Children dressed up as goblins and ghouls this Halloween aren’t the only scary apparitions you may encounter if you aren’t vigilant about cyber security. October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, which highlights the impact of cyber security risks and what type of nefarious activity you should be on guard for. We recently covered how to spot cyber scams, but there’s always more to learn about protecting your personal data online. Here’s how to protect yourself from the cyber ghouls and goblins lurking in the shadows.
Chilling Cyber Security Statistics
These statistics may send a chill down your spine but can help highlight the importance of cyber security measures. According to a data analysis team from Zippia:
The cost of cybercrimes adds up.
Globally, cybercrimes cost 6 trillion annually and are estimated to increase to 10.6 trillion yearly by 2025.
Large businesses aren’t the only target.
Cyber ghouls aren’t just targeting large businesses. 43% of cybercrime targets small businesses and their customers.
Human error contributes to the majority of cybercrime.
Human error contributes to a whopping 95% of cybersecurity breaches. A lack of public understanding about online security and outdated software further compounds the issue.
Tips to Avoid a Cybercrime Nightmare
Deter cyber goblins by using strong passwords.
When setting passwords, the longer the password is, the stronger it is. Hackers don’t simply try to guess passwords. They use sophisticated software that runs through various character combinations.
NEVER use a dictionary word. Even a hacker with a minimal skill set can easily crack passwords that are found in the dictionary. Even if your words are unique and obscure, it doesn’t take very long to use software that tests every word and word combination in the dictionary. Use random numbers, symbols, and mixed-case letters with unique combinations for each account.
Worried you’ll forget a complex password? A password manager can help keep passwords organized and secure.
Opt into multifactor authentication (MFA) when available.
MFA provides another layer of security for users by requiring two different ways to confirm their identity upon login. Standard methods of MFA include push notifications, text or voice calls with codes, and using authenticator apps to generate the code.
Keep software up-to-date to keep cyber ghouls at the gate.
Updates typically include patches for security vulnerabilities that were discovered within the software. Check your devices and applications for notifications about updates and install them as soon as possible.
There’s nothing that hackers love more than outdated software to make their job easier. That update that you’ve been putting off? Many times these are security updates to block off a “back door” that was found in the software. Failing to update is essentially leaving that door open for cybercriminals to walk right in.
That spooky message could be a trap.
Even if you receive a text or email from a company you’re familiar with, don’t click on any links. Especially when it’s unexpected or unusual correspondence or includes spelling errors. And some discrepancies aren’t so clear cut. For example, take the lowercase letter “a”. This “a”, is the standard lowercase letter. But this “α”, as innocent as it may seem, is actually a symbol and harder to recognize at first glance.
What’s more terrifying, is even the branding and aesthetics (website design, company logo etc.) of company will look authentic. The criminal usually lures you in with a fake but convincing login screen. Once you enter your username and password, the fake log in captures your credentials. So always contact the company at their regular phone number to confirm all requests are legitimate.
Hackers aren’t just scary, they’re real. Stay vigilant with your cyber security to ensure the only spooky apparitions you meet this month are children saying trick-or-treat.
About Michigan Mortgage Lender, Julie Krumholz from Superior National Bank
Looking to sweeten up your October by purchasing a home? Julie Krumholz can help.
With over 35 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Julie Krumholz from Superior National Bank is a trusted resource and friend to homebuyers. Julie has worked in processing, closing, loan origination, underwriting, and QC auditing and has even co-owned a mortgage brokerage firm. Julie applies her knowledge to help first-time and seasoned homebuyers with a seamless homebuying experience.
Call Julie at 586-382-5482 for all of your homebuying needs.
