An Emerging Threat: How to Protect Yourself from “Juice Jacking”

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For so many, our smartphones, tablets, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become an integral part of our daily routines. These handy gadgets keep us connected and productive. However, alongside these technological advancements, cybercriminals have also upped their game, continuously seeking new ways to exploit unsuspecting users.

One such threat which has recently emerged is known as “Juice Jacking.” It’s more common than you think and has only been around since the early 2010s. In this article, we will delve into the threat of Juice Jacking, understand its course of action, highlight the associated risks, and most importantly, equip you with practical tips to safeguard your devices.

What is Juice Jacking?

Juice Jacking is a term used to describe the malicious act of compromising public charging stations or USB ports to gain unauthorized access to your devices. The term was first coined by a group of researchers who created a fake kiosk and displayed it at a cybersecurity convention to bring awareness about this potential threat.

Today, these counterfeit charging stations are commonly found in bustling areas like airports, shopping malls, and other public spaces, masquerading as innocent power sources. They’re often positioned next to public charging stations/ports. Unsuspecting victims who are eager to recharge their devices unknowingly fall into the trap. When connecting their devices to these compromised charging stations, they expose their data to potential theft.

The Risks of Juice Jacking

We’ve all been in public before with our smartphones on 1% desperately searching for a place to get a quick charge. It may seem worth the risk to opt for a public charging station if that’s your only option. However, the repercussions of falling victim to Juice Jacking can be severe and far-reaching. Here are some of the risks associated with this nefarious practice:

  • Data Theft: When connected to a compromised charging station, cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in your device’s software to gain unauthorized access. They can then extract your personal information, such as passwords, financial data, or sensitive documents. The aftermath of a data theft can be emotionally distressing and financially devastating.
  • Malware Installation: In addition to stealing your data, malicious actors may also inject your device with malware during the Juice Jacking process. Installation of malware can render your device vulnerable to further attacks, compromise its performance, or even grant unauthorized access to your device by remote hackers. The worst part, you may not even know if someone has downloaded malware onto your device as it can secretly embeds itself stealing critical information undetected.

Tips for Preventing Juice Jacking

Fortunately, there are some preventative measures you can take to safeguard your devices when your battery is low in public:

 

  • Carry a Personal Charging Port: Investing in a portable power bank or carrying your own charger gives you control over your device’s charging process. By relying on your own power source, you eliminate the need to use potentially compromised public charging stations.
  • Opt for Wall Outlets: Whenever possible, choose wall outlets over public USB ports. Wall outlets are generally less susceptible to compromise and offer a more secure charging experience.
  • Update Devices’ Software: Regularly updating your devices’ software is vital. Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities, making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit your device.
  • Use VPN on Public Wi-Fi: If you need to connect to the internet while charging your device in public, use a reputable virtual private network (VPN) service. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, enhancing your online privacy and security.

Always Keep Personal Security Top of Mind

Remember, safeguarding our personal information and digital devices is an ongoing process. By staying informed, implementing security best practices, and investing in robust home security measures, we can create a safer and more secure digital environment for ourselves and our loved ones. Let’s make security a top priority, both on the go and within the comfort of our homes. Learn more by contacting us today.

How To Tell If A Rental Listing Is Legitimate

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Con artists are capitalizing on the competitive real estate market by running rental scams designed to drain money from both prospective renters and trusting landlords.

Within the last year, both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have issued warnings about this fraud type.

How much are Americans losing to real estate and rental scams? According to the FBI, losses have been steadily increasing. In 2021, the amount lost was more than $350 million — up 64 percent from the previous year.

If you have a move on the horizon, we’ve got you covered with tips to avoid rental scams. Or, if you’re a landlord or homeowner advertising a rental, learn how to tell if a potential renter is actually a scammer.

How rental scams work

Imagine finding a perfect apartment or house in your price range. Then, you hear that dozens of other people are interested too. Not wanting to miss your chance, you quickly fill out the application even if you can’t see the property in person.

It’s typical for rental applications to ask for personally identifiable information (PII), such as your Social Security number and payment information for the security deposit, so you share your details.

But then, you never hear back from the landlord. Unfortunately, this is how it often goes for victims of rental scams.

These bogus listings can be hard to spot. Scammers often steal photos and descriptions from legitimate real estate sites.

But there are a few tells you can look out for.

Scammers often rely on urgency (“You need to send us a wire transfer right now to secure this home”) or lies (“I’m in the hospital so I can’t show you the property”) to manipulate the victim into acting quickly — before they’ve had time to think it through.

Rental scams may affect landlords, too 

Landlords are also frequently targeted by rental scams.

This can happen when a scammer responds to a legitimate listing, pretending to be a prospective tenant eager to secure a lease. Often without touring the property, the scammer agrees to fill out an application and pay the security deposit via check.

In some cases, the scammer will write that check for more than the necessary amount, then ask the landlord to return the surplus to them via a peer-to-peer payment app, prepaid credit card, or wire transfer.

In other cases, the fraudster sends a check, then claims to have to back out of the lease due to an emergency, and asks the landlord to pay the money back.

The trouble is, the fraudulent check they sent will bounce a few days later, and the landlord will be out any money they “returned.”

How to avoid rental scams

Now that you’re alert to this type of fraud, you can better avoid falling victim.

Our identity specialists help our members identify and fight back against fraud, so they’ve seen all kinds of scams play out, including rental scams.

To stay safe, try these rental scam safety tips:

If you’re a prospector renter: 

  • Avoid renting a property sight unseen. Wondering how to tell if a rental is legitimate? See it for yourself. Even if the landlord or agent gives a believable excuse as to why they can’t take you on a tour, always err on the side of caution. If you are searching for a rental from a different city or state, consider finding a trusted friend or a licensed real estate agent to tour a property on your behalf in order to confirm its legitimacy.
  • Research current rental rates in the area. If it seems too good to be true, it most likely is. When a listing is priced way cheaper — or for far less than you’d expect after seeing the photos — it could be a sign of a scam. 
  • Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. If you’re feeling rushed or pressured to share personal or financial information, just walk away — there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a scammer.
  • Work with a professional. “Use a legitimate real estate website or real estate agent to find your rental,” advises Krentz. Keep in mind that anyone can post on classified sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, so there are fewer guard rails on those sites. 
  • Look up the address, description, and images of a listing online. “Many scammers take photos and listings from legitimate real estate sites and post them as their own, but with a lower rent price,” says Krentz. If you notice a rental is listed in multiple places, and one of those listings has spelling errors, wrong capitalization, or bad grammar, it may be a sign of fraud.
  • Never pay a deposit via wire transfer, prepaid gift card, or peer-to-peer payment app. These forms of payment do not typically have the same fraud protections credit cards have and, in the case of a scam, the money usually can’t be returned to the victim.

If you’re a landlord:

  • Try to avoid renting to someone willing to lease a property sight unseen. This may be a red flag that you’re working with a scammer. 
  • Never accept a check from a new renter that’s made out for more than they owe. Don’t deposit the check; instead, return it to the sender. If someone sends you a check but then asks for that money back, be sure the check clears the bank before you return the payment. If it doesn’t, you’ll know you were working with a scammer. 

Other real estate scams to watch out for 

Real estate scammers also use a variety of other tactics to steal your money and personal information.

For example, in a foreclosure scam, a fraudster may promise to lower a homeowner’s mortgage or “save” their home from foreclosure for an upfront fee (then don’t deliver).

If you’re ever having trouble covering your mortgage, steer clear of companies that charge a fee to help consolidate or cover your loan. Instead, seek help from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to the BBB, moving scams also cost Americans hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2021 — a 216 percent uptick from 2020.

In this scam, moving companies underquote then overcharge victims in the middle of a move (sometimes holding their belongings hostage until they pay an exorbitant fee). Or, they may demand payment upfront and then never follow through with their services.

One of the best ways to ensure you’re working with a credible moving company is to ask friends and family for referrals. Or, opt for a company that is open to sharing proof of registration and insurance, has positive online reviews, and completes an on-site inspection prior to moving day to provide an accurate quote. 

How to report a rental scam

If you’re a Boyd Identity Protection member and you think you’ve fallen victim to a rental scam, give us a call right away.

Our customer care team is here to walk you through the next steps to try to recover any stolen assets. 

If you’re not a member, we recommend reporting the scam to your local law enforcement, as well as the Federal Trade Commission, BBB, and FBI.

 

How Do Identity Thieves Get Your Information?

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In this digital age, some identity thieves go to extraordinary lengths to steal personal information.

Many of the tactics they use are highly sophisticated, from hijacking phones from afar to creating false identities with just a few pieces of real information. Other methods for stealing personal details — such as mail theft — are less high-tech but no less concerning.

When it comes to protecting your identity, understanding what you’re up against is a good first step. So, let’s take an in-depth look at what identity thieves look for when trying to steal your data.

Plus, learn how our features — like credit monitoring alerts and dark web monitoring — can help you act quickly to minimize the damage if your details fall into the wrong hands.

Data Breaches

Unfortunately, data breaches and their fallout have become all too common. With incidents happening at such a rapid pace, it’s no wonder so many consumers suffer from “breach fatigue.”

So what’s causing these information leaks, and what can you do to safeguard your data?

You may be surprised to learn that most security incidents are actually accidents caused by human negligence or error. According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breaches Investigations Report, 82% of data breaches analyzed over the past year included a human element.

Other breaches are the result of targeted attacks by cybercriminals. These attacks aren’t limited to big corporations; small businesses can also have data stores that are attractive to criminals. That’s one reason why it’s important to keep tabs on all of the places where your data is stored, including what businesses or services you have an account with.

What do identity thieves look for with these attempts?

If your personal or financial information is made public in a breach, cybercriminals might be interested in putting it up for sale on the dark web. From there, your details could be used to commit fraud or identity theft. Or, your information could be blended with other victims’ information to create a brand-new false identity, a type of fraud known as synthetic identity theft.

That’s one reason why we created our dark web monitoring tool. Once it’s enabled, you can enter your details for monitoring, and we’ll alert you if we find your information somewhere it doesn’t belong — such as the dark web or closed hacker forums.

Phishing and Pharming

When you’re online, phishing has nothing to do with a rod and reel. Rather, phishing happens when criminals hook you with phony emails, texts, or phone calls.

A related scam is pharming, in which users are directed to fake websites without their knowledge. For example, when a pharmer hacks into your browser and redirects you to a fake website.

What types of information might you be prompted for in a phishing or pharming attack? Any sensitive details that can be used for profit, like your Social Security number or the credentials to your bank account.

Phishers and pharmers may try to lure you by promising freebies or even by posing as your business, but with a little vigilance, you’ll be ready to spot the scam.

Any time you open an email or visit a website, be wary of urgent requests, frequent typos or blurry images, and multiple pop-up windows. If something doesn’t seem right, delete the email or close the browser window and move on.

Oversharing Online

Unfortunately, oversharing on social media can reveal more than you intended.

Take that first-day-of-school pic you snapped of your kiddos on the front porch. Is your house number visible in the background? If so, the safest bet is not to share, as your street address is considered personally identifiable information (PII).

Similarly, it’s not advisable to post from your vacation — or even from a restaurant — in real time. When you share your location, you’re also sharing the fact that you’re not at home, which can make you a target for theft.

There’s something else to consider. Everything you share online accumulates over time as part of your digital footprint. As your footprint grows, identity thieves may have more opportunities to get your information.

To combat this, consider adjusting your privacy settings to control who can see your information on social media. Think twice before accepting friend requests from people you don’t know. And consider enabling a social media monitoring feature like the one we offer, which can ping you if we notice signs that might point to account takeover.

SIM Card Swaps

Many smartphones use SIM cards, or subscriber identity modules, to identify the user and store important data. Your phone number can be transferred to a new SIM card for legitimate reasons, like when you’ve lost your phone or you’re upgrading to a new device.

But with SIM swap scams, thieves take advantage of this capability by calling a phone carrier, posing as you, and requesting to move your phone number to a device in their possession. Fraudsters have also been caught bribing phone-company employees to make the swaps on their behalf.

If the SIM swap is successful, the thieves can then use the compromised phone number as a portal to the rest of your digital life. With access to text messages, for example, a thief can side-step the extra security provided by two-factor authentication, making it easier to penetrate financial accounts, personal emails, and cryptocurrency wallets.

SIM swapping can also lead to a compromised social media account, which can cause reputational harm.

Compromised Credit Reports

Credit reports are treasure troves of personally identifiable information (PII), such as your full name, birth date, and Social Security number.

Identity thieves can request a copy of a credit report by posing as a landlord or potential employer. If you suspect that someone has stolen your identity or if you’ve been told that your PII has been compromised, you may be able to prevent further damage by requesting a security freeze with the three major credit bureaus.

Identity Theft in the Physical World

While some identity thieves have adopted sophisticated tactics for mining data digitally, others steal information the old-fashioned way: in the physical world.

Here are a few examples:

  • Dumpster diving: Criminals are known to dig through trash in search of sensitive information. So be careful about what you throw in the recycling bin — and shred sensitive documents if they’re no longer needed.
  • Mail theft: Stealing physical mail is a tried-and-true tactic that’s still used by identity thieves today. To deter any would-be snoops, consider purchasing a mailbox with a lock and ask your postal service to hold your mail whenever you’re out of town.
  • Shoulder surfing: A fraudster might spy over your shoulder any time you’re in a public place, so be aware of your surroundings and never let your guard down — especially when you’re at an ATM or in a checkout line, for example.
  • Skimming: This pervasive and often hard-to-detect technique happens when fraudsters leave skimming devices attached to the credit-card processor at legitimate businesses. When you swipe your card, the skimmer reads the magnetic strip and stores your card number. Then, whoever planted the device can then use your credit card or sell the information to a third party.
  • Shimming: Similar to skimming, this is when criminals insert a tiny microchip into an ATM or card reader with the aim of stealing and storing your information. 

You have a partner in identity protection

Data is a valuable resource. That’s why we’re deeply committed to safeguarding our members’ information, and to helping them take quick action if it’s been compromised.

Even if fraud occurs, with Boyd Identity Protection, you’ll never have to fight identity theft alone. Give us a call at 1 (800) 381-2693 to learn more and sign up today!

 

 

 

Do I Need Security Software?

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When you bought a new computer years ago, you often had to install additional security software on your computer to help ensure it was secure against cyber attackers. However, most of today’s computers and devices have numerous security features already built into them, such as automatic updating, firewalls, disk encryption, and file protection. In addition, Microsoft provides Windows computers security functionality called Microsoft Defender, which includes additional features such as anti-virus. In many ways, today’s systems by default are much more secure. In fact, YOU are most likely now the greatest weakness. This is why cyber attackers continually target people, attempting to trick them into doing things you should not do, such as giving up your passwords, clicking on links, or opening email attachments that install malware on your computers or share your credit card information.

Which tools should I consider?

If you want to take some additional steps to secure your systems, there are some additional security programs you can consider.

Password Manager: Passwords can be complex and overwhelming, especially having to remember potentially hundreds of different passwords. A Password Manager is a secure vault that protects and stores all your passwords for you so you have to only remember one master password. In addition, they can log you into websites, generate passwords for you, and help validate certain websites.

Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPNs primarily focus on protecting your privacy by encrypting your connection to the Internet and hiding your source location.

Security Suites: These are packages of security software that provide a collection of additional security features above and beyond what your operating system already provides. For example, filtering for dangerous websites, parental controls, and often a VPN. Each suite has different features, so research the one that you feel is best if you need one.

Selecting a Security Vendor

If you need to purchase additional security tools or software, there are many different vendors from which to choose. Which one should you choose? Quite often different vendors are more similar in the features they offer than they are different. The key is to use a solution from a trusted vendor. You don’t want to accidentally purchase and install something distributed by cyber criminals that are infected with malware.

Purchase tools from only well-known vendors that you have heard of and trust. Never purchase a tool from a company you know nothing about, that is brand new or has no reviews or lots of negative reviews. You want to be sure that the solution you are purchasing is legitimate and actively updated and maintained. You may even want to consider in what country the vendor is based. There are numerous online sites that have reviews of trusted vendors showcasing the differences in features and costs of their security software.

Be careful of free tools. While excellent free security tools do exist, there can be some concerns. These tools may be limited in features, difficult to use, or not updated frequently. In some cases, free tools may be developed by cyber attackers and then infected with malware.

Remember, while these security tools are helpful, start first with your computer’s built-in security features, including enabling automatic updating. Today’s operating systems are very secure by default. Finally, you are your own best defense. Be cautious with any odd or suspicious phone calls, emails, or text messages. No security software in the world can protect you from someone trying to trick or fool you into something you should not do.

IoT Device Safety for Young Children

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Technology today has become ingrained in many children’s lives, making them much more adept with Internet devices than previous generations. Nearly 95% of American households today have the Internet, giving children greater access and exposure than ever. Many children have a basic understanding of a tablet or smartphone or even know how to surf the web before they enter elementary school.

The next generation of kids will undeniably be tech-savvy and Internet-centric, which provides parents and caregivers with a unique challenge. The Internet will be a big part of their children’s development, so it’s important to talk with them early about Internet usage and establish rules on how to use it.

Should Parents Monitor Children’s Internet Usage?

The short answer is yes, but the practical way to go about it is more complicated. There must be more research before we fully understand how technology impacts children’s development. However, current studies indicate there are positives and drawbacks to technology usage in children.

For starters, Internet access can be an effective way for children to unwind and relax. With the advancement of streaming, kids can now watch their favorite shows or lighthearted videos from a smartphone, tablet, etc. Additionally, the Internet can help children learn new things and build research skills. Google’s search engine has become a modern phenomenon, and many children understand how to use it effectively at a young age.

On the other hand, too much Internet usage can negatively impact social skill development in children and make them more isolated. Another study indicates that an over-saturation of technology can decrease the attention span of children and adults.

So, what is the best way to monitor a child’s Internet usage? Well, the best answer is moderation. Parents or caregivers should establish clear rules for how long a child can use an Internet device. We suggest less than two hours of screen time every day, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what is best for your child. However, if you notice prolonged Internet use is becoming a problem, you should intervene.

How to Keep Children Protected While Using an IoT Device

Although the Internet is a powerful tool that has a lot of positives, there are also a lot of dangers to it. The truth is, you do not know who is on the other side of the screen, their intentions, or how they might target you or your child. Children are more susceptible to online scams and cyber-attacks because they are mostly unaware of these behaviors, so it is essential to have measures in place to ensure their safety.

Parental Controls

Parental controls were implemented in the mid-90s when the Internet entered the mainstream. Today, these controls exist on basically any IoT device you use. There are a lot of customizable features that restrict certain content from children, giving parents and caregivers a lot of flexibility.

For instance, parental controls on smartphones allow you to limit which apps your child can download, set screen time limits, and even restrict the ability to share photos and videos from the device online. As for laptops and tablets, you can restrict the websites they access, the games they can play/download, view browsing history, and limit screen time. There are more advanced settings for each device too. But this should give you a basic understanding of what you can control as a parent.

Teach Them the Basics of Internet Safety

Sometimes, parental controls can only go so far. The sooner children learn how to protect themselves online, the better. Most of us have heard the parental advice, “don’t talk to strangers.” The same rule applies when online. It’s a sad reality, but there are a lot of dangerous people online, and children are susceptible targets to their nefarious goals. Criminals often use a child’s naivety to their advantage.

Children must never share personal information about themselves, family members, or friends. These include names, addresses, phone numbers, events they’re attending, etc. If it’s information they wouldn’t tell a stranger in real life, it’s something they shouldn’t share online. Additionally, they must understand that even reputable websites like YouTube can be dangerous if they’re not careful. They must always be conscious about what they say and do online: no exceptions!

Make Sure They Know How to Operate Other Smart Home Devices

Internet-capable devices have expanded far beyond the traditional laptop or cellphone. Home automation has become increasingly popular among households. People can control everything from lighting to locking their doors, to adjusting thermostats, and much more from a smartphone, laptop, etc.

If you have any smart home technology or are considering installing some, it’s important to teach your children how to handle these devices on a basic level. The last thing you want them to do is to inadvertently leave the house unlocked or disarm your security system. Most children are well-versed in technology already, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for them to understand.

Consider a Smart Home Security System to Keep Your Children Protected

A child is a home’s most important asset, and a smart home security system can ensure they remain protected. You can even teach them the valuable lesson of home safety by showing them how the system works and how to use it properly.

At Boyd & Associates, the safety of our customers is always our top priority. We offer a wide range of security and smart home solutions that are easy to use and keep you and your family safe. For more information about Boyd & Associates and how we can help you build a more secure home, feel free to contact us today.

Protecting Your Assets: How to Secure Your Bank Accounts

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Banking is a crucial part of our daily lives. We trust banks to keep our hard-earned money safe, but unfortunately, they aren’t immune to theft or fraud. With the rise of cybercrime, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your assets in the bank. Here are some simple tips to help you secure your bank accounts:

– Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Your passwords should be long, complex, and unique to each of your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection.

– Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi can be a breeding ground for hackers. When accessing your bank accounts on public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

– Watch out for phishing scams: Scammers often use emails and text messages that appear to be from your bank, asking you to provide sensitive information. Always double-check the sender’s email address and never click on links in unsolicited emails.

– Keep your software and anti-virus programs up to date: Regularly updating your software and anti-virus programs can help prevent cyberattacks.

– Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts by regularly checking your statements and transactions. If you spot any suspicious activity, report it immediately to your bank.

By following these simple tips, you can help protect your assets in the bank and keep your money safe. At Boyd & Associates, we understand the importance of home security, and we offer a range of products and services to help keep you and your assets safe. Contact us today to learn more.

Establishing Safety and Security Policies at Your Business

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A comprehensive commercial security system is an essential part of running your business, regardless of its size. In addition to your system it is important to establish safety and security policies.

These will ensure that your customers and employees are kept safe, as well as prevent the loss of valuable products, equipment, and supplies.

There are many different aspects to creating safety and security policies. Here are a few things to consider when designing them for your business.

5 Things to Remember When Establishing Safety and Security Policies at Your Business

  1. Do An Overall Assessment To Determine What Needs To Be Protected

It’s essential to walk through your business to evaluate what assets you have that need protecting. This includes identifying exterior doors and windows that could be used as entry points for thieves, as well as making notes of sensitive areas of your business that need to be off-limits to customers or only accessible to specific employees. Safety and security policies should also be put in place to help protect against cybersecurity threats to digital assets and sensitive data.

  1. Utilize Smart Devices And Access Control

Years ago, many business owners used traditional keyed locks and gave keys to trusted employees. This can prove to be a risky security strategy, as keys can be lost, misplaced, stolen, or disappear when an employee no longer works for the business.

Today, many companies utilize access control devices as one of their safety and security policies. This means that there are no keys to lose. It also means that business owners can keep track of who comes and goes from the building at any time of day or night. These devices can also be programmed to only allow specific employees (or certain employees during certain times.) This is helpful in a business like a pharmacy that sells controlled substances that are frequently the target of thieves.

  1. Make Cybersecurity A Priority

As people increasingly rely on “smart” devices that are connected to the internet, enterprising hackers and cyber thieves are taking advantage of increased opportunities to hack in to wreak havoc, gain sensitive information, or even gain physical access to the premises being controlled by a smart door lock, for example.

This is of particular concern to business owners, and it’s one of the reasons why it’s essential to work with a team of professionals when installing a commercial security system. They’ll help ensure that all smart devices — from door locks to thermostats and beyond — are well-protected from cybersecurity threats such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hackers.

  1. Develop An Emergency Evacuation Plan

Creating safety and security policies is one of the five keys to a successful business security plan. Another one of those keys is preparing for a disaster. An emergency evacuation plan is one policy that no business should be without.

Your evacuation plan should cover any natural disaster or emergency that could potentially happen in your area, whether you live in a place that’s prone to earthquakes and wildfires or if you live in a coastal area that gets hit with hurricanes. Fires, active shooter situations, and medical emergencies are other events that should be covered in these types of plans.

  1. Use Proper Training To Put Everyone On The Same Page

Business safety and security policies are no good if no one actually uses them. This is why it’s important to make them part of every employee’s training. From not sharing or giving out access control or digital device passwords to having a good understanding of what to do if an emergency strikes, taking the time to train your employees on safety and security policies in advance will help protect all of your assets — both human and otherwise — should something unexpected happen.

For More Security Tips And Solutions, Stick With Boyd & Associates

And if you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself and your business safe, check out our commercial security and automation services at Boyd & Associates. We offer a wide range of security options to protect you and your employees. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.

 

 

5 Security Tips for Safe Online Shopping

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E-commerce has made shopping faster and more convenient. Today, approximately 69% of Americans have made an online purchase. By 2023, the United States will have 300 million online shoppers (91 percent of the country’s population).

However, online shoppers who do not properly secure their personal data are more susceptible to cyber attacks and identity theft.

Below, we provide five tips to secure personal and financial information online and ensure safe delivery of online purchases.

  1. Buy from Credible Websites

Understand the potential risks of shopping online, such as identity theft or fraud, to properly safeguard your sensitive information.

Shop only on credible websites. Cyber attackers often pose as e-retailers to obtain personal and financial data or gain access to devices. Avoid falling victim to a cyber attack with the following precautions:

  • Avoid clicking on suspicious emails or links. Cyber attackers may use vicious malware in emails or links to obtain sensitive data, such as credit card information or social security numbers.
  • Familiarize yourself with the e-retailer’s privacy policy. Ensure your confidential information will not be disclosed or sold to a third party.
  • Read customer reviews. Research unfamiliar online retailers and be wary of particularly negative reviews, and look for suspiciously positive reviews (which may be false or unreliable).
  • Understand the e-retailer’s return policy. Be aware of proper return procedures should you be unsatisfied with a product.

  1. Connect to a Secured Network

An unsecured network could leave your personal and financial data vulnerable to attack, as it is easily accessible to cyber criminals. Be aware of online shopping risks while on the go, and use the following security tips:

  • Avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Cyber attackers may easily intercept sensitive data through an unsecured network.
  • Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) whenever possible. VPNs encrypt your data and protect sensitive information from being stolen.
  • Shop on websites that contain “https://”. Look for sites that include “https://” in the address, which indicates that data is encrypted and not accessible to cyber attackers.

  1. Use Secure Payments

Compromising personal payment information could lead to identity theft or fraudulent use. Credit cards are the safest payment method for online transactions as opposed to ATM or debit cards. This is because online shoppers are typically less liable for loss from unauthorized use. Take the following actions to secure online payments and protect financial data:

  • Continually check credit card statements for irregularities. Identify and promptly respond to any fraudulent activity. Contact your bank to see if an automatic feature that alerts you of suspicious account activity is offered.
  • Never store credit card data on your devices. Re-enter credit card information for each transaction to prevent users with access to your device from taking advantage of stored information.
  • Refrain from providing unnecessary information. Avoid supplying retailers with highly sensitive information, such as your social security number or date of birth.
  • Utilize “virtual” credit cards. Use the alternate card number provided by the issuer to protect your actual credit card information in the case of a breach.

  1. Protect Smart Devices

Shopping on a mobile device offers convenience for shoppers. However, it can significantly increase security risks. Properly secure your smart device to mitigate the risk of compromising personal information:

  • Download and purchase from credible retailers’ mobile applications to ensure secure transactions.
  • Install updated security software, such as antivirus or anti-spyware, on your device as it becomes available.
  • Protect your phone with a unique and complex password, PIN or pattern.
  • Use two-factor authentication to confirm your identity with at least two types of credentials. For example, your phone may require your passcode and your fingerprint to unlock, or your email may require a password and a numeric code sent to your phone.

  1. Utilize Video Surveillance Cameras

After making an online purchase, ensure your package arrives safely at your doorstep with surveillance cameras or doorbell cameras. Monitor your front door from any web-enabled device in real-time to:

  • Confirm your package arrives on time.
  • Ensure delivery workers handle items with care.
  • Ward off or identify burglars who may attempt to steal your packages.

Cyber security should not be taken lightly. Work with your trusted security provider at Boyd & Associates to properly equip your home and devices for the best cyber protection.