Are you staying safe online?
- Jessica Wolf
- Jul 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Almost all of us these days have access to the internet, and a large amount of our time is spent using it! From watching YouTube videos and playing online games to Googling recipes and keeping in touch with friends, the internet is a wonderful place full of vast amounts of information, entertainment and social spaces that help us feel connected to the things and people we love, but is it safe?
Like all things, the internet comes with its fair share of risks, and in a world that's becoming more electronic by the day, it's important for all of its users to understand these risks, so that we can stay safe from cyber attacks...
What is a Cyber Attack?
A cyber attack is an attempt by hackers or criminals to steal your information, or even damage or destroy a computers network or system. A good example of this is scam e-mails and texts from unknown sources that ask you to 'click a link' or send personal information that could later be used to gain access to your data, including financial information.
Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is any program or code that is designed by cybercriminals (hackers) to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorized access to a computer, network or server to steal data. Malware is the most common type of cyberattack encompassing many subsets such as ransomware, trojans, spyware, and viruses.
A Ransomware Attack is where the hacker encrypts the victims data, and demands payment to decrypt the data.
Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software, and designed to steal data and personal information.
Attackers use Spyware to collect personal and sensitive information such as credit card and bank account details.
Phishing
This is a type of cyberattack that uses email, SMS, phone calls, social media, and social engineering techniques to entice a victim to share sensitive information — such as passwords or account numbers — or to download a malicious file that will install viruses on their computer or phone. A common example is victims receive a seemingly legitimate email or text message from their bank asking them to click a link and fill in their personal details. These details are then available for the hackers, allowing them to steal the victims money and/or identity.
Spoofing
Spoofing is when Cyber Attackers disguise themselves as a known and trusted source, such as the victims internet or electricity provider, to gain access to personal information.
Tip: Always inspect email addresses. Fraudulent emails will often seem legitimate upon first glance, but when closely inspected reveal spelling errors. For example you may get an email from Lloyd's Bank, but when you really look - it's actually from Lloydsbankk@gmail.com... It's also important to remember that your bank will never ask you for personal or sensitive information over email, so if you get one - it's probably a scam!
Social Engineering
This is a technique where attackers use psychological tactics to manipulate people into handing over personal and financial information. Through the use of powerful motivators like love, money and fear, attackers can gather sensitive information that they can later use against their victim. The 'honeytrap' is where attackers target victims looking for friendship, and create fake profiles to build trust until they can easily manipulate the victim into sending money and/or handing over personal details that can be used to steal their identity.
Remember to never send anyone money unless you're absolutely sure who you're paying it to. Don't give out any passwords or personal details like your address, date of birth or phone number. Don't click on links, especially if you're not sure who they've been sent from, and if you get an email that looks like its from your internet provider or bank telling you to click on a link, you can always call them, or use the live chat feature on their website to double check. Most importantly; be careful what you post on social media! We know it's tempting to post pictures of the beautiful roses outside your home and 'check in' when you've arrived at the airport for your summer holiday, but for cyber criminals, you've just told them you're leaving the country for a week, and shown them what your front door looks like...
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber Security is what we can use to keep our systems, devices and our personal information safe from attackers in an electronic world. An example of Cyber Security is Anti-Virus Software that we can install on our devices, such as Kaspersky and Norton, but it's also our behaviour online, and the risks that behaviour presents.
Tips for staying safe online:
Don't post or give out personal information to people online
Turn on your privacy settings and don't accept friend requests from people you don't know
Choose strong passwords that aren't easy for people to guess
Make sure you're using a secure internet connection
Be careful what you download
Make sure you install the latest app and software updates
Turn on two-step verification
Only make purchases from known and trusted websites
Regularly back up your data
Stay informed about the latest online scams
Cyber Griffin
Cyber Griffin was founded by The City of London Police in 2017 and works to educate people and businesses on Cyber Crimes, how to recognize a Cyber Attack, and the importance of staying safe online. Their 'Baseline Briefing' is designed to raise attendees’ baseline level of knowledge of Cyber Security by providing relevant, up-to-date information, examples of common Cyber Attacks, and effective advice.
To read more (or sign up for a Cyber Griffin Baseline Briefing), you can visit their website here:
Other Useful Links
If you'd like to learn more a bout Cyber Security and how to identify attackers, whether that be in the form of a scam e-mail or website, here are some helpful websites you can visit:
Staying Safe Online by Age UK:
Empowering Older Adults to stay safe online:
Age Space's Top Tips for staying safe online:
National Cyber Security Centre:
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