Buswell and Associates delivers comprehensive cyber safety training tailored for school learners, educators and school management teams.
The internet has become an essential part of our lives, offering convenience, communication, and entertainment. However, with this digital connectivity comes an ever-growing risk of cyber threats. From phishing scams to malware attacks, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit individuals and businesses. Understanding these threats is the first step toward staying safe online.
Common Cyber Threats You Should Know
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats, where attackers trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details, by pretending to be legitimate entities. These scams often come in the form of emails, text messages, or fake websites.
How to Stay Safe:
Always verify the sender before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
Look for signs of suspicious emails, such as urgent requests or grammatical errors.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts.
2. Malware and Ransomware
Malware refers to malicious software designed to infiltrate or damage devices, while ransomware locks users out of their files until a ransom is paid. These threats can be spread through malicious downloads, email attachments, or compromised websites.
How to Stay Safe:
Install and regularly update reliable antivirus software.
Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
Keep your operating system and applications up to date.
3. Identity Theft
Cybercriminals steal personal information, such as social security numbers, credit card details, or login credentials, to commit fraud or unauthorized transactions.
How to Stay Safe:
Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media.
Regularly check bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
4. Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information. Attackers may pose as trusted figures, such as customer service representatives or IT support, to gain access to private data.
How to Stay Safe:
Be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages asking for sensitive information.
Verify identities before providing any data.
Educate yourself and others on social engineering tactics.
5. Public Wi-Fi Risks
Using public Wi-Fi without protection can expose your data to hackers who intercept your internet traffic through man-in-the-middle attacks.
How to Stay Safe:
- Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (e.g., banking) on public Wi-Fi.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
- Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections on your devices.
6. Sextortion
Sextortion occurs when cybercriminals threaten to release private or intimate images or videos unless a ransom is paid. Attackers often gain access to these materials through hacking, phishing, or social engineering.
How to Stay Safe:
Never share intimate images or videos online or through messages.
Be cautious of strangers asking for personal information or media.
Report any sextortion attempts to law enforcement immediately.
7. SIM Swapping
SIM swapping is when attackers trick mobile carriers into transferring a victim’s phone number to a new SIM card, allowing them to bypass two-factor authentication and gain access to personal accounts.
How to Stay Safe:
Set up a PIN or password with your mobile carrier for added security.
Use authentication apps instead of SMS-based 2FA when possible.
Monitor account activity for unusual login attempts.
8. Deepfake Scams
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake images, videos, or audio recordings, often used for fraud, blackmail, or misinformation.
How to Stay Safe:
Be cautious of unexpected video calls or messages that seem suspicious.
Verify sources before believing or sharing media content.
Use facial recognition safeguards where possible to detect deepfakes.
Best Practices for Cybersecurity
Keep software and devices updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.
Back up important data regularly to prevent loss in case of a cyberattack.
Educate yourself and your family about cybersecurity threats and how to respond.
Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager to keep track of them.