Stay Cyber Aware Throughout the Year
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a great time to remind ourselves just how much of our lives take place online and the potential threats that exist in the digital world. Any device that stores information or connects to the internet could become a target for cybercriminals seeking to steal from you.
How It Works
- Unsolicited emails, text messages, posts on social media platforms, online ads, pop-up messages — these are all the domain of cybercriminals and their attempts to “socially engineer” us.
- Whether it’s a “problem” with a financial or retail account, a way to tap into “free” money, or other emotion-arousing messages, the goal is to get us to take quick action — click on the link, or call the number provided.
- That quick action can lead us to logging into copycat sites to expose our credentials or payment details or downloading malicious software.
- With the “internet of things,” our connected devices are at risk for cyber hacks, given universal default password settings, nonsecure communications between devices, and security updates from manufacturers that aren’t timely or just don’t occur.
What You Should Know
- The hallmark of most online social engineering scams is 1) an unexpected communication that 2) yields a highly emotional response and 3) involves urgency. When these three elements are seen together, don’t engage — or if you do and realize it, quickly cut off contact.
- Recognize that connected devices typically do not come with secure defaults, which leaves them open to a third-party intercepting or exposing your sensitive data.
What You Should Do
- Create strong and unique passwords for all online accounts and devices. Consider using a password manager.
- Where available, turn on multi-factor authentication, which is a second way beyond your username and password to verify it’s you accessing your account or device.
- Where available, set up your devices and software to update automatically; quite often the updates are to shut down known security vulnerabilities.
- Avoid clicking on links from emails and texts and on online ads. Type web addresses into your browser to ensure you aren’t sent to a copycat site, and visit only sites you know and trust.
- For any troubling communication from your financial institution, a retailer you do business with, or a family member or friend, don’t interact. Instead, cut off communication and reach the entity or the person in the way you typically interact with them.
Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights and connects you to our free fraud helpline so you can better protect yourself and loved ones. We also advocate at the state, federal and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.
Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.
