In today’s digital age, cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to exploit internet users. Especially now with the help of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to make attacks more scalable and efficient, cyber citizens are more vulnerable than ever, from phishing schemes to identity theft, among others.
However, by understanding these threats and implementing proactive measures, we can significantly enhance our online safety.
During a recent webinar on Building Resilience Against Online Scams, hosted by leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc., its Chief Executive Advisor and technology expert Eugene Yeo shared valuable insights on how to effectively defend ourselves against these.
He emphasized that the first step when it comes to online protection is to understand how attackers operate.
“The first question has to be how we are attacked. We need to understand that there are so many tools out there that are not just targeted towards you but also towards everyone around you. This is important for us to know because even if we install antivirus on our computers, or even if we ignore suspicious emails, these are no longer enough,” Yeo pointed out.
He then offered several tips for building a strong personal defense against cyber attacks:
1. Be mindful of what you share online
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X encourage users to share extensive personal information, often without considering the potential consequences. Yeo cautioned that cybercriminals can exploit this information for a variety of malicious purposes.
He encourages users to think critically about the personal information they post. These are not limited to names, birthdates, and contact information but include details about family members, friends, and real-time locations, which can also inadvertently compromise safety.
“As much as we all love social media, every information that you put there is information that the attacker can use. Perhaps your birthday, your families and your connections, perhaps where you are at this point of time – all these are critical pieces of information that an attacker would leverage on in order to really compromise,” Yeo advised.
Always check the links of websites to ensure that they are legitimate sites.
2. Be generally aware
Maintaining vigilance while online is vital to reducing our risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. This means being skeptical of unexpected messages and practicing safe browsing habits.
“Be careful when you receive emails that look legitimate like emails from your bank. Double check it. Try not to click on links in emails. Try to go to the official site and go through the right process instead of taking the shortcut. Try not to click any links in emails and text messages. Go through the official path,” Yeo said.
SMS phishing scams continue to be prevalent, often including a link to a ‘mirror’ website that looks exactly like the legitimate website that is being used as a front. Victims unwittingly provide their information and personal details on the scam site.
A modus that hackers use after gaining control of your account is leveraging your network in social media to ask for payment and will send proof of their ‘identity’ using your public photos.
3. Think like an attacker
Yeo added that understanding how cybercriminals think can greatly enhance our defense online. By putting ourselves in their shoes, we can better secure our information as we realize particular weaknesses that could be targeted, he said.
“As we think like an attacker and think of how they’re doing it, it will really help us understand how we should better approach the defense,” said Yeo.
4. Engage and Educate Your Circle
Given that our family and friends can also be taken advantage of for illicit activities, it is essential to employ comprehensive protection. Yeo highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge to family and friends to safeguard even our extended network.
“To verify, you can use a safe code between friends or family members that when they hear this code that you’ve agreed to, they know it’s you. It’s very important to think like this to add layers to protect not just yourself, but the circle around you,” Yeo encouraged.
With these in mind, Yeo reminded participants that while the digital landscape poses new challenges due to advancements in technology and AI, there are effective approaches we can use to stay safe on the internet. Embracing these steps allows us to take control of our online safety and empower others to do the same.
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