This time of year, people do a lot more online shopping than they usually do - making your "digital footprint" much larger. This increase in online activity leads to an increased risk of compromising your personal information and being hacked. There is always an uptick in fraud this time of year and we do not want you to fall victim. Learn more about how hackers are getting information and how best to protect yourself against "Bad Santa" hackers this season.
YOUR "DIGITAL FOOTPRINT"
When you walk across a beach, you leave a footprint in the sand that is unique to you as an individual. So, the easiest way to visualize what your "digital footprint" looks like is to imagine that the Internet is a very large beach, and when you are browsing the Internet, you are walking that beach - leaving all sorts of your individual footprints behind. Let's dive a little deeper so you can see exactly what TYPE of footprints you are leaving behind in the digital world.
Your Digital Footprint is comprised of traces of personal information that you leave behind on the internet while actively using devices such as computers, smart phones, IoTs (Internet of Things), etc.
The saved and collected data in your digital footprint comes from various different online activities, some of which may be saved intentionally saved by you - i.e., login IDs & passwords, stored payment information, social media posts, etc. And some of which are not intentional and you may not even be aware are being stored - i.e., your browsing history and online search behavior is often tracked by websites you frequent, retail stores where you swipe your card, questions you ask of IoT (Internet of Things) devices like Siri or Alexa, etc.
This data is most commonly used by retail companies that want to deliver you tailored advertising relevant to your search history – which can actually make your online shopping experience much more convenient, for certain. But, this digital footprint can also welcome risk. Whether the information is something you actively or passively store online, the larger your digital footprint becomes, the more vulnerable you are to being hacked or having your information compromised. But there are ways to protect yourself, which we will talk more about later in the article. First, let's chat about HOW hackers are able to obtain information from your digital footprint.
HACKERS ARE SNEAKY AND CLEVER
Hackers are constantly working on ways to obtain information. They work very hard to try and stay ahead of the securities put in place online. This is why we, as a financial institution, stay very in tune with common practices of online hackers and fraudsters. Because they are working so hard and many of them getting so clever with their tactics (using fake ads, phishing emails, phone scams, etc.), it can be somewhat easy to get hacked or tricked, but there are ways to keep yourself educated and protected from these crimes. It is important to regularly read up about current hacking trends and common fraud tactics. You have already started this process just by reading this article! Here are some common hacker practices to watch out for, most especially:
- The most common hack or scam is executed with emails. The hacker somehow obtains your email address from your digital footprint and then proceeds to send you an email seeking more information from you - often some form of payment is requested. Sophisticated scammers are able to make the email look like it is from a legitimate and popular retailer, sometimes they can make it even look like it's from your boss, co-worker, family member, or friend. Once you click on something in the email, they could already be downloading information from your computer. Or, you might be tricked into thinking you're making a legitimate purchase if the email offers a discount, etc. Once you enter any credit card information, you've been had.
- Right behind email scams is telephone scams. Our aging population most often fall victim to this type of scam, but it happens to people of all ages. A fraudster may telephone you and state they are with your credit card holding company and your payment was not receive and in order to avoid collections, you must make a payment now. Best thing to keep in mind - NEVER give your personal information or payment information when you receive an UNSOLICITED call. Hang up and call your financial institution or the location directly to confirm identity and if the call was real.
PROTECTING YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT INFORMATION
While this all seems scary and you may be thinking to yourself, "I am NEVER buying something online again!" The truth is, if you work hard to protect and guard your information, you can remain safe while shopping and searching online. Financial institutions and retailers are constantly improving their platforms to stay ahead of hackers as best they can. But here are some ways you can help yourself as well:
- Be sure that your computer devices have strong, reliable anti-malware software installed and running always. Be sure you always download the most up to date IOS version on your mobile devices to keep the security updated.
- Avoid using public WIFI networks completely. If you do need to use one (for example, to have better cell service while shopping away from family, etc.) - be very cautious about any apps you use or websites you visit while on your mobile device.
- Learn how to clear your internet browsing history and cookies on your devices and do so periodically. This can help to minimize the information out there for hackers to obtain and use against you.
- Avoid oversharing on social media any personal items that could be used to guess login & password information. Keep your passwords complex and lengthy and change them at least once every three months.
- Be especially cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, and advertisements. Do not click on ads in these platforms. Always call the sender first to see if it was a legitimate email or call.
- Closely monitor your credit and debit card activity daily. Use your card's mobile app to have easy access to your balance and recent transactions. These apps also often give you the capability to easily turn your card off if you suspect fraud.
To stay on top of the latest in hacker techniques and common practices, keep an eye right here on the LLCU Blog for all the latest information to keep you safe. We're here for you!