The internet has brought us all numerous benefits, but also new dangers. There are people out there who will take any opportunity to target your business and your staff. These are the scammers who might try to rip off your company, and cybercriminals are determined and ingenious in their quest for a quick buck. Do you know which of the messages and phone calls you get every day could be from a cybercriminal, and how to maintain your online security? It all starts by being aware of how they work. To stay safe from hackers and online crooks, read these three tips on how to identify their activities.
Don’t Trust Anyone
The way scammers work is to create a false sense of security, and they often pretend to be someone you know or as representatives of an organization you know and trust. To persuade people to transfer money, or to do something else they want, cybercriminals have even been known to pretend to be someone within the same company as their target – perhaps posing as a highly placed executive. Always err on the side of caution and examine the sender’s credentials critically. If anything seems even slightly suspicious, check it out further, or even contact the supposed sender to verify the request.
Is it Too Good to be True?
One way the bad guys try to reel people in and reveal sensitive information is by offering prizes. Often it’s simple to spot these tricks. If you’re told you’ve won big but you don’t remember ever entering the competition, that’s a red flag. If they imply you’ve placed an order or did something to make you eligible for a prize draw, but it’s all news to you, then it could be a scam.
Act Now!
The cybercriminals often try to rush people, to pressurize them into making bad decisions that will benefit themselves. You might be told to act immediately, whether it’s to claim a prize or avoid some fictional legal action. They could try to push you into paying a bill or resetting a password so that hackers can access your accounts. Tactics designed to pressure you to act now could be a sign of something wrong, so be skeptical.
These are just three of the ruses and deceptions to look out for so that you don’t fall prey to online predators and cybercriminals. If you encounter any of these, think before you proceed. Awareness of how scammers and hackers operate is the first step to staying safe online. If you’re worried or unsure, rely on professionals like Quikteks. Our experts can tell you whether a message is authentic, and if your network has security gaps. For more information, reach out to us at (973) 882-4644 and benefit from our expertise.