Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024: Stay One Step Ahead
In today’s world, our lives are increasingly online—from social media to online banking and everything in between. While this opens doors to amazing opportunities, it also exposes us to cyber threats. As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, we want to share five essential safety tips and highlight five common scams to help keep you and your community informed and secure.
5 Online Safety Tips:
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | MFA is an excellent way to add an extra layer of security. Whenever available, enable this feature—it requires multiple forms of verification, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to access your accounts.
Monitor Accounts Regularly | Set up transaction alerts and check your bank and credit card statements frequently. Catching unusual activity early can help you prevent larger issues.
Act Fast with Lost or Stolen Cards | If your credit or debit cards go missing, notify your bank immediately to prevent fraudulent transactions. Many banking apps even allow you to freeze your card instantly.
Look for Secure Websites | When shopping online, check for “https” in the website address. This indicates a secure connection, because the “s” really does stand for secure: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Always stick to trusted retailers and avoid entering personal information on suspicious sites.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions | Free Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can also be insecure. When accessing sensitive accounts or making purchases, try to use a private network or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
5 Common Scams to Be Aware Of:
Employment Scams | Nova Scotians have been targeted by fake job postings. Be wary of employers who ask for payment upfront or request sensitive information early in the hiring process. Always research the company independently.
Cryptocurrency Scams | Investment scams are on the rise, especially involving cryptocurrency. Scammers often pose as investment advisors and use fake platforms. Always do thorough research and consult with someone you trust before investing.
Imposter Scams | Many Canadians report receiving calls or texts from individuals claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Remember, the CRA will never ask for gift card payments or cryptocurrency. If in doubt, contact the CRA directly using verified contact information.
Online Marketplace Scams | Platforms like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace have become breeding grounds for scams. Always be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, and never pay upfront for items you haven’t seen.
Romance Scams | In Nova Scotia, romance scams are becoming more common. Scammers create fake profiles and gain your trust, eventually asking for financial help. Be cautious with anyone you meet online, especially if they ask for money.
Additional Resources for Staying Safe Online:
Cyber Security Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to take action and improve your online safety. For more tips and resources, check out the Canadian Government’s Get Cyber Safe website, which offers practical advice tailored for every generation. They also provide cyber security assessment tools to help evaluate and improve your safety practices.
From securing your devices to protecting your personal information, small steps can make a big difference. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay cyber safe this month—and beyond!
Cyber security affects us all, and staying aware of common scams and simple preventative measures is key to safeguarding your digital life. What’s one step you can take today to protect yourself online?
Quick Info!
What is Cyber Security? | Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, theft, and damage. It encompasses a range of practices, from securing personal devices to protecting critical infrastructure.
What is a Passphrase? | A passphrase is a longer, more secure version of a password. Unlike traditional passwords, passphrases use a combination of words, making them easier to remember but harder to crack.
What is Credential Stuffing? | Credential stuffing is a type of cyberattack where attackers use stolen login details from one account to try to gain access to other accounts, exploiting users who may have reused passwords.
What is Social Engineering? | Social engineering is a tactic used by cyber criminals to trick individuals into revealing confidential information, such as passwords or bank details, often by pretending to be a trusted person or organization.
What is a VPN? | A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. It’s a tool that provides a secure connection to the internet by encrypting your data and masking your IP address, making your online activities more private.
What is Phishing? | A cybercrime where attackers send fraudulent communications (usually via email or text) posing as reputable sources to steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.
What is Anti-Virus Protection? | Software designed to detect and eliminate malware from your device. It's crucial to keep this software up to date to defend against the latest threats.
What is Malware? | Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This includes viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware.
What is AI-Generated Content? | Content created by artificial intelligence tools that can sometimes be used in disinformation campaigns. It's essential to verify the sources of such content to avoid spreading misinformation.
