Online Safety

When using the internet, we all face certain risks that we are aware of and unaware of. With the advancements of technology and types of attacks evolving constantly, we too must be informed and aware of potential dangers online. It is up to us to stay secure and safe when surfing the web.

Staying safe involves not visiting malicious websites, clicking suspicious links, downloads from unknown sources and not sharing too much PII (Personally Identifiable information) online.

Malicious websites can launch attacks on you without your knowledge in multiple ways including executing malicious code in the background for nefarious reasons.

Clicking suspicious links can reveal your identity, lead you to malicious sites/apps.

Download malicious software, execute bad actor code and much more.

Downloads from unknown sources puts your device(s) at risk for attacks such as malware and ransomware.

Unknown downloads also put all your personal info and data at risk. Sharing every aspect of your life online (social media, usually), allows attackers to launch advanced attacks against you depending on their needs/wants (Social Engineering for example).

Important dates, friends and family info, life events and related info can be used for password attacks and other attacks.

Bad actors use information we provide online, against us. Be wary of whom you talk with online as well.

Impersonation attacks are on the rise including cloned Facebook accounts to attempt to trick users into revealing info or completing a task.

Another common attack across social media, is the Google voice attack. A google voice attack is when you are in contact with a person you just met online (Marketplace sale or cloned friend account), and they ask to send you a 6-digit code to your cell to verify you are a real person.

They send the code after you provide your cell number, and you provide them with the code.

Once they receive this code, they already creating a Google Voice account (Impersonating YOU) to forward all your calls and messages to this new google voice number(account).

Once this is completed successfully, they can go farther and start signing into your accounts, taking over everything on your phone and then locking you out.

HOW TO PREVENT THIS: Never provide anyone with any type of code online. It is preposterous to believe that you must verify your identity with a code to some stranger online.

If a friend request appears of someone you thought was already a friend on social media, verify with the friend account you already have been in contact with that this new account is them.

Same concept with emails and messenger apps, verify the sender. (Ask the account you have already been in contact with or have added as a friend)

Moral of the story: Staying safe online requires common sense and good intuition.