The final season of Squid Game is finally here (thanks Netflix)! I am so excited and cannot wait to see how it all ends. The costumes, the mind games, the suspense, the honeycomb – so much to look forward to. But as I was rewatching the previous seasons, something clicked… Squid game is the perfect metaphor for surviving the internet.
So, before you binge the new season (like I will), here’s how five of the iconic challenges can help you with cybersecurity tips to stay safe online.
Red light, green light = Phishing
In the game, you can only move when the doll says “Green Light”. When it says “Red Light”, it turns around and you have to stop immediately and maintain your pose until the doll turns back around. In cybersecurity phishing terms, you should only click the links if it’s legitimate, like the green light. Any suspicious or dodgy links shouldn’t be clicked – it’s like a red light.
Here are a few red-light checks:
- Spelling or grammatical errors
- Unknown or unfamiliar sender
- Unnecessary urgency or scare tactics
- Suspicious links or attachments
Green light tip: Always take a moment to think before you click. If in doubt, stay still and don’t move or click.
Tug of war = Password strength
The game is played by people being on both sides of a line, pulling a rope to get the other players over the line. The team that remains on their side of the line, wins. In password terms, weak passwords are usually targeted first with hackers “pulling” you over the line when they crack your password and access your account.
Remember the red-light no-go’s like weak passwords, reusing the same weak passwords, and sharing your passwords. Just don’t do it.
Green light tips:
- Create strong, unique passwords
- Use a passphrase
- Use a different password for each account
- Consider using a password manager
Don’t forget about 2FA – this gives you the extra pull to bring it over the line.
Marbles = Social engineering
The game begins with 2 players, each having a bag of marbles. The aim of the game is for a player to have all the marbles, and this can be done in any way possible. This is the same as social engineering where hackers use any means possible to get your info!
Some of their red-light tactics include:
- Pretending to be someone you know, like a friend or boss
- Asking for help with a password reset
- Sending dodgy links using documents or “invoices”
- “Forgetting” their tag at home
It’s normal to want to help people but trust your gut if something feels off. Then verify. Then verify again, just to be certain.
Dalgona = Public Wi-Fi
The game is played by using a needle to carefully carve through the honeycomb without breaking the shape. In cybersecurity terms, not being careful about your online security can lead to cracks in your protection.
Let’s use Wi-Fi as an example. Yes, data is expensive but using free Wi-Fi can be even more costly. Hackers can easily steal your data if you’re connected to free Wi-Fi that is not legitimate or that you don’t really know.
Here are a few green light tips to consider when using free Wi-Fi:
- Check that the Wi-Fi name is correct – you can check with the staff, building, etc.
- Avoid logging into sensitive apps while on free Wi-Fi, like your bank account
- Use a VPN for added protection
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi and keep your data safe.
Ddakji = Fake websites
In the game, a mysterious man offers you money if you are able to flip a tile. Unfortunately, it’s a trap. Fake websites look legitimate and can easily trick you if you’re not paying attention.
Here are easy green light tips to look for when using a website:
- Check the website’s URL to ensure its correct – look for typos, additional characters, etc.
- Look for the HTTPS or padlock in the address bar which shows that the website is secure
- Don’t download if you’re not sure
- Don’t purchase anything if it seems too good to be true – like in the game, there’s always a catch!
Remember that scammers are hoping that you won’t take note of these things so that they can steal your payment info and personal data. Do the checks, be sure, and then make your decision to “play”.
The final game = You vs. yourself
You are your own biggest vulnerability and also your best defense. The choices you make will determine the outcome of your online safety. Will you click the link? Will you reuse that weak password? Every decision matters when it comes to your online security.
The internet is full of red lights, but with a little awareness, you can definitely win. Enjoy the final season of Squid Game! Be secure!
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