Malware (22%) and phishing (20%) will continue to be the most common causes of cyberattacks in 2022.⁴ Despite the development of sophisticated tools and services, humans will continue to be the most cost-effective and reliable attack vector for cybercriminals worldwide.  As a result, it’s critical that we all remain informed about how to safeguard ourselves at work and at home and prevent breaches. 

Here are some basic steps recommended by Microsoft so we can all #BeCyberSmart:

Phishing: In 2021, 30% of attacks involved deceptive emails, fake websites, and text messages. So, how can we avoid falling for these phishing scams?

• Look at the sender’s email address to see if they are genuine. A sender address that is either misspelled or unrelated is a common phishing warning sign. Do not reply if you are unsure. Create a new email instead to respond.
• Unless you have verified the sender, never open email attachments or click on links.

Devices and software:  Cybercriminals typically gain access through outdated software and hardware. To avoid destructive malware that can steal personal information, practicing good cyber hygiene is crucial. To assist in protecting your devices:

• Enable the lock feature on your mobile devices.
• Set up multifactor authentication for your private accounts and apps.

Scams: Criminals will often contact you seeking to “fix” a nonexistent problem. The email or text message will contain a sense of urgency, such as “Act now to avoid having your account locked!” If you see this type of message, do not click the link. And remember to always report any suspected scam so your company can take action. A few tips to remember:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited tech support calls or error messages requesting urgent action.
• Do not follow any prompts to download software from any third-party website.
• When in doubt, open a separate browser page and go directly to the company’s webpage.

Passwords: Passwords are our first line of defense against unauthorized access to accounts, devices, and files. However, the average person now has more than 150 online accounts; password fatigue is always a danger. Some tips on how to protect your passwords include:

• Use your browser’s password generator to create stronger passwords.
• Avoid accessing personal and financial data using a public wireless network.
• Use a password manager, or consider going passwordless.