As we ring in the New Year and build resolutions, please consider adding safe cyber hygiene habits to your list. To help, I’ve gathered some best practices for 2022 that we should all strongly consider implementing.

With the holiday season approaching, most of us will be starting our online shopping. While it is super convenient, online shopping is also an opportunity for criminals to steal your personal information and money. The good news: By following some simple steps you can protect yourself from being a victim of fraud.

Before entering personal information on a website, make sure the site is legitimate and safe. A site that displays “https” is secure. 

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which was established to promote the role that cybersecurity plays in our everyday lives. Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month was founded by the National Security Alliance and the Department of Homeland Security. Recently, ransomware attacks have hit our schools, small businesses, etc. and are a major focus of this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim's files and folders.

An imposter scam occurs when an individual, or a group of people, trick victims into sending money or providing confidential information. Your information is then used to steal your money or identity. Imposter scams are conducted using various methods. A phone call used to be the most popular but has since been replaced with emails and texts. Despite the sophistication of modern impersonation scam techniques, there are simple ways to protect yourself.

Mobile devices have become an integral part of everyday life, storing personal and important information, including pictures, emails, apps, and financial accounts. Almost anything that can be done on a computer can now be done from a mobile device. As mobile devices become even more robust, it becomes even more critical to maintain device security. Our mobile security tips, combined with staying vigilant, can help mitigate your risk of cyber attack.

Corporate Account Takeover occurs when cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to business accounts using various online tools. Leveraging these tools, cybercriminals can access online banking accounts and gather applicable information to conduct financial crimes. 

Tax season may feel like it’s far away, but it will be here before you know it, increasing the risk of online tax scams. There have been reported cases by the Federal Trade commission where criminals use another person’s social security number and file the tax return to get the tax refund.

The FDIC published a consumer news article related to the risk of fake bank checks. Although a bank check is typically considered safer than a personal
check, there are certain scams that target potential victims.

Most kids today are plugged into devices like TVs, tablets, and smartphones well before they can even ride a bike. As our kids head back to school, social media usage will be on the rise. And as a result, kids can be exposed to unique risks in cyberspace.