By Karla Sullivan
The Internet is a part of everyone’s life; here to stay at home, work and for those of us to connect socially. In fact, the Internet has moved into the number one spot for taking most of our time even over sleep. And through our constant connections, we are also putting ourselves at risk for hackers. According to the Department of Homeland Security, we face constant cyber threats against our infrastructure and, as individuals, cyber security risks can threaten our finances, identity and privacy.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month is designed to educate the public about cyber security and promoting online safety.
The National Consumer Protection Week provides tips for computer safety:
· Keep software updated
· Keep your operating system and web browser up to date
· Use long, unique passwords for each account and change it often. Don’t use the same password multiple times.
The government website, OnGuardOnline, offers up-to-date information on the latest scams, which include the following:
· Tech support scams
· Hacked email
· Text message spams
· Fake check scams
· Lottery scams
· Online dating scams
· Miracle cures
According to the FTC’s recent press release, scammers claim to be calling on behalf of the government to verify information for a new Medicare card or Medicare-related package. However, it was a ruse to get people’s bank account information to make unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts.
The callers said they needed to verify people’s identities using information that included the consumers’ bank account numbers. According to the FTC, the scammers told people that the information would not be used to debit their bank accounts, and that there was no charge for their services. But the FTC alleges that was a lie. Within a month or two, victims learned that their bank accounts had been debited, often for $400 or more.
And the list goes on.
But what about your children? Parents can help lower risks by really explaining to children about the Internet and how to make responsible decisions.
Establish rules for the internet and spend time on the Internet together. Implement software apps to protect them from dangerous scenarios. Watch personal messaging and place blocks on people you do not know. Check with your child’s school to see if student projects, artwork, or photos (where material is identified by name) are being put on school home pages. Schools often want to post school newsletters or sports scores, but every time a name or photo is displayed, there is vulnerability.
ProtectKids recommend that schools need to be reminded of that risk and encouraged to allow access to student activities posted on the school’s website by password only
Cyber liability insurance is an option for e-businesses who need protection. The risk coverage can also protect against virus transmission. Privately owned companies building websites, blogs and advancing in electronic communication faces legal exposures that other types of liability does not cover.
If your website is shutdown by a hacker attack or if a data breach can cause the loss of valuable information, talk to an insurance specialist for more information about the best protection for you.
