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Protect Your Personal Information From Cyber Criminals
Protect Your Personal Information From Cyber Criminals
Cybercrime is on the rise and individuals must remain vigilant about protecting their confidential information.
Nuno Duarte, Group Information Security Officer at Alexander Forbes, said the frequency of scams and phishing attacks was on the rise. "Cybercrime has the potential to cause significant personal and organisational damage. Various forms of malicious software can be delivered over email and infected websites."
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre's inaugural digital banking crime statistics showed that in 2017, there were 13 438 incidents across banking apps, online banking and mobile banking which cost the industry more than R250 000 000 in gross losses. Incidents from January to August 2018, already show a 64% increase. "These statistics illustrate why digital banking security is a huge challenge for financial institutions," Duarte said. "Cyber awareness is our biggest ally - you are only as safe as your weakest link, and if you have colleagues or family members who are not protecting themselves correctly, they become the weak point, and that is a risk."
Criminal activities such as 'phishing', where fake websites are created to steal people's personal details, as well as the more strategic 'spear phishing' in the form of email or electronic communications scams targeted towards a specific individual, organisation or business.
"Cloud is another word for internet and many people don't realise the risks involved with using the cloud applications such as Gmail, Dropbox or Google apps. Using cloud based applications could be bad news if you don't have the right security in place because the data used with these apps is stored in the cloud. If passwords are cracked, the information is breached." Duarte said free cloud apps sometimes had low security, and should be used with caution.
"Use different passwords across different sites and make sure you have multi-factor authentication, such as SMS, enabled where possible. Protect your mobile device with a password and never copy sensitive information to them if they are not encrypted."
Duarte offers the following tips to protect yourself online:
· You will never be asked for personal or login details via email or phone. Don't respond to unexpected requests for validation of information
· Don't click on links asking for personal information, it may contain programmes designed to steal your data
· Use different passwords for each website you visit. Password managers can help us store and input sensitive information securely
· Create passphrases instead of passwords that are not easy to decipher - the longer the better, using numbers and letters
· Verify suspicious emails or social media links by sending them to your IT department
· Be social media savvy and refrain from publishing too much information about your personal life
· Only download apps from the official app store
· Ensure all of your software is updated and avoid suspicious websites
· Take note of warning screens your computer sends you
· Be cautious about working in public, and don't share USB sticks with strangers
· Never use complimentary computers in airport lounges and hotels to access financial services websites.
"Most importantly, always think before you click," finished Duarte.