Cyberattack & Digital Disruption
1 article
A cyberattack is a malicious attempt to break into or damage computers, phones or online accounts. For a household, it can mean stolen passwords, lost money or exposed personal data. Begin with your email and bank accounts: turn on multi-factor authentication, set devices to update automatically, and back up your files.
A large-scale cyberattack targeting power grids, banking systems, communications, or other critical infrastructure. Focus on analog backups and offline preparedness.
Updated
How do we protect our household's online accounts from being hacked?
Turn on multi-factor authentication, use strong passwords kept in a password manager, and keep every device updated. The FTC explains that multi-factor authentication asks for a second credential, such as a one-time code or a fingerprint. That makes it harder for scammers to log in, even if they have your username and password. Ready.gov recommends passwords that mix upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Set phones and computers to update automatically, since updates can give critical protection against security threats. Back up computer and phone data to an external drive or the cloud. Don't share PINs or passwords, and remember that a real company will not call and ask to take control of your computer.
How can we tell if a message about our bank or a payment is a scam?
Be suspicious of any unexpected email or text that pushes you to click a link, confirm personal details or update payment information. The FTC says legitimate companies will not email or text you a link to update your payment information. Typical hooks include a claim of suspicious log-in attempts, an invoice you do not recognize, or a problem with your account. If you do have an account with that company, contact it through a phone number or website you already know is real, not the details in the message. Government agencies will not contact you by phone, text or social media about owing money. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What steps protect us after our personal information is exposed in a data breach?
Freeze your credit with all three bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and change the passwords on affected accounts. The FTC notes that while a freeze is in place, nobody can open new credit in your name, including you. Freezes are free, do not affect your credit score, and last until you lift them; parents can also request a free freeze for a child under 16. Check bank and card statements for charges you do not recognize, and your credit reports for accounts you did not open. If someone is misusing your information, IdentityTheft.gov lists recovery steps based on what was taken. Ready.gov also advises contacting your banks and card companies, since affected accounts may need holds.
Sources
- Cybersecurity, Ready.gov (FEMA). Definition of a cyberattack and its effects on money and personal information; strong passwords with mixed characters and a password manager; check statements and credit reports; change passwords after suspicious activity; companies will not call to take control of your computer; government will not contact you about owing money; contact banks and card companies to place holds.
- How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams, Federal Trade Commission. Multi-factor authentication makes it harder for scammers to log in; set software to update automatically; back up data; common phishing hooks; legitimate companies will not send a link to update payment information; contact companies through known numbers; forward texts to SPAM (7726); report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; IdentityTheft.gov steps based on what was lost.
- Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts, Federal Trade Commission. A credit freeze stops anyone, including you, from opening new credit; free; no effect on credit score; lasts until lifted; place it with all three bureaus; free freezes for children under 16.