Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared the month of October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. October 2024 marks the 21st Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Cybercrime continues to escalate in frequency and complexity. The FBI reports that while cyber-attacks grow in prevalence and sophistication, so do associated costs for recovery and prevention. As many as 78% of organizations globally, and 76% of organizations in the United States, are hacked by successful cyber-attacks. Here at GGUSD, we take cybersecurity seriously and are working to raise awareness on the importance of cybersecurity. Each week, we will highlight different topics along with tips, and videos to help you familiarize and protect your data, identity and finances.
- Week 1: Protect Your Identity
- Week 2: Online Shopping Safety
- Week 3: Ways to Avoid Banking Scams (Coming Next Week!)
In today's digital age, where personal information is constantly being collected, shared, and stored online, protecting your identity has become more crucial than ever. With the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and the growing number of data breaches, the risk of identity theft has skyrocketed.
How Thieves Use Stolen Identities
Identity thieves can use your stolen information to do a variety of harmful things, including:
- Opening new credit cards: Thieves can use your personal information to open new credit cards and run up large balances.
- Taking out loans: Thieves can use your personal information to take out loans in your name.
- Committing identity theft: Thieves can use your personal information to commit identity theft, which can damage your credit score and make it difficult to get a loan or a job.
- Filing false tax returns: Thieves can use your personal information to file false tax returns and steal your tax refund.
Tips for Protecting Your Identity
- Monitor your credit reports: Check your credit reports regularly for any unauthorized activity. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) once a year.
- Use strong passwords: Create strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Be careful what you share online: Be careful about what personal information you share online, especially on social media.
- Use secure Wi-Fi networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities, such as online banking or shopping.
- Protect your physical mail: Shred any documents that contain personal information, such as credit card statements or utility bills.
Protecting your identity is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures. By following the tips outlined, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft. Remember to monitor your credit reports regularly, use strong and unique passwords, be cautious about sharing personal information online, and protect your physical mail. Additionally, stay informed about the latest identity theft trends and scams to ensure you are equipped to safeguard your personal information.
Want to know if your email is compromised?
Check out haveibeenpwned.com
GGUSD Quiz – Test Your Knowledge
(Select the correct answer)
Recommended Videos
5 Ways to Help Protect Your Identity (1:26)
Protect Your Identity (0:56)
Online shopping is convenient, but it comes with risks such as identity theft, fraud, and data breaches. Here are some tips and resources to help you stay safe while shopping online.
Tips for Safe Online Shopping
- Use Secure Websites
- When shopping online, always check for security features on the website:
- Look for "https://" at the beginning of the URL, indicating a secure connection.
- Ensure there's a padlock symbol in the browser address bar.
- Avoid shopping on unfamiliar websites or sites that lack secure payment gateways.
- Enable Alerts for Transactions
Set up alerts with your bank or credit card provider to be notified of any purchases made with your card. This allows you to immediately catch any suspicious or unauthorized activity. - Check for Return and Refund Policies
Before making any purchase, review the return, exchange, and refund policies. Reputable retailers will have clear guidelines, which also adds credibility to the site. - Research Before You Buy
Look up the website or the seller's reviews before making a purchase. Read customer feedback and ensure the site or marketplace has a solid reputation. - Prefer Credit Over Debit
Use a credit card instead of a debit card when shopping online. Credit cards often provide better protection against fraud and unauthorized purchases. - Limit Personal Information When Checking Out
Only fill out the required fields when making a purchase. Be cautious if an online store asks for information like Social Security numbers or other sensitive personal data. - Use Browser Extensions for Extra Security
Install browser extensions that block malicious websites and offer additional protection while shopping online. Examples include HTTPS Everywhere or privacy-focused ad blockers. - Avoid Clicking on Ads
Refrain from clicking on pop-up ads or ads on websites. Instead, navigate directly to the retailer’s official site to avoid fake stores that could steal your information. - Utilize Temporary or Virtual/Lower Limit Credit Cards
Some banks and credit card companies offer temporary or virtual credit card numbers for online purchases. These expire after one use or having a low credit limit, provides an additional layer of security.
GGUSD Quiz – Test Your Knowledge
(Select the correct answer)
Recommended Videos
Security Awareness Episode 8: Wi-Fi
Tips for Shopping Online Safely | CNET (1:41)
Online Shopping Safety Tips | Houston Police (0:54)