Limiting the information you online could protect you and your privacy.
Phishing, cybercriminals, location services, and more are elements to be concerned with when it comes to cybersecurity. What are you doing to protect yourself?
Many people do not realize that random details, numbers, or even symbols are the only things cybercriminals need to know to target you for an attack. If you become the target of a malicious actor, it may not be totally online as many digital attacks also manifest against you or your family in the physical world. Today, we are going to go over a few of the warning signs you should be looking for and possible precautions you could take to keep yourself safe.
Location Services
Having your location is an easy way for cybercriminals to use that information against you. This can manifest as tagging your home on Facebook, having your location turned on within an application like Snapchat or dating apps, or applications geotagging your posts without your permission. Turning your location services off on your devices or switching to "Allow Only While Using" is the smart and safest option to limit what is disclosed about your location.
Passwords
Awareness about what you post and the discretion used in posting could save you quite the headache if your account gets compromised. Seemingly innocent social media posts about the first dog you had when you were 12 or the street name you lived on as a child—and all common answers to security challenge questions--are an often overlooked pitfall that would allow a hacker to gain access to your password. Make sure your password includes capital letters, numbers, and at least 2 symbols. Most services will require specific elements when you set your password, but if not, it’s up to you to be cybersmart when choosing your password.
Careful What You Click
Receiving emails or messages online that you don’t immediately recognize as coming from a trusted and expected source that request you divulge information are usually attempts at maliciously acquiring your personal data. These messages could compromise your online integrity or download viruses to your device to obtain your information in more automated ways. Avoid clicking a link or navigating to a website if it is coming from an individual you do not know or an email address you have not sent or received from previously.
Protection in the Real World
Not “clicking and telling” should be used in the same reference as in-person interactions. Protecting your passwords or security question answers in person is just as important in the real word as it is online. Avoid verbally sharing personal information or account credentials to protect you both in person and online.
There are many ways hackers or cybercriminals can obtain your information through your internet presence. Creating an environment to protect yourself could save you a lot of time and a lot of worries. And your actions could not only impact you, but your friends, family, and employer as well.
As always if there are any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to reach out to the IT Help Desk or Information Security.
Stay healthy Hornets!
Dakota Taylor
Social Media Student Assistant
Web & Digital Strategies
