The Dark Side of the Internet
Protecting Yourself From Online Scams and Cyber Attacks
In today’s digital landscape, online scams and cyber attacks are becoming more frequent. These risks affect everyday users. But there’s no need to fear if you take measures to keep your data safe. And if (when?) you’re working with a lawyer, you should also know what actions lawyers take to protect your data. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your data from the "Dark Side" of the internet.Let'‘s explore how you can safeguard yourself from these digital attackers. And, learn how lawyers ensure their clients’ data is protected from the bad guys.
7 Tips to Protect Yourself From the Dark Side
Navigating the internet safely requires vigilance and knowledge about potential threats, even as the Dark Side constantly comes up with online scams and attacks designed to steal personal information or harm your devices. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself from these cyber threats and ensure your digital experience remains secure.
Verify Identities
Verify who you’re interacting with online. Confirm the identity of anyone asking for personal details online.Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages.Scammers often pretend to be from a trusted company. If you receive an email or message that looks suspicious, or even a little off, contact the company directly using information from their official website.
Strengthen Passwords
Create strong passwords. This is crucial. Make your passwords long, unique. Include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common words or phrases that can be easily guessed. Additionally, use different passwords for different sites. A password manager can help you generate and manage secure passwords.
Exercise Caution With Links and Passwords
Don’t click on links or attachments without knowing who the sender is. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources can be dangerous. These can lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or install malware on your device. When in doubt, don’t click, especially when links come to you via text. Never, ever click a link sent to you via text without verifying that the sender is a real friend or company you are doing business with.
Keep Software Updated
Keep your software and devices updated. Regularly update your software and devices to fix security vulnerabilities. Use antivirus software to protect against malware and other threats.
Stay Informed
Educate yourself about the types of scams that exist. Examples are phishing emails that ask for personal information or offer too-good-to-be-true deals. Being aware is your first line of defense. You must stay vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
Establish Verification Protocols
If you get a call from a bank, a government agency or even from a child or grandchild asking for money or gift cards for any reason, or access to your computer, tell the caller you will call them back. Hang up, and call your child or grandchild directly, OR the bank or government agency and find out if they were actually calling you. As an added measure, with your family, have a family “code phrase” that must be spoken out loud in the event of an emergency, such as “blackie is a brown dog” or something unique that only your family would know.
Beware of Remote Access Requests
MOST IMPORTANT: Never give anyone remote access to your computer, unless it is from a tech support company you engaged with proactively. This would be you calling the tech support line on the Company’s website directly, and you initiated the request for support. Scammers will pretend they are from Coinbase or your bank, and tell you they need to access your computer to resolve your account problem. Do not fall for it.
Seniors Are The Most Targeted Group
It’s also important to note here that the elderly are the most targeted group for online scammers. So if your parents fall into this age group, pass along this article to them so they are armed with knowledge to protect themselves.
Oh, no! I’m a Scam Victim, Now What?
Even after taking all these measures, sometimes the bad guys get away with it and scam you, or a loved one. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it’s important to act quickly.
Immediately inform your bank or relevant service provider if you’ve shared any sensitive information. They can take steps to protect your account. You should also update your passwords right away, especially if you believe they may have been compromised. Again, ensure your new passwords are strong and unique. You may also want to report the scam to the alleged sender, so they know someone is impersonating them and can take protective measures themselves.
And if applicable, report the scam to the relevant online platform, or even the local police, consumer protection agencies, or internet crime complaint centers. Additionally, consider seeking legal assistance to mitigate potential repercussions.
Empowering Families
At Mackintosh Law, PLLC we don’t just give legal advice; we’re your trusted advisor for life. If you’ve been scammed, we can help you set up your affairs in such a way that there are layers of protection built-in so it doesn’t happen again. As a Personal Family Lawyer Firm, we’re also here for your family. If your elderly parents don’t have an estate plan in place - or it’s been a while since they had it reviewed - we are here for them too. We can help them protect not only their data, but everything they want to pass on to you.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you and your parents create a Life & Legacy estate plan that keeps your family out of court and conflict and ensures your plan works when you need it to, schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with our office.
Ready to start your estate planning journey? Schedule a free two hour Family Vision Session with us. We will review your assets, learn about you, and make recommendations based on what you need.
This article is a service of Kristen Mackintosh, The Happy Lawyer at Mackintosh Law, PLLC, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session™.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.
