By Ashley Ferraro
The Holidays are here, and many of the gifts we give and receive are electronic and access the Internet. It’s important to recognize the growing threat of cybercrime and the potential impact it can have on your family. Between 2021 and 2023, data breaches surged by 72%, impacting over 343 million people, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s 2023 Data Breach Report.
Common cyberattacks include phishing scams and data breaches, both of which can have a significant impact on consumers. These statistics are alarming, but there are several simple practices you can employ to safeguard your family from common dangers in our digital age.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: One of the most effective ways to secure your online accounts is by using strong, unique passwords. Avoid the temptation to reuse the same password across multiple sites, as this increases your vulnerability. If one account is compromised in a data breach, attackers can easily gain access to others. Consider using a password manager (many popular services offer family plans) to securely store and manage all your passwords. A password manager can also help you generate complex passwords without the hassle of trying to remember them all.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For an added layer of security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts whenever possible. 2FA requires an additional step—such as entering a code sent to your phone or using a fingerprint scan—before you can log in. This extra layer makes it much harder for cybercriminals to access your important accounts–such as social media platforms and banking apps–even if they manage to get a hold of your password.
- Be Aware of Phishing Scams: Phishing remains one of the most common tactics used by cybercriminals to steal personal information, and they often target children and teenagers. These scams often appear as legitimate emails, texts, or even social media messages that trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Teach your family to be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal details, and always verify the source before clicking on links or downloading attachments. If in doubt, contact the company directly to confirm the request’s legitimacy.
- Stay Informed About Device and App Security: Regularly update your family’s devices and apps to ensure they are running the latest security patches. Manufacturers frequently release updates to address new vulnerabilities, so enabling automatic updates is an easy way to stay protected. Additionally, make use of parental control features available on most devices, which can help prevent accidental downloads of malicious apps or unintended online purchases.
- Teach Kids How to Stay Vigilant Online: Hackers and online fraudsters often target young people for sensitive information because they have widespread access to the internet and smartphone apps, yet lack a full understanding of the potential risks involved. It’s important for children to understand the risks associated with sharing personal data, as even something as simple as sharing their location or birthdate can put them at risk.
Cybersecurity awareness serves as an important reminder that online safety is everyone’s responsibility.