Today almost everything can be accessed through the internet. Things that were once done in person or on paper can often be done quicker and more conveniently online. However, the internet can be a dangerous place. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, someone’s identity is stolen every two seconds.
Managing your spam is one way to reduce unwanted or unwelcome content, which if you’re wondering has nothing to do with the infamous salty meat.
Spam in the cyber world is junk mail. Cyber criminals often attempt to use spam to disguise a malicious email as a link for personal or financial information.
“I had no idea my identity could be stolen by just online shopping,” said former WCC student Chasey Abrams. “All I did was click on an email that was confirming my purchases and then in a few days I saw random charges I never made to my account.”
The National Cyber Security Alliance suggests these STOP. THINK. CONNECTTM tips to stay safe online:
When in doubt, throw it out.Think before you act.Make your password a sentence.Unique account – unique password. Being aware of emails that encourage you to act immediately can save you from being scammed.
When looking at an advertisement and thinking it’s too good to be true, go with that gut feeling.
Because most times, it is. Although most of us choose passwords that are convenient and easy to remember, making sure your various accounts all have different passwords ultimately gives cyber criminals more of a challenge.
WCC held a cyber safety session on Dec. 3 about avoiding online fraud. The session specifically focused on the dangers of online shopping since the holidays are just around the corner.
If you missed this informational session with Christopher Duque, a 30-year HPD veteran assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division where he specialized in cybercrime investigations and computer forensics, not to worry.
He will be hosting a few more free cyber safety awareness education workshops on Feb. 23 and April 6 on campus.
All you have to do is register online by going to windwardcce.org/technology.
by Antonia Gary, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
