secure our world! October is cybersecurity awareness month
2024 Champion
4 Steps to Stay Safe and Secure Online
4 Steps to Stay Safe and Secure Online
Scam Education is proud to be a 2024 Champion spreading the word about cybersecurity awareness.
4 Steps to Stay Safe and Secure Online
4 Steps to Stay Safe and Secure Online
4 Steps to Stay Safe and Secure Online
Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on the top four ways to stay safe online:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager
- Turn on multifactor authentication
- Recognize and report phishing
- Update software
Use Strong Passwords
4 Steps to Stay Safe and Secure Online
Multifactor Authentication
Strong passwords are long, random, unique and include all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols). Password managers are a powerful tool to help you create strong passwords for each of your accounts.
Multifactor Authentication
Recognize and Report Phishing
Multifactor Authentication
You need more than a password to protect your online accounts and enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked. Enable MFA on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media and financial accounts.
Recognize and Report Phishing
Recognize and Report Phishing
Recognize and Report Phishing
Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or credentials with unknown sources. Report phishing attempts and delete the message.
Update Software
Recognize and Report Phishing
Recognize and Report Phishing
Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Regularly check for updates if automatic updates are not available.
Stop the Scams through education
2.4 Million Fraud Reports
2.4 Million Fraud Reports
2.4 Million Fraud Reports
The Federal Trade Commission received 2.4 million reports of fraud in 2022 through their Consumer Sentinel Network (Sentinel).
726,000 Imposter Scams
2.4 Million Fraud Reports
2.4 Million Fraud Reports
Of the 2.4 million fraud reports received by the Federal Trade Commission, 726,000 were reports of fraud.
$2.7 Billion Lost
2.4 Million Fraud Reports
$2.7 Billion Lost
Imposter scams total nearly $2.7 billion lost to imposter scams in 2022. These scams include people falsely claiming to be a romantic interest, the government, a relative in distress, a well-known business, or a technical support expert to get a consumer's money
DATA PRIVACY
Data Privacy
Become an Online Privacy Snob
Take Control of Your Data
Our data is collected everyday — your computer, smartphone, and pretty much every other internet-connected device gathers data, which might even include your wristwatch or car! But you often have some choices when it comes to how this data is collected, shared, and sold. Learn more about what data privacy is and what it means to you.
Take Control of Your Data
Become an Online Privacy Snob
Take Control of Your Data
Your online activity creates a treasure trove of data. This data ranges from your interests and purchases to your online behaviors, and it is collected by websites, apps, devices, services, and companies all around the globe. This data can even include information about your physical self, like health data – think about how an app on your phone might count how many steps you take.
Become an Online Privacy Snob
Become an Online Privacy Snob
Become an Online Privacy Snob
Data privacy might seem abstract, but it couldn’t be more personal. You generate lots of data every time you access the internet, and sometimes, when you don’t – your home address, health records, and Social Security are all pieces of data. While you can’t control the fact that your data is collected, you can take charge of how and with whom you share data with in many cases.
Scams
The "Phantom Hacker" Scam
Protect Your Social Security
Protect Your Social Security
The FBI has issued a warning regarding a nationwide increase in the “Phantom Hacker” scams. The “Phantom Hacker” scam is an evolution of more general scams impersonating tech support. This scam layers impersonations of tech support, financial institution, and government personas to enhance the trust of their victims and identify the most lucrative accounts to target.
Protect Your Social Security
Protect Your Social Security
Protect Your Social Security
Social Security scams are the number one government imposter scams. In 2022, there were 35,736 reports of SSA scams totaling $104.28M in losses. Every aspect of our lives are tied to our social security number so protecting it needs to be a high priority.
Scam Text Messages
Scam Text Messages
Scam Text Messages
Scam text messages have become increasingly common in recent years, and they can be very dangerous. Often, these messages will ask for personal information such as your bank account or credit card information, or try to trick you into clicking on malicious links. Fortunately, by taking a few simple steps, you can avoid falling victim to these scams.
Romance Scams
Scam Text Messages
Scam Text Messages
Romance scams are a growing problem around the world, and unfortunately, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to this type of fraud. In romance scams against the elderly, fraudsters use online dating sites or social media platforms to engage with their victims, typically posing as a potential romantic partner. Once a connection is made, the scammer will start to build trust with the victim in order to convince them to give away money or personal information. These scams can have devastating financial and emotional consequences for the elderly.
How this site can help
Blog - Insightful Articles
Blog - Insightful Articles
Blog - Insightful Articles
In my blog posts, you will find useful information regarding scams and how to avoid them.
Helpful Links
Blog - Insightful Articles
Blog - Insightful Articles
Useful links to sites with additional information regarding scams, where and how to report suspected scams, and where to go to report if you have been scammed.
Getting Help
Getting Help
Getting Help
Not sure if a website or email is safe? Send me a note with details and I'll provide my feedback.