At One House Digital, we take online security very seriously. Unfortunately, hybrid and online work environments attract more and more hackers and spammers every day. Now more than ever, your information (and that of customers) are vulnerable to cyber attacks. So, how can you stay proactive with your online security and what warning signs should you be aware of?

Protecting Social Media Accounts

If you regularly update your password and securely store login information, it'll be more difficult for criminals to hack into your social accounts. Remember the 30-day rule: update passwords every 30 days and make your passwords easy enough for you to remember yet long enough to be tricky for hackers.

To reduce or eliminate spam accounts blowing up your direct messages or "DMs", consider making your social media profile private.

Beware of Emails Containing Malware

Let's take a look at this example of malware disguised as a Windows update.

This Emotet Malware campaign has sent emails claiming to be a ‘Windows Update’, telling users to upgrade their copy of Microsoft Word.

Trust your gut. Your first instinct is typically correct. If an email or text message looks suspicious, it most likely is. Spammers "try to be as convincing as possible to trick users to click and infect their computers" according to Compushooter.com.

Here's another startling fact courtesy of Compushooter, "When the COVID-19 pandemic [began, cyber criminals] exploited people’s fears by sending tons of emails loaded with malware pretending to offer information on how to get protected from the COVID-19 infection."

Even if you open an email that seems suspicious, do not click the links on the email. Let's say that you are a Windows customer, we recommend to do an online search of recent spam & malware attacks associated with Windows, contact your IT or cyber security provider, or call Microsoft's main customer service line to verify the information. Do not trust any phone numbers provided on questionable emails.

Got questions? Please send an email to onehousedigitalphx@gmail.com!

Author: Jan C. Smith

*Photo provided by Compushooter.com. No direct affiliation with Compushooter LLC nor Microsoft.