Technology continues to evolve rapidly, bringing with it the convenience of online services and the power of artificial intelligence. It also opens new doors for malicious online actors. Hackers, data breaches, and malware have become common, unwanted visitors in our lives.
According to Zscaler’s annual phishing report, phishing attacks, or fraudulent emails sent to gain people’s personal information and money, surged by nearly 60% in 2023. In recognition of Cybersecurity Month, we’re sharing best practices for safeguarding your personal data and ensuring you step into the new year with enhanced protection and peace of mind.
What’s the Risk?
Our online activities often leave behind data trails that can be used to track our behavior and access personal information. These activities include credit card transactions, GPS usage, phone records, browsing history, messaging, online shopping, and more.
Numerous companies and individuals seek to collect and exploit this data for purposes like marketing, research, and customer segmentation. Others have malicious intentions, such as using your data for phishing, accessing banking information, or hacking into online accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
Cybersecurity can seem daunting, but dedicating just one hour each week to improving your cyber hygiene can make a substantial difference. Here are some essential practices that will enhance your security immediately:
- Avoid mobile banking on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. Don’t make financial transactions on your mobile devices when in restaurants, hotels, or other public places that offer free Wi-Fi, even if they provide a password. Wait until you are on a safe and private network, such as at home.
- Be cautious with unexpected emails: Do not click on links or attachments in emails you were not expecting. Phishing attacks often come in seemingly legitimate emails that trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malware.
- Use a password manager: A password manager enables you to use a different password for every login, an essential security practice. Password managers can autogenerate complex passwords for you and store them on encrypted servers so that you don’t have to memorize them. Do your research to find the right one for you, but there are many free options available.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN allows you to privatize your network and IP address, adding an extra layer of security to your online activities. You can set up a VPN on your home network, and some offer mobile plans too.
- Make sure your software is up to date: Ensure that all your software, including your operating system, browsers, and apps, is up to date. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
- Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication): Enable 2FA on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password, such as sending a code to your cell phone or email to log into accounts.
- Alerts and notifications: Midwest Community (and most other credit unions) allow you to set up alerts for account activity. This can help you quickly identify and respond to any unauthorized transactions. Reach out to your credit union to see what security services they offer.
By following these guidelines and using resources provided by your credit union, you can significantly reduce your risk of being hacked. Remember, consistent and mindful practices are crucial to mounting a robust defense against cybertheft.
