We’re often told to be cautious about what we do online. But many of us choose to ignore the dangers that could harm us and ignore cybersecurity measures that could help keep our data safe.
So, three spectral visitors have dropped in – the ghosts of cybers Past, Present, and Future and they are determined to share their cybersecurity tips and lessons with us these holidays.
The Ghost of Cybersecurity Past
“I am the Ghost of Cybersecurity Past,” it said. “I’m here to show you the consequences of neglecting even basic security.” Let’s look at a few of the threats that have occurred in recent years:
- The rise of phishing: Early phishing attacks targeted unsuspecting victims for a very long time. Do you remember the infamous emails from the Nigerian Prince who needed your help, or the inheritance from a distant relative that you’d receive if you just make a small payment for the legal fees?
- The expansion of technology: The introduction of the internet to everyone and computers becoming affordable increased the ability for us to be connected.
- Data breaches: The first reported data breach was as early as 2002 targeted at the California data center where 250 000 social security numbers were stolen.
The ghost continued: “There have been so many changes in a short period of time and our personal information has become gold. Had we known better, we could have avoided this fate. Do not let these mistakes become your own.”
The Ghost of Cybersecurity Present
Suddenly, a new ghost appeared. “I am the Ghost of Cybersecurity Present,” it said. “I’m here to show you the threats that surround you right now.” The ghost opens your inbox, and it’s flooded with emails:
- A holiday sale from a major retailer… but the link opens a fake login page.
- A payment confirmation email… but you have not made a purchase recently.
- A charity donation request… but you are not familiar with the organization and the sender’s email address looks suspicious.
The ghost revealed that there are many people falling victim to these or similar traps. These scams may begin with a simple phishing email but can lead to passwords being stolen, malware being installed on devices, and personal data being sold on the dark web.
The ghost warned: “These threats evolve every day, and no one is immune, not even you.”
The Ghost of Cybersecurity Future
The ghost faded away and not long after, the last ghost appeared: “I am the Ghost of Cybersecurity Future,” it said. “See what awaits you if you remain indifferent to cybersecurity.” Let’s look at a few examples of what you could experience if you ignore cybersecurity:
- Your account could be hacked, and you can lose access to your email, social media accounts, and others.
- Your bank or credit card details could be stolen, and the cybercriminal could steal your money or create debt under your name.
- Your personal information could be stolen and sold on the dark web. A cybercriminal could purchase your information and use your identity for malicious purposes.
- AI is used by cybercriminals to make the cyberattacks even harder to detect.
The future may seem bleak, but there are steps you can follow to help prevent it. Fortunately, the ghost has provided a checklist to help secure your future.
Your cybersecurity checklist
Follow these steps to help improve your personal cybersecurity and prevent future cyberattacks:
- Use strong and unique passwords. Ensure that your passwords are not easy to guess, and do not use the same password for multiple accounts.
- Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for your accounts if it is available. Luckily, most companies include MFA to secure your account so use it.
- Check for updates. You should always update your apps and devices when a new update becomes available. If you think you might forget, change your settings to allow automatic updates instead.
- Think before clicking the link. Always check the details of an email before clicking any links or opening attachments. Be careful, especially with unfamiliar senders.
- Back up your data. Ensure that your data is backed up regularly and have a separate backup copy stored on a different device.
- Scan your devices. You should be using an antivirus that can scan your device regularly. This will help with detecting potential threats before you see them.
Remember that by taking basic steps today, you can start securing your tomorrow. Happy holidays!
