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How to Prevent Identity Theft, 2024 Cybersecurity Summer Internship, and latest cyber attacks

How to Prevent Identity Theft, 2024 Cybersecurity Summer Internship, and latest cyber attacks

How to Stop Identity Thieves from "Borrowing" Your Life

Cybersecurity Snacks
October 25, 2023

Nathanael / Cybersecurity Snacks

Good morning. Today, you will learn how to prevent identity theft. We are also covering the Okta Cybersecurity Breach, the UMich cyberattack, TSA cybersecurity requirements for passenger and freight, and more. We will also bring you the latest jobs in the cybersecurity field. First time reading? Sign up here

Main Meal

How to Prevent Identity Theft - 10 Tips

Let's face it - nobody likes a copycat. Especially not the kind that wants to literally be you! We're talking about those sneaky identity thieves. You know, the ones who try to play dress-up with your personal info? Not cool! Let's dive into some simple ways to keep those identity-impersonating party crashers away from your life.

1. Passwords – Make Them Strong Like Hulk 💪

Remember when you named your fish "Goldie"? That’s cute, but using "password123" as your actual password? Not so much. Mix it up! Use a cocktail of letters, numbers, and symbols. Maybe sprinkle in the name of your favorite fictional character or a distant planet. "DarthVader💖sPluto" anyone?

2. Shred It Up, Rockstar 🎸

That old credit card statement or bank receipt might seem like trash, but to an identity thief, it's like finding a Willy Wonka golden ticket. Don't just throw it out! Shred it like you're Eddie Van Halen tearing up a guitar solo.

3. Love Thy Mailbox 💌

Imagine if a pirate left a chest full of gold on a beach. That's your mailbox with all those credit card offers. Collect your mail regularly, and if you're out of town, ask a neighbor (one you trust, not the snoopy one) to collect it for you.

4. Keep a Watchful Eye (or Two) 👀

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements. If you spot something fishy (and it’s not from that sushi place you love), then it's time to raise the alarm! Also, consider getting an annual credit report. It's like taking your identity for a health checkup.

5. Beware of the Internet's Dark Alleys 🌐

Ever received an email from a mysterious prince promising you a fortune? As tempting as it is, (I mean, who doesn't want a royal friend?) don't fall for it. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading glittery but dubious attachments. They might be doorways for identity thieves.

6. Keep Personal Info Super Secret 🕵️‍♂️

Would you announce your deepest, darkest secrets with a megaphone? Probably not. So, don’t willingly hand over personal information, especially on the phone or online, unless you're 200% sure of who's on the other side.

7. Upgrade to a Bouncer: Use Security Software 🚫

Remember those bouncers who only let the cool peeps into the club? Treat your computer the same way. Arm it with robust security software to make sure it only lets in the good stuff and bounces the bad stuff away.

8. Public Wi-Fi? More like "Public Why-Fi"! 📡

Using public Wi-Fi to check your bank balance is like shouting your ATM pin in a crowded room. Avoid accessing personal or financial information when connected to public networks. Or, if you absolutely must, use a VPN. It's the digital version of Harry Potter's invisibility cloak.

9. Keep your social media on Lockdown 🔐

It's fun to share your life's moments, like that time you took a selfie with a llama. But oversharing can make you an easy target. Maybe the world doesn’t need to know your mother’s maiden name or the name of your first pet. Keep personal info and answers to common security questions on the down-low.

10. When in Doubt, Freeze Out! ❄️

If you think your identity is compromised, consider freezing your credit. It’s like giving your credit a mini- vacation. No one will be able to access it, not even you, until you decide to thaw it out.

Closing Thoughts 🚀

Protecting your identity doesn't have to be a James Bond-level mission. A few smart moves, some giggles, and a dash of vigilance can keep you safe from those identity thieves. Remember, in this game of cat and mouse, you're definitely the cat. Meow! 🐱

News

Nathanael / Cybersecurity Snacks

Okta Hacked: Cybercriminals Take a $2 Billion Detour on the Market Cap Highway

Oh boy, Okta's having one of those weeks! You know, the kind where you spill coffee on your white shirt, trip in public, AND, in their case, get hacked to the tune of $2 billion! It's like they're on a losing streak in the cyber-casino – and not just because of some misadventures in Vegas. Shares took a nosedive, doing their best impression of a rock in a pond after the company said some sneaky folks got into their client files. And here we thought they were the bouncers of the digital world! Now, investors are scratching their heads, wondering if Okta's the tech equivalent of butterfingers. Ouch! Hang in there, Okta – better luck next week! (more)

UMich Cyberattack Exposes Social Security Numbers

In a shocking turn of events, the University of Michigan recently revealed that Social Security numbers were compromised in a cyberattack that took place in August. Yes, you heard that right, hackers got their hands on people's sensitive information. I mean, who needs privacy anyway, right? The breach was so serious that the university had to disconnect the campus network from the internet, leaving the poor students without internet access for days. Can you imagine the horror? Not being able to check Instagram or binge-watch Netflix? It's like a nightmare come true (more)

Orange County District Attorney Gets "Hacked" - Cybercriminals Love to Play Pranks Too!

In an episode straight out of a sitcom, the Orange County District Attorney's office got cyber-pranked! That's right, the law-enforcers got a taste of the cyber-shenanigans! While they say only a "bit" of their IT was tickled, maybe it was just a rogue coffee machine refusing to brew. They've hit the panic button and are now playing digital detective. Makes one wonder if their firewall was made of Swiss cheese! It's a teensy bit awkward when the crime-fighters become the 'cyber-crime-felt'. Let’s hope they boost their cyber-mojo and stop the virtual pie-in-the-face moments! (more)

TSA Cracks Down on Cybersecurity for Trains, Thwarts Impending Train Hacker Oceans 11 Heist

In an effort to protect the United State of America's railroads from cyber threats, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has renewed cybersecurity requirements for passenger and freight railroad carriers. Apparently, there are people out there who want to hack into trains. Who knew? These updated requirements, which were set to expire, have been renewed for another year. Because apparently, cyber threats don't have an expiration date. The updates aim to strengthen the industry's defenses against cyberattacks. Who knows what kind of cyberattacks these trains could face? Maybe someone will hack into the train's sound system and blast "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne on repeat. Or worse, maybe they'll hack into the train's engine and make it go super fast like in that scene in "Speed." Regardless, the TSA sees the renewal of these requirements as a necessary step in keeping our nation's railroads secure (more)

Car Dealers ramp up cybersecurity efforts, but hackers just won't take a hint

Alrighty, folks, buckle up for a roller-coaster ride of car dealerships' cybersecurity! 🎢 The good stuff: Dealers now get the importance of cybersecurity. 90% say "Yeah, it's super essential!" and over half feel like they've got things locked down. Yay, go team! 🎉 But wait, there’s a plot twist. Cyberattacks? Increasing. 17% of our dealer buddies got a digital 'boo!' from hackers this year. The main villain? Sneaky email scams. And though employees sometimes click on fishy (or phishy 🐟) links, hope's not lost! Dealers updating their security saw improvements, and many plan to splash more cash on cybersecurity. The moral? There's hope in the horizon, or maybe we'll just get more techy pals to the rescue (more)