Essential Tips to Outsmart Cybercriminals
By: Jill Franks and Ashley McVicker
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Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: Protecting Your Data, Devices, and Business
In today’s world, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue — it’s everyone’s issue. From your smartphone to your thermostat, every connected device can be a gateway for cyberattacks. In this Isn’t That Rich podcast episode, we sat down with Farmers State Bank’s Head of IT, Doug Williams, to break down the most common threats and what you can do to keep your personal and business information safe.
Here’s what you need to know to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, in a fun and approachable way — because let’s face it, cybersecurity is serious, but it doesn’t have to be boring!
What is Cybersecurity, and Why Should You Care?
Cybersecurity is all about protecting data, devices, and networks from attacks. Whether it’s your home computer, your smartphone, or even your Wi-Fi-connected thermostat, Doug reminds us that “the bad guys” are always looking for ways to access personal and sensitive information. And while the old days of viruses crashing your computer might be (mostly) behind us, the cyber threats of today are sneakier, more sophisticated, and way more dangerous.
From phishing scams to man-in-the-middle attacks, there are endless ways for cybercriminals to infiltrate your system. But don’t worry, Doug’s got some hot tips to help you outsmart them!
Common Cyber Threats: What You Need to Know
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Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Doug shared that these attacks are becoming more common, especially in industries like banking and real estate. Here’s how it works: a hacker breaks into a legitimate email conversation between businesses, like a title company and a bank. They sit quietly, watching the email exchange, waiting for the right moment to swoop in and send fake wiring instructions. The result? Money is transferred to the wrong place — and often, it's long gone before anyone notices the error. Doug’s advice? Always verify sensitive information like wiring instructions directly with the source, preferably over the phone. -
Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing
You’ve probably heard of phishing, but did you know there’s also smishing and vishing? Here’s the breakdown:- Phishing: Fraudulent emails trying to steal your info.
- Smishing: Phishing, but via text message.
- Vishing: Phone calls designed to trick you into giving up personal info.
We’ve all gotten those sketchy texts: “Your Amazon account has been hacked” or “Your bank account is overdrawn, click here!” Doug warns to never click suspicious links and never give out personal information over the phone unless you’re absolutely sure of who you’re speaking with.
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AI and Voice Cloning Scams
As if phishing and smishing weren’t bad enough, Doug gave us a chilling look into the future — or rather, the present. AI is now being used to mimic voices, meaning scammers can replicate the voice of a family member or friend to trick you into sending money. His tip? Set up a family “safe word” that only you and your loved ones know. If you ever get a suspicious call, ask for the safe word. If they can’t provide it, it’s time to hang up.
Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: The Basics of Staying Safe
One of the easiest (yet most overlooked) ways to protect yourself online is by creating strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). Doug emphasizes that it’s time to ditch the easy-to-guess passwords like your pet’s name or birthday.
- Password Managers: Use a password manager to create and store complex, unique passwords for each site. Doug recommends paid options like LastPass, BitWarden, and 1Password, which help you generate strong passwords and store them securely.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This extra layer of security makes sure it’s really you logging in, even if someone has stolen your password. You’ll get a code sent to your phone or email, or use an authenticator app to complete your login. While it might seem like a hassle, it’s one of the best ways to protect your accounts.
The Rise of Passkeys: Goodbye, Passwords?
Doug also shared an exciting new development: passkeys. These are an encrypted key that allows you to log in to websites and apps using your device’s biometrics (like Face ID) without needing a traditional password. With no password to steal, hackers can’t get into your accounts even if they wanted to! Look for passkey options to start popping up across websites and services in the near future.
Other Best Practices to Protect Yourself
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Keep Your Software Updated
Regular updates for your computer, phone, and apps often include security patches to protect against known threats. Doug warns not to ignore those update notifications — they’re more important than you think! -
Employee Education and Vigilance
For businesses, educating employees on cybersecurity best practices is key. Doug’s team sends out regular phishing tests to keep staff on their toes. The lesson here? Always double-check suspicious emails and never be afraid to ask for help. -
Monitor Your Accounts
Keep an eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements for any unusual activity. If something looks off, report it immediately.
The Future of Cybersecurity
As we move into an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is only going to get more complex. Doug reminds us not to be afraid, but to stay vigilant. With cyber threats evolving every day — from AI scams to sophisticated ransomware attacks — the best defense is being informed and proactive.
So, while cybersecurity can seem overwhelming, by following Doug’s advice — using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, staying updated, and educating yourself — you can protect your data and devices from most common threats. And remember, you don’t need to be an IT expert to stay safe. Just be smart, stay cautious, and when in doubt, reach out to professionals like Doug and his team.
For more expert advice and tips on how to protect yourself in the digital world, subscribe to the Isn’t That Rich podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes that make even the most complicated financial and tech topics easy to understand — and maybe even a little bit fun!