It isn't always obvious when someone is trying to trick you online. From text messages that look like they're from your bank to phone calls that sound like they might be from your boss, staying ahead of phishing is all about being vigilant.
Week 3 of Cyber Month is all about helping you recognize evolving cyber threats and how to stay ahead of them. We'll discuss how taking a few simple steps today helps protect your identity and finances now and down the road.
Phishing, smishing, and vishing
Phishing messages are designed to make you react quickly – either negatively or positively – so cyber criminals can attempt to steal your money or information. They are often disguised as emails, text messages (smishing), phone calls (vishing) and even direct messages (DMs) on social media from places or people you trust – like a delivery company, your bank, a friend, and even your job. They may threaten you by insisting that you need to click a link to get out trouble or offer you a deal that's too good to be true if you give up sensitive information. But acting on suspicious messages can cause you to lose your finance or even your identity.
This week, we'll discuss how to identify suspicious messages and delete them, how to report texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), and when to be cautious and hang up on suspicious calls so future you will thank you.
AI and sophisticated threats
Artificial intelligence can help us achieve things faster than ever before, like summarizing research, detailing important meetings, and even writing funny song lyrics for friends. Unfortunately, cyber criminals are using it too. AI generated phishing messages, deepfake voice calls, and even realistic fake videos are making it harder than ever to tell what's real and what isn't.
The good news is that you don't need to outsmart robots (yet) – you just need to be a little more skeptical online. This week, we'll discuss how to spot the signs of AI generated text, images, and videos and how cyber criminals are using new technology to make their scams more believable. We'll explore how staying cautious today can even help you outsmart tomorrow's most complicated scams.
Looking ahead
Cyber threats are evolving, but so is your knowledge! Take time this week to learn more about spotting suspicious messages, AI generated content, and how to protect your digital identity. With a few simple steps, your future self will thank you for not clicking that phishing message and getting your hopes up for that fake vacation.