October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but every day is an opportunity to be aware of cybersecurity. As technology continues to advance rapidly, so do the threats to our digital security. Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic identities, deepfakes, and malicious mobile apps are just a few of the emerging threats that employees need to be aware of and protect themselves against.
Understanding These Threats
Artificial Intelligence (AI): While AI can be a powerful tool, it can also be used maliciously. For example, AI-powered malware can evade traditional security measures and launch sophisticated attacks. These attacks can collect large amounts of information and misuse it for malicious purposes such as identity theft and fake advertising.
Synthetic Identities: These are artificial identities created to deceive others. They can be used for fraud, identity theft, and other malicious activities. Attackers gather information using publicly available sources such as social media and data breach databases, then steal real people's information to create fake identities.
Deepfakes: These are highly realistic manipulated media, such as videos or audio recordings, that can be used to spread misinformation or impersonate individuals. There have been numerous cases where attackers have used deepfakes to impersonate high-ranking officials, leading to financial fraud. For example, a British energy firm was defrauded of millions of dollars after a deepfake voice was used to impersonate the company’s CEO.
Malicious Apps: These apps can steal your personal information, infect your device with malware, or engage in other harmful activities. They can sometimes be available on app stores, bundled with legitimate apps, or downloaded from websites.
How to Protect Yourself
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. This can be done through online resources, training sessions, and newsletters. You can always send questions and concerns to SecurityMatters@NBTC.com for any information security-related questions.
Practice Strong Password Hygiene: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. Consider using a password manager to help you create and manage complex passwords
Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Phishing emails often contain malicious links or attachments that can infect your device with malware. Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those that ask for personal information or require you to click on links.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to provide additional verification factors, such as a code sent to your phone or a biometric scan.
Be Mindful of Social Media: Be cautious about what you share on social media. Avoid posting personal information that could be used to create a synthetic identity.
Regularly Update Software and Firmware: Keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches. These updates often contain critical security fixes.
Be Critical of Online Content: Be skeptical of information you find online, especially if it seems too good to be true or is sensational. Verify information from multiple sources before sharing it.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect that you have been a victim of a cyberattack, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Download Apps from Reputable Sources: Only download apps from official app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Avoid downloading apps from third-party sources, as they may contain malicious code.
Read App Reviews and Ratings: Before downloading an app, read the reviews and ratings from other users. This can give you a sense of the app’s reputation and whether it has any known issues.
Check App Permissions: Pay attention to the permissions that an app requests. Only grant permissions that are necessary for the app’s functionality. Avoid granting excessive permissions, as this could allow the app to access sensitive information.
Use a Mobile Security App: Consider using a reputable mobile security app to help protect your device from malware and other threats. These apps can scan your device for vulnerabilities and remove any malicious software.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Be wary of phishing emails, text messages, or social media messages that claim to be from a legitimate app or company. These messages may contain links to malicious apps or websites.
By understanding the threats posed by AI, synthetic identities, deepfakes, and malicious apps, and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can help safeguard your personal and professional information. Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone.
Happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
