Cyber Crime: How to Outsmart the Bad Guys
by Mike Kansgen, Director of Information Technology
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (October 1, 2024) In a world where even your digital coffee maker might be plotting against you, staying safe online has never been more important. With cyber criminals now using artificial intelligence to craft eerily convincing scam emails and phone calls, it feels like we’re living in a haunted house with something terrifying around every turn. But don’t panic. There’s hope. Here are eight practical cybersecurity tips that will help you outwit online trolls.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords — You must start somewhere Creating strong, unique passwords is like building a digital fortress. Sure, it’s tempting to use “password123” for everything — it’s easy to remember, right? But with data breaches happening left and right, that trusty password might already be in the hands of a hacker. Just imagine giving the evil bad guys a master key to all your accounts — yikes! Instead, try using a mix of random words, numbers, and symbols. And even better, throw in a password manager (more on that in a bit) to handle the heavy lifting.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication — Because one lock is never enough You’ve probably encountered multifactor authentication by now. Think of it as adding a deadbolt to your digital door. With MFA, even if a hacker gets your password, they’ll need another form of verification like a code, fingerprint, or face scan to get in. It’s like making them solve a puzzle before they can steal your information. So, if you haven’t turned on MFA yet, now’s the time.
3. Be Wary of Phishing Scams — Don’t take the bait Phishing scams are like those infomercials that promise you the world but deliver disappointment. They masquerade as trustworthy emails, calls, or messages trying to trick you into handing over your personal information. Remember, if it smells fishy, it probably is. Verify the sender’s email address, avoid clicking on sketchy links, and if someone claims to be a coworker or friend, ask yourself, “Would they really ask me to pay bail for my jailed grandson with Apple gift cards?” If you’re not sure, reach out to someone you trust before you do anything. Don’t let a scammer scare you into making rash decisions.
4. Keep Your Software Updated — Seriously, do it Updating your software is like getting your yearly physical: nobody loves it, but it’s a necessary part of life. Updates often include patches for security flaws that hackers would love to exploit. Yes, it’s a hassle, and yes, it always seems to pop up at the worst times; but trust me, just go with it and perform the update. Or you can enable automatic updates and let your devices take care of themselves. A little inconvenience now beats a massive pain later.
5. Use a Good Password Manager — The hero of digital security Remember that password manager I mentioned? It’s time to embrace it like a long-lost friend. Managing multiple strong, unique passwords can be a nightmare, but a password manager turns it into a breeze. It can generate, store, and even auto-fill your passwords so you don’t have to remember them all. It’s like having a digital butler who’s excellent at keeping secrets. Plus, most password managers work on all your different devices, store secure notes better than your brain, and even alert you if one of your passwords has been compromised on the dark web.
6. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts — Be your own cyber detective Think of account monitoring as your personal spot-check maintenance for your digital life. Regularly check your accounts for any suspicious activity, and set up alerts for unusual behavior such as failed login attempts. If something looks odd, act fast and change your password. You can also contact the service provider for additional guidance. Staying vigilant can make all the difference between a minor scare and a fullblown disaster.
7. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed — Knowledge is power In the ever-changing world of cyber threats, staying informed is like using your flashlight on a dark trail: essential for survival. Follow reputable sources for cybersecurity news, take online courses, and attend a workshop from time to time to boost your knowledge. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to spot the latest scams and protect yourself from cyber monsters. And remember, Google and other search engines are great tools — search for information about recent scams and stay one step ahead of the cyber crooks.
8. It’s Time for Codewords Remember those secret codewords you used as a kid? It’s time to bring them back, but this time for grown-up reasons. Scammers love to pretend they’re your coworker, family member, or friend, but they won’t know the magic word. Create unique codewords for your inner circles and use them to verify identities before sharing sensitive information. If someone can’t provide the codeword, they’re not who they claim to be — end of story.
Bottom line: Cybersecurity is not something you do alone
Staying safe online isn’t just about protecting yourself — it’s about looking out for your family, friends, and coworkers, too. By following these tips, keeping your devices updated, and using a solid password manager, you’ll be well on your way to outsmarting the cyber villains.
Scammers just love to steal money and gain access to sensitive information by scaring and fooling us. In fact, it makes them happy when they succeed. We do not want scammers to be happy, though — we want them to experience the sadness of failure. So, stay informed, be prepared, and outsmart a scammer today!