The rapid evolution of the internet and the rise of the online economy have created opportunities for both business and personal growth. But with opportunity comes risk. Cybercriminals are sophisticated and are continually in search of new ways to work around security safeguards. Cyber scams can compromise your personal data and intercept emails without your knowledge or may attempt to deceive you with scams. And with new cyber-crimes emerging each year it can seem daunting to combat the trend.

So how can you protect yourself, your family and your business from scammers? Here are a few simple tips you can put into action today.

Understanding Cybercrime

Cybercrime can take many forms, and while identity theft is well known, it is not the only form of cyber-crime. Cybercriminals can target individual users, devices, or networks. Cybercriminals can breach your security protocols, compromise, or steal personal information (such as passcodes or even your Social Security number). Other forms of cybercrime include stalking, bullying, harassment, and exploitation of minors. One of the best defenses against cybercrime is education. Learning to recognize the signs that a scammer or cybercriminal may be attempting to access your data can help you avoid disaster.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Protecting your family’s personal data from cyber criminals is essential to your personal and online security.

• Use robust passwords. It may seem troublesome to remember a series of complex passwords for various websites, but the more complicated the password, the less likely it will be compromised.
• Invest in a security suite. Online security providers such as Norton, McAfee, and BitDefender offer security packages to fit your needs. A solid security product can filter out all but the most sophisticated scammers.
• Don’t open links from untrusted sources! A favorite tactic of scammers is to impersonate a known company. They often will design emails or other communications to seem as if they originated with a trusted source, such as your insurance company or a social media outlet. This is on the rise and hardly a week goes by when our business addresses don’t receive these.
• Don’t open links from unrecognized sources. It may be tempting to click on a link, especially if it talks about a purchase or the prospect of a prize or savings reward awaits. Check the source before you click. Their email addresses will not match the company in the body of the email. Scammers use these fake offers to entice users into revealing their personal data or to download software on your device to track you.
• Consider using a VPN. Virtual private networks (VPNs) can help keep your personal data secure while in transit. VPNs can be used at home, or when using your devices on public Wi-Fi.
• Educate your family. Many scams require cooperation from the unwitting victim. Learning to recognize a scam on sight can help you avoid a costly headache down the road. For example: Don’t fall for prize offers; beware of notifications of a “problem with your account”; Use caution when opening an unexpected invoice;  Beware of promises of a “government refund”; don’t divulge personal data

Protecting Your Business

Cybercrime affects more than individual users—it can affect business too, often with crippling results. Ensuring that your business stays crime-proof requires vigilance and a bit of street savvy. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your business secure.

Back-up everything. In the event of a network breach or shutdown, you’re going to want to have your network backed up. Storing sensitive data in the Cloud can also help. Cloud storage means your data is always secure and can be retrieved at any time.

Invest in firewall and antivirus technology. Select a security software that meets your needs and be sure to adjust the settings on the software, browser, and email programs to ensure that you’re protected. No employee should be accessing your business data without being behind a firewall!

• Use intrusion detection tools. The best time to stop a breach is before it does any damage. By training your workers to monitor the detection tools, you can stop a breach before it becomes a catastrophe.
• Maintain your security software. Cybercrime is evolving, so why aren’t your safeguards? Be sure your security software is current. If updates or patches are required, don’t skip them. They can plug holes where criminals can access your data.
• Institute a data recovery plan. If a breach occurs, you should have a clear protocol outlining defining the incident response team and its members’ responsibilities.
• Purchase insurance coverage that addresses cyber risks. Cyber insurance coverage typically provides protection for costs associated with data breaches and extortion events. Be sure you invest in an insurance program that fits the needs of your business.

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful.  Charting your course in today’s uncertain times can be tricky. Want to make sure that you and your business are fully insured against potential cyberthreats? Contact MAGIS today and let our skilled and experienced representatives guide you through the process with confidence.