Beware of These Spooky Cybersecurity Threats This Halloween
Just when you thought it was safe to surf the web and binge on your favorite scary movies, a wild cybersecurity threat appears! But don’t worry – we’re here to shed some light on the darkest and spookiest of them all.
Zombies on the Loose! No, we’re not talking about the ones craving brains (at least not in the traditional sense). Zombie devices are computers, phones, and other devices that hackers take over and use for malicious purposes, all without the owner’s knowledge.
Protect yourself by keeping your device updated EVERY time a software update becomes available, and by using firewalls and other robust security software.
Phishing Phantoms. Did you receive a mysterious email from a long-lost uncle promising you a castle in Transylvania? Beware! This could be a phantom phisher trying to trick you into giving up sensitive information.
Before you pack your bags, remember: always double-check the email source and never, ever, ever, ever click on links in suspicious emails, no matter how appealing that castle may sound (and consider every email to be suspicious)!
Werewolves in Your Wi-Fi. Did you know that when the full moon shines, some Wi-Fi networks transform into . . . unsecured networks? Well, not really. But weak security can allow werewolf hackers to sneak in and steal your data.
Strengthen your home and office networks by using a complex password (that means not “Password123”) and always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when using public Wi-Fi. Those measures will help cloak your activities from any lurking lycanthropes.
Vampiric Viruses. These bloodsuckers are out to drain the life out of your devices. They can hide in the shadows or in malicious downloads and can be difficult to detect. Don’t invite them in! Stick to trusted sources when downloading and always have garlic – er, updated antivirus software – on hand.
Ransom-Witches. Ransomware is like that witch who traps children with candy, only to lock them up! They’ll lock up your data and demand a ransom for its release. Avoid wandering into their gingerbread houses by backing up your data regularly, saving the backup off-site, and proceeding cautiously with links or attachments.
Suspicious Minds. We don’t want you to be paranoid or see a monster around every corner, but you should have a healthy suspicion whenever you receive an email, text message, or even a phone call – even if it comes from a trusted source. Maybe it’s legitimate, maybe not. Assume evil intent and don’t click on links, open attachments, or give out any information until you’re certain the sender is one of the good guys. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!
Treats, Not Tricks. The world of cybersecurity might seem spooky, but with the right tools and a sprinkle of common sense, you can navigate this haunted house with confidence!
