Cybersecurity in the Digital Landscape: Understanding and Safeguarding Against Cyber Threats

In the vast landscape of the digital world, where information is everywhere and everyone is connected, there are both opportunities and dangers. Just as we navigate the physical world with caution and care, we need to be equally careful when it comes to cybersecurity on our personal computers and mobile devices. 

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so do the threats from those seeking to take advantage of the broader population. Cyber criminals are constantly devising new schemes to exploit unsuspecting users, often targeting those who may be less familiar with the intricacies of technology. To make matters more challenging, previously less sophisticated criminals, or those operating in foreign countries, are now able to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to overcome language barriers, making them more challenging to detect. For older adults, many of whom grew up without computers (and certainly without smartphones), the prospect of safeguarding against such threats can be overwhelming. 

Knowledge and a healthy dose of paranoia are the greatest weapons in the battle for cybersecurity. By understanding the risks and adopting simple yet effective practices, we can all navigate the digital world with more confidence and peace of mind. 

Recognize Threats to Cybersecurity 

• Phishing continues to be the most common email attack method, accounting for nearly 40% of all email threats 
• Phishing is when cybercriminals impersonate trusted entities—like banks or companies—sending fake emails or messages. They bait recipients into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links by creating a sense of urgency or offering enticing rewards. Once hooked, victims unwittingly hand over sensitive data, enabling hackers to steal identities, money, or even spread viruses. 
• Understand the risks posed by data mining, which harvests personal information from online sources. 

Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks through Behavior 

• Maintain privacy when sharing location and posting photos online to prevent exposure of personal assets or vacation schedules. 
• Beware of phishing scams, which remain prevalent, by verifying sources and refraining from sharing personal information through unsolicited emails or messages. 
• Avoid oversharing on social media to prevent exposure to risks associated with divulging excessive personal information. 
• Practice good cyber hygiene by exercising caution online and safeguarding personal information. 
• Remain vigilant against emerging threats, such as malicious password reset requests, and refrain from responding to unsolicited prompts, regardless of their apparent authenticity. 

Prioritize Routine Maintenance and Proactive Measures 

• Ensure devices are equipped with updated cybersecurity software, including antivirus programs and firewalls, to fortify cyber defense. 
• Secure digital identities internally by using strong, unique passwords for each account and embracing two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. 
• Use up-to-date hardware and software (networking devices, mobile devices, software and computer operating systems reach a point when they are no longer supported with security updates). 
• Limit applications installed on mobile devices to trusted providers  
• Use strong passwords on home networking devices and Wi-Fi. 

Monitor Financial Accounts 

• Understand that fraud protection guarantees from financial institutions, like Fidelity and Schwab, are contingent upon assets being stolen through no fault of the owner. 
• Monitor account balances and transactions, and review statements as provided directly from the institution. 
• Monitor credit reports annually and consider freezing credit with major credit bureaus. 
• Enable Text Alerts with Financial Institutions on Money Transfers 
  • On Fidelity.com, navigate to “News & Research,” “Alerts,” and then “Text Alerts Quick Start,” and activate all three types of alerts listed on the page.
  • On Schwab.com, click on “Profile,” “Security Settings,” and then scroll down to “Security Alerts” to enable text alerts. Check with your other financial institutions to enable similar alerts.

To navigate the digital frontier with confidence, it’s essential to commit to staying informed, adapt to emerging threats, and implement proactive measures against cyber threats. For further assistance or questions about protecting yourself online, contact your Truepoint Team.