Ransomware is a type of malware designed to encrypt users’ files or lock their operating systems so attackers can demand a ransom payment. According to a 2016 Symantec report, the average ransom demand is almost $700 and “consumers are the most likely victims of ransomware, accounting for 57 percent of all infections between January 2015 […]
Are You Practicing Safe Social Networking?
Who Else Is Online? Social media sites are not well-monitored playgrounds with protectors watching over you to ensure your safety. When you use social media, do you think about who might be using it besides your friends and connections? Following are some of the other users you may encounter. Identity thieves. Cybercriminals need only a […]
Think You’ve Been Hacked? Here’s How to Shake It Off!
Face it: Hackers Gonna Hack. How to know if you’ve been hacked? Your friends tell you. They’ve received a spammy or phishy e-mail from your account. Your phone tells you. Collection companies are calling about nonpayment. Battery and data usage are higher than normal. Charges for premium SMS numbers show up on your bill. Your […]
Get the Word Out
Follow these six National Cyber Security Alliance recommendations to better protect yourself online and make the Internet more secure for everyone: Fortify each online account or device. Enable the strongest authentication tools available. This might include biometrics, security keys, or unique one-time codes sent to your mobile device. Usernames and passwords are not enough to […]
Don’t Be Fooled! Protect Yourself and Your Identity
According to the US Department of Justice, more than 17 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2014. EDUCAUSE research shows that 21 percent of respondents to the annual ECAR student study have had an online account hacked, and 14 percent have had a computer, tablet, or smartphone stolen. Online fraud is an ongoing […]