Common ways people become cyber threat targets
In today's digital age, the risk of cyber-attacks is a significant concern as bad actors exploit vulnerabilities in online interactions. Individuals can inadvertently become targets through negligence, lack of knowledge, or oversight. Understanding common cybercriminal tactics is crucial for safeguarding personal and organizational security. Here are the most common ways people are targeted and how to protect personal information.1. Phishing scams
Phishing scams are a prevalent method for cybercriminals to hack individuals. Be vigilant about suspicious links, unexpected attachments, requests for confidential information, and urgent language in messages. Verify sender addresses and domains before taking action.
Vishing: Fraudulent phone calls or voicemails from seemingly reputable companies aim to obtain personal information. Never give out personal or banking details over the phone unless you initiate the call. Verify requests with your service provider.
Smishing: Phishing attacks through text messages can lead to phishing websites or harmful software downloads. Always verify suspicious texts with your service provider before clicking on links.
2. Weak passwords
Using strong, unique passwords for each account and enabling multi-factor authentication is crucial. Cybercriminals can crack weak passwords quickly, gaining access to personal information and financial assets. Proactively safeguard online accounts with robust password practices.
3. Social engineering
Hackers often exploit simple deception to trick individuals, using psychological manipulation. To protect yourself, remain vigilant, question the identity of individuals, and approach requests for money or personal information with caution. Avoid sharing too much personal information on social media and ensure your security and privacy settings are enabled on all platforms.
4. Outdated software
Failing to update systems leaves them vulnerable to cybercriminals who exploit security weaknesses to steal data or introduce malware. Regularly apply critical security patches to all systems and applications. Follow your workplace's update policy and enable automatic updates on your devices to stay protected from security threats.
Staying informed and vigilant about common cyber threat tactics is essential. By taking proactive measures such as updating passwords regularly, being cautious of phishing emails, and securing personal information online, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber-attacks. Prioritize online security to protect yourself and your personal information in an increasingly digital world.
* Cornelia Shipindo is the Manager: Cyber Security at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
** Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Namibia Media Holdings adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.