00 pm ET: Covering travel tips, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Identity theft, and Q&A

Sign up for May 11 here:: 

This is a pay-what-you-can event, with proceeds going to our speaker and Women4Cyber, a non-profit European private foundation with the objective to promote, encourage and support the participation of women in the field of cybersecurity. Please be generous if you can. 

These sessions will be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel.

Six Tips to Protect Our Online Safety

1. Watch for email scams. If you get an email saying your password has expired, or that you have a package, check where the email originated from before you click on any links.

2. Use strong passwords and never use the same one twice. You can store all your passwords securely in an app like LastPass which will also generate unique passwords for every website. Get LastPass here.

3. Use two-factor authentication to secure your accounts. This means that when you sign into an online service or account, you have to enter a code that is sent to your email or an app like Google Authenticator.

4.  Be careful on Wifi: While many airports offer free WiFi connectivity, you should make sure you’re joining the real, official network from the airport and not a lookalike network that is set up to lure travellers into giving up their usernames and passwords. Always use a VPN to keep your data private. We suggest NordVPN, available here.

5. Turn off auto-connect functions for Bluetooth or Wifi: If your personal devices are programmed to auto-connect to WiFi networks, Hanson recommends turning off WiFi and Bluetooth when not in use for further protection.

6. Invest in Antivirus software like Norton Antivirus or McAfee Antivirus Plus (available here) on your computer and your phone.

About Paige Hanson, Our CyberSafety Expert

Paige Hanson serves as an expert on consumer and digital safety. She is a certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist, holds a certificate in Identity Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, Center for Identity, and has 15+ years of experience in identity management. Hanson’s expertise covers a range of identity fraud, cyber security topics and family discussions on how to help kids stay safe online.

Hanson designed a national identity theft training program for law enforcement in partnership with FBI-LEEDA taught across 50 states presented to over 17,000 law enforcement officials, representing over 6,000 agencies. Hanson was also a liaison with National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), and assisted in training over 3,000 victim advocates and military personnel.

Hanson speaks regularly at events nationwide to increase awareness around identity theft, and her expertise has been sought by numerous media outlets. Personally, Paige resides in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their boxer dog, Tyson. No, that isn’t her password. 🙂

Resources to learn more about Cyber Safety

1. US Consumer Fraud Protection Agency
2. AARP Fraud Prevention Network
3. Action Fraud (UK)
4. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
5. Government of Canada: Get Cybersafe
6. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
7. CAFC – Scams Affecting Individuals
8. Protect yourself from scams and fraud

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