With cybercriminals now using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to create more sophisticated scams, staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting yourself online.
At Chartway, we believe cybersecurity isn’t just about understanding the technology; it’s about empowering you with the right tools and knowledge to defend yourself from cyberthreats. That’s why this October for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we encourage you to Secure Our World by taking proactive steps to safeguard your digital life.
Newer Threats
Here are a three of the newer threats to be aware of and ways you can protect yourself.
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1. AI-Powered Scams & Deepfake Phishing
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key tool for cybercriminals, allowing them to create more realistic and personalized scams with lifelike images, audio, and text. AI-generated scams like phishing emails that mimic your contacts and deepfake videos of celebrities endorsing fake cryptocurrency schemes are becoming harder to detect.
What you can do: Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information, even if they appear to come from trusted sources like your family, friends, and financial institutions. Always verify communications by contacting the person or organization directly through official channels. Consider creating a family password you all can use to verify it’s you and not a bad actor.
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2. Social Media Phishing
Social media platforms are now a popular hunting ground for cybercriminals who exploit users’ trust and take advantage of the casual, fast-paced messaging. Fake profiles, malicious links, and deceptive ads are now common tools for scammers.
What you can do: Avoid clicking on unsolicited messages or links. Be cautious of quizzes or contests that require personal information. Adjust your privacy settings to limit access to your profile and personal information.
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3. Payment App Scams
Scammers are increasingly exploiting popular payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, and CashApp. A common tactic is overpayment scams, where fraudsters "accidentally" send you too much money and ask for a refund, only for the original payment to turn out to be fraudulent.
What you can do: Since these transactions are irreversible, treat all payments like cash. Only send money to people you know and trust and verify any unexpected payments before taking action.
Six Ways to Protect Yourself
Chartway is committed to helping you stay ahead of these evolving cyberthreats. Here are six of the most effective ways you can protect yourself.
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1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring additional verification, and one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is by using biometric authentication such as fingerprint scans or facial recognition. Many devices and apps, including Chartway’s mobile app, offer this feature.
Why it matters: Even if your password is compromised, MFA helps ensure that cybercriminals can’t access your account without the second factor of authentication.
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2. Update Your Software Regularly
Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Software updates include security patches to protect against these known threats, so it’s best to enable automatic updates so you don’t have to wonder if you’re protected against viruses, worms, etc.
Why it Matters: By keeping your devices, apps, and antivirus software updated, you can reduce your risk.
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3. Use Strong, Long, Unique Passwords
Using a strong, long, and unique password for each of your accounts is essential. A good rule of thumb is to use passwords with at least 12 characters that are comprised of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Password managers can help you generate and store complex passwords, making it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts.
Why it matters: If you reuse passwords across multiple accounts, a breach in one account could give cybercriminals access to others.
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4. Monitor Your Financial Statements
Regularly reviewing your account and credit card statements for suspicious activity can help you detect fraud early. That’s why Chartway offers tools to monitor your account activity and set up alerts for unusual transactions.
Why it matters: Early detection is key to minimizing the impact of cyberattacks. If you spot something unusual, report it immediately.
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5. Be Wary of Unsolicited Communications
Phishing attempts often come through emails, texts, or phone calls that you didn’t expect. If you don’t recognize the sender or caller, it’s best not to reply to messages or pick up calls. In response to unsolicited requests, reach out to companies directly using verified contact information.
Why it matters: Fraudsters will use scare tactics and time pressure to trick you into sharing personal information.
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6. Educate Your Family and Friends
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Make sure your family and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable, understand the importance of staying vigilant and recognizing common scams.
Why it matters: By spreading awareness, you help create a safer online environment for everyone in your circle.
At Chartway, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your personal and financial information. Whether it’s through advanced online banking security features, biometric authentication, or educational resources, we’re here to ensure that you can safely navigate the digital world.
If you ever receive a suspicious email, text, or call claiming to be from Chartway, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. Together, we can build a safer, more secure digital community.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month let’s take the steps to secure our world by staying informed, vigilant, and proactive about cybersecurity. With Chartway by your side, you’re never alone in the fight against cybercrime.