Cybersecurity Awareness Basics
How to avoid identity theft, frauds, scams and more. Click below for more information.
Read our latest Fraud Newsletter: Citizens Fraud Update, Summer 2024
Simple passwords, such as 12345, or common identifying information, like birthdays and pet names, are not safe for protecting important accounts holding personal information. Using an easy-to-guess password is like locking the door but leaving the key in the lock. Weak passwords can quickly be broken by computer hackers. But it’s impossible to remember a unique strong password for ever6y account!
The good news is that creating and storing strong passwords with the help of a "password manager" is one of the easiest ways to protect ourselves from someone logging into our accounts and stealing sensitive information, data, money or even our identities. (America's Cyber Defense Agency, 2024)
Password vs. Passphrase: Differences & Which Is Better?
Both a password and a passphrase can be made secure. But generally speaking, a strong, random passphrase is said to have more entropy and therefore be more secure than a regular password. Longer passwords (14 characters or more) can also have a high level of entropy, making them more difficult to crack through brute force, but they are also harder to remember. (Okta, 2024)
Debunking 7 Common Cybersecurity Myths
Myths and false beliefs about the rapidly evolving topic of cybersecurity can significantly impact how individuals and organizations approach to cyberdefense. Despite technological advances and expanding understanding, inadequate protocols and a lack of security solutions are often caused by a few fallacies. This article aims to debunk seven of the most pervasive myths regarding cybersecurity by highlighting the importance of a thorough, informed approach using relevant statistics and anecdotes. (Peterson, 2024)
What You Should Know About Gift Cards
Gift cards can be a convenient present for the holidays and special occasions. While they seem simple, it is important that both the giver and the recipient read the details for each card to avoid any misunderstandings, and there might be additional policies set by the merchant or bank issuing the card. (FDIC, 2024)
That Random Text Offering You a Job? It’s Probably a Scam
If you need a job, that text messaging offering a full- or part-time position you didn’t apply for might seem great. You might be thinking, why not check it out? Unfortunately, it’s likely a job scam. (Rayo, 2024)