January 26, 2012 National Data Privacy Day: Keeping Yourself “Cyber Safe”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
1. “Amateur Hour Is Over”
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Lone hackers and “script-kiddies” are yesterday’s news. They’ve been replaced by professional international criminal networks.
- In fact, your private data is one of the hottest commodities in organized crime today, grossing more annually than the global drug trade, according to Dept. of Homeland Security estimates.
2. Think You’re “Under The Radar?” Think Again…
- If you think you’re not wealthy or famous enough to attract the attention of cyber criminals, you’re dead wrong. You don’t have to be rich — your very identity has tremendous value in the illicit data trade.
- Even newborn babies routinely have their identities stolen and used to establish credit, citizenship, and support other illegal enterprises! (They typically won’t find out until they’re old enough to apply for credit or a job.)
3. Criminals could be after more than just your money or your ID.
- The danger from cyberspace could be very real. Cyber stalking is a very real threat, and most people have no idea how exposed they are in today’s “everything-online” environment.
- Even the federal government is concerned about the impact of individuals’ cyber privacy– as a matter of national security!
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
1. Encrypt everything.
- Whenever you see encryption as an option – take it! From storing your iPhone data on Apple’s iCloud, to backing up your hard drive, encryption is free and well worth the extra click.
2. Pick “Safe” Sites.
- Stick to brands you know, or choose less-risky alternatives like www.Safelist.com instead of Craig’s List. (But still, watch out for “Phish-ies”…)
3. Participate in Local Cyber Awareness Groups and Activities
