8 Online Safety Tips to Protect You and Your Family from Cyber Threats
Scams and fraud of all kinds used to target older adults, but now everyone is vulnerable. In a recent study by FTC, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z adults (ages 18-59) are reportedly 34% more likely to fall prey to an online scam.
Don’t become a statistic. Learn how to protect your family with these cybersecurity tips:
1. Have online safety conversations with your whole family
If your kids are old enough to use the web, they’re old enough to understand what they should and shouldn’t do. Teach them not to give out any personal information or identifying details, and to go to an adult if they’re being bullied online. Additionally, young children are not the only age group needing online safety education. Adults are just as susceptible to online scams and fraud. Social media scams, job opportunity scams, and investment scams are particularly prevalent amongst the younger adult demographic. Nearly 40% of recent fraud loss reports by Gen Z and Millennial adults have been attributed to scams originating on social media, according to the FTC.
2. Keep up to date
Install the latest updates for your computer and mobile device’s operating system. Enable automatic downloads of your antivirus software and use the most current version of your web browser. If you’re not tech-savvy, any local computer service shop can help get your system set up.
3. Click carefully
When browsing online, use a trusted search engine to ensure you visit vetted, authoritative websites. Don’t open unsolicited emails and only download software you trust. If a link in an email seems suspicious or isn’t related to your recent activity, don’t click on it. To avoid falling victim to phishing attacks, check for authentic details such as the sender’s email domain. Phishing messages often appear to be from a real company you know, using email domains that are very close to a valid business domain.
4. Check for the “s”
When you visit a website, look for the lock icon and the “https” at the beginning of the URL. This means you have a secure connection, and information such as passwords and credit card numbers are kept private when sent to the site.
5. Use stronger passwords
Use passphrases instead of a single word, and make each one unique with symbols, numbers, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters. If you have trouble keeping track, use a password manager such as LastPass.
6. Use multi-factor authentication
In addition to using strong passwords, use multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This provides an extra layer of protection by requiring a code to be sent to your phone, email, or authenticator app to verify your identity before granting access. The CFCU mobile app already requires two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized members can log in to their accounts.
7. Connect with caution
Free Wi-Fi networks are everywhere, whether at your local coffee shop or airport, but be wary of open networks. Always make sure you’re connected to the right one by checking with an employee, and wait to do your shopping or banking until you’re at home on secure Wi-Fi or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
8. Safely send money online
Make sure you know who you’re sending money to and have them confirm their identity before you transfer money. If you transfer funds to the incorrect individual, you likely won’t get your money back when using popular money transfer apps. If you use Zelle® from your Chaffey FCU account, review all our safety reminders before sending money.