Cyberattacks are a common way for identity thieves to access your personal information. Understand how these attacks happen so you can prevent them!

How do cyberattacks happen?

Phising Emails: Cybercriminals will try to trick you into giving your personal information by way of a fake email:

Tip: Don't open attachments or links emails you aren't expecting. 

Social Media Phising: Direct messages from fake accounts.

Tip: If you click a link in a direct message that appears to be from a familiar account, but it prompts you to re-enter your log-in credientials, it is fake.

Fake Calls (Vishing): The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), banks or other major services (like Amazon) will very rarely request personal informaion over the phone. Calls like these are fake.

Tip: Do not return voicemails about "compromised accounts." Instead, review account activity online, then report the fake call to that service. 

Fake Texts (Smishing): Watch out for texts that request sensitive information like passwords, bank accounts or credit card numbers.

Tip: Most banks will never text you with information about your account. Call your financial insititution's direct line to verify any suspicious texts.

It's crucial to protect your personal information. These simple actions will help you stay one step ahead of cyberattacks and give you a plan if your information becomes compromised.

  1. Keep security, browser plugins and all other software up-to-date.
  2. Create unique passwords of at least 12 characters, and use letters, numbers and symbols.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
  4. Set up a credit monitoring service to know when you've been compromised so you can act quickly.
  5. Ensure you have updated antivirus software and firewall running before you go online.
  6. Regularly back up your files. Back up on multiple drives in case a device fails.

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Source: Buffini & Company. Used by Permission.