Trick or treating has been a part of October tradition since the 17th century. If a treat was given, in this instance – candy, a trick or mischief would not be performed on the homeowner. Nowadays, the trick-or-treaters are identity thieves and cybercriminals who no longer wait for a day in October to show themselves; they are present all the time!
TRICKS…
- Malware (Malicious Software): Virus, Ransomware, Spyware
- SQL (Structured Language Query): Steals Data by sending Phishing emails
- Dridex (Another form of Malware): One main area of focus is dating sites to get personal and banking data
TREATS…
- Steal your money
- Corrupt your files and computer
- Takes away access to your life and makes it incredibly difficult to get it back
How do you stop them from ringing your doorbell and stealing your candy? It’s not as simple as turning off all the lights and pretending you’re not home.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EVERYDAY TRICK OR TREATERS…
- Use anti-virus software
- Update your software
- Do not click links in emails
- Do not open emails from unknown senders
- Don’t give your personal and financial information to anyone you met on a dating site – that in itself is a multi-million-dollar scam
Be aware this October of the ghosts and goblins that don’t ring your doorbell but instead come in through unlocked doors on your computer. Be smart, be safe, and don’t give your candy to strangers.
For more information on how to protect yourself, send an email to [email protected] or go to www.KIIConsulting.com