Whether we’re surfing the waves of the World Wide Web or navigating complex commercial agreements, it pays to play it safe online.
Cybersecurity Awareness Week may be over for another year but, once again, it instigated discussions about enhancing digital safety. The frequency of phishing emails has surged dramatically, so if you haven’t encountered one yet, it’s likely only a matter of time.
Recently, a friend shared an unfortunate incident where they faced financial hardship after assisting someone with an ‘unexpected loan’. I questioned why they would lend money if they couldn’t afford it – they clicked on a malicious link leading to unauthorised withdrawals from their account until the bank intervened. This incident serves as a vital reminder to exercise caution when dealing with email links, particularly those from unknown sources.
It is prudent to avoid clicking embedded links even in emails that appear legitimate. Instead, visit official websites directly and input necessary information there to verify the authenticity of any payment request and to ensure funds are directed correctly.
There are many instances when emails and texts appear to be from legitimate sources, such as NZ Post regarding parcels, NZTA for unpaid tolls, or subscription services identifying expired credit cards or overdue accounts. These can be deceptive, but a cautious approach can help mitigate risks. When in doubt, contact the service provider directly.
It is also crucial to examine the senders’ email addresses. Scammers often use aliases that appear legitimate. To verify the authenticity, click once on the address for full details or right click to check its properties. If the email is confirmed to be fraudulent, block the address to prevent further communications.
Another safeguard is to use a separate card for online purchases, one linked to an account with a limited balance sufficient only to cover the intended purchase. This approach minimises potential financial losses should your card be compromised.
In the unfortunate event of falling victim to hacking, contact your bank promptly to block your accounts and prevent further unauthorised transactions. Do not feel embarrassed as such incidents can occur to anyone.
Cybercrime cost the global economy approximately $13 trillion in 2023 and it’s projected to rise to $20 trillion by 2025, so it is essential to remain vigilant.
The importance of strong, unique passwords for all accounts cannot be understated. Use passphrases or random words combined with numbers and special characters.
For instance, a phrase such as ‘many hands make light work’ could become ‘MhMlw2511%’ by including an acronym, uppercase letters, adding a number and a special character. Another method is using the initials of children’s middle names, or a similar memorable prompt that will be cryptic to everyone except you.
Avoid using the same password across accounts – once one is compromised all are at risk. If remembering multiple passwords is challenging, a password management system can provide secure storage.
As mentioned, it is essential to prioritise digital safety by avoiding links in emails and visiting official websites directly instead, verifying email addresses, using unique passwords and considering a separate account for online purchases. Cybercriminals often exploit a sense of urgency, so take your time, think critically and seek advice from professionals or trusted friends if in doubt. By staying vigilant, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from cyber threats.
