Observed every October, the annual Cyber Security Awareness Month is committed to encouraging personal accountability, securing behaviors, and maintaining digital privacy in the cybersecurity landscape. This initiative was created as a joint effort between government and industry providing resources to stay safe and secure online.
This October we are focusing on current trends and following good security habits.
Phishing – Phone calls, Text messages and QR Codes
Scammers are always looking for new ways to get your personal information, access to your online accounts, and money. Sometimes they pretend to be your bank or even a member of Curry. Sending you a request through email, social media, or even text message. Check out this video with a twist on Shaggy's song "It wasn't me".
If you don't take the time to confirm a request is legitimate you could be giving away your information or money to a scammer.
Scammers also use are public places to take your personal information and money such as using Fake QR Codes.
Why? Most people are not aware of the risk scanning QR codes in public places and trust it is associated with that public service. Places like parking meters, parking garages, and even restaurants. Always verify a QR code before providing any sensitive information when using one. Watch this video from ABC7 Chicago on Fake QR Code TIPS,
(ABC7Chicago plays directly on ABC7 Chicago - may have Ad)
Bottom line for any request is to verify,
If you don't recognize the sender or the message,
If you receive a Text Message, Phone Call or QR code from a company you know and trust you should contact them directly to confirm its legitimacy before scanning. For physical QR codes you should check for stickers pasted over a public display.
Just like email phishing attempts with be wary of any request via phone, text or QR codes that create a sense of urgency, appeal to your emotions, or have poor grammar.
Review QR code URLs carefully and make sure the URL matches the website you expect to visit before scanning.
Watch out for personal info requests
Don't give out sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, to a website you reached through a Email, Text Message or QR code without verify it is legitimate.
Want to see if you can spot a phish?
Observed every October, the annual Cyber Security Awareness Month is committed to encouraging personal accountability, securing behaviors, and maintaining digital privacy in the cybersecurity landscape. This initiative was created as a joint effort between government and industry providing resources to stay safe and secure online.