Behind the Screens: Protect Yourself from Cybercriminals
Don't Get Scrooged - Protect Your Online Accounts
'Tis the season for online shopping... but lurking behind the screens are Scrooges (cybercriminals) waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Online threats, like phishing scams and fraudulent websites, spike during the holidays. Protecting your personal and financial information is more critical than ever. Follow these tips to keep your shopping secure and stress-free!
Strengthen Your Passwords
Your password is your first line of defense. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, combining uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. At CWCU, our employees are taught to create passwords out of fact or phrases that are easy to remember which include the above characteristics (i.e. C0mmunityW3st1sBest!) In 2024, 8 out of 10 web users reported using the same passwords across multiple accounts. When over 50% of attacks focus on gaining user credentials, it is imperative to use unique passwords for all of your accounts (aka- Don't use the same password over and over across accounts.)
Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Emails, Calls, and Texts
In 2024, Phishing was the most common tactic for online account takeovers. Oftentimes, cybercriminals will send deceiving emails or texts that contain suspicious links, attempting to gain your personal and financial information. They could look like they're coming from trusted retailers, delivery services, charities, or even your financial institution or credit card company. Look for common red flags like a sense of urgency or misspellings. When in doubt, do not click on any links and call the company directly.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If a retailer or payment platform offers two-factor authentication, enable it. This security feature requires you to verify your identity through a second method, like a text message code or an app notification. Even if someone gets hold of your password, 2FA makes it much harder for them to access your account.
Update Your Devices and Apps
Cybercriminals exploit outdated software to access your information. Ensure your smartphone, tablet, and computer have the latest updates installed. You can also use a trusted antivirus program for added protection.
Beware of Account Takeovers
Social Media account hacks led the way in 2024 as the top avenue for scammers, accounting for 53% of cyber attacks- translating to nearly 77 million accounts hacked. Risks include leaks of sensitive personal information, identity theft, financial losses, malware attacks, data loss, and reputation damage, all of which typically happen before the user is even aware there’s an issue. Be wary of any friend requests you receive from people you do not know. Even if you have mutual friends in common, appear to attend(ed) the same schools, or live in the same areas as you. These are all common tactics for cybercriminals to gain your trust, and then turn their attack on your own profiles.
Be Aware of "Look-Alike" and Fake Online Stores
Online shopping has made it easy for consumers during the holiday season, but it has also made it a prime target for scammers. Be on the lookout for online stores that mimic other popular stores or are entirely fake. With the surge in social media shopping (Instagram and TikTok shops), fraudsters have begun to create fake social media pages with shops offering deals on popular products that typically go viral on the platforms. Always keep in mind, if the deal seems too good to be true — it most likely is. This is so important that we needed to mention it again...if a deal seems too good to be true — it most likely is!
Keep Safe this Holiday Season
Fraud can happen to anyone at any time, but the Holiday Season brings an expected spike. Being wary and researching isn't the only way to stave off holiday fraud! Keep a close eye on your accounts, especially during the spending frenzy, as it's easy for unauthorized charges to go unchecked during the busy season. Set up account alerts like fraud and transactions to be notified every time your card is used, helping you quickly identify fraud. CWCU members can also take advantage of IDProtect®, a personal identity theft monitoring and resolution service. If you believe you've been targeted by fraud, it's important to act quickly. Contact your financial institution, report the scam through the BBB, and if applicable, report to your local authorities and/or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).