Cyber Monday Tips You Don't Want to Miss!

Cyber Monday Tips You Don't Want to Miss! 

As I login to my email this morning, I realize that the Cyber-Monday advertisements are in full swing and have continued to fill my inboxes since the Black Friday frenzy of last week.  Although many retailers offer great deals and send legitimate emails, the Cyber-Shopping season creates the perfect storm for SPAM and Phishing Scams. We may feel the desire to just keep opening these generous cyber gifts as quickly as our mouse will click them.  However, this “storm” of scams mandates us to be more diligent and cautious with regard to opening and clicking on emails.

One of the most dangerous scams or phishing schemes rampant across the internet are the Ransomware Trojans, the most famous (infamous) being CryptoLocker and CryptoWall.  These Ransomware Trojans usually get deployed by tricking the user into clicking a file that will allow the malicious code (payload) to run.  Once executed, the payload starts encrypting files on the victim’s hard drive.  Once the files are encrypted, a message (ransom) is then displayed and instructions are given on how to decrypt the data.  At this point there are very few choices you have to recover your data.  Security experts recommend not paying the ransom.  Doing so only legitimizes attacks.  If you ever do fall victim to a Ransomware attack, I would strongly recommend contacting an IT professional for recovery options before taking any further action.

There are no computer systems that are completely protected from these attacks, but following some basic guidelines can help reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.  To help mitigate the risk of these and other types of cyber-attacks, follow these few, simple “Safe Surfing” practices:

• Be aware that email is the #1 deployment method for cyber-attacks.
• Slow down and read the email preview information before clicking attachments or links.
• Do not open ANY attachments or links from unsolicited email senders, even if you know them.
• Hover over email links to reveal the URL.  The URL may not be what the link says it is.
• Keep your computer/device fully patched/updated. (Windows updates, Java, Adobe Flash, etc.).
• Do not install but remove Toolbars/Search bars, screensavers/wallpapers, Weather/Shopping/Stock alerting apps.
• Purchase reputable Anti-virus/Anti-spyware software and keep it updated.
• Use common sense.  If you don’t know what it is, don’t click it.

Starting Cyber-Monday and even well before, retailers and e-tailers offer fantastic deals and promotions in the effort to entice consumers to purchase from them.  Please take the time to consider each offer carefully and always remember the old adage “If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.

Happy Holidays and be safe out there in Cyberspace!