Cybersecurity Resources
Cybersecurity Resources:
Things you ought to know. If you are going to participate, even as a consumer, as a citizen, as a parent, or a kid, things you should know about your own online experience.
Phishing, or more commonly the text messaging version, smishing, is the most common form of security threat that both kids and adults risk with a connected lifestyle.
Scammers could be lurking, posing as someone else in their profiles in online gaming, messaging & dating apps as well as classified ads.
You might see a video on YouTube or TikTok offering you prizes or special promos, signing up online and sharing your information and sometimes your payment info too.
You can end up clicking on a malware link, that installs a bot on your computer.
This information was summarized from the Canadian government websit and more information can be found on the Cybersafe website:
https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/cyber-security-kids-introduction
Canadian Provinces investigate Tik Tok for privacy vulnerabilities that show Tik Tok apps could be a portal for unknown cybercriminals.
What can I do if a company I am a customer with reports a hacking event and my information may be compromised?
If a company you are a customer with reports a hacking event and your information may be compromised, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Change your passwords: If you have an account with the company, change your password immediately. Choose a strong, unique password that you haven't used before.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your bank accounts, credit card accounts, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. If you notice any suspicious transactions, report them to the bank or financial institution right away.
- Freeze your credit: Consider placing a freeze on your credit to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. Contact the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to initiate a freeze.
- Be cautious of phishing scams: Scammers may try to take advantage of the situation by sending phishing emails or making phone calls pretending to be the company. Be cautious of any unsolicited communications and don't click on any links or provide any personal information unless you're sure it's legitimate.
- Contact the company: If you haven't already, contact the company to find out what information was compromised and what steps they're taking to protect your information. They may be able to provide you with additional information or resources to help you protect yourself.
It's important to take these steps as soon as possible to minimize the impact of the hack on your personal information and finances.
Next step...
Choose your level of participation in this course. You can..
- Request a tutoring/mentoring or coaching session with the author here. The cost is $45/hour.
- Submit your written work for feedback here. The cost is $10/page.
- Request notification for the next live lecture on this topic here. The cost will be $5.
Lesson Summary
When it comes to cybersecurity, there are several important things to be aware of:
- Phishing, including smishing (text message phishing), is a common security threat for both kids and adults engaging in online activities.
- Scammers can pose as someone else on various platforms, such as online gaming, messaging apps, dating apps, and classified ads, to trick you into sharing personal and payment information.
- Clicking on suspicious links can lead to malware being installed on your device, potentially compromising your security.
Malware is a prevalent threat that can come in various forms:
- Viruses infect your devices and spread to others through contact lists.
- Worms are not attached to files and can activate and make copies of themselves without user action.
- Trojan horses are malicious programs in legitimate software.
- Spyware and adware collect information or display unwanted ads.
- Ransomware locks your device until a ransom is paid.
It's important to note that:
- Malware can be received through various means, such as email, app downloads, attachments, or suspicious links.
- Having antivirus software installed is crucial to protect your devices.
- Antivirus software should be complemented by other cybersecurity practices, like using a VPN on public Wi-Fi and downloading from trusted sources.
Additional tips to protect yourself and your devices include:
- Change passwords if a company you use reports a hacking event.
- Monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity and consider freezing your credit.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and unsolicited communications.
- Contact the affected company to understand the impact and steps being taken to secure your information.
Staying informed and following best practices can help safeguard your online experience from potential cyber threats. By being proactive and vigilant, you can enhance your digital security.