Whether you’re running a business from your laptop, managing emails, or posting to social media, online threats are everywhere. Take a look at some of the current scams right now and how you can protect yourself:
- Deepfakes, Altered Images/Videos, and AI
- You now have to question everything! Does it seem plausible? Is it in character with the person? Did you see it first hand?
- You might be able to check the authenticity by doing some research. Try pulling up Google search and describing the video/picture/event. If it shows up on multiple reputable sources, there’s a chance it is real. Always check your sources.
- Let’s just say that you can no longer believe what you see on the internet, social media, in videos or in pictures.
- Phishing Emails
Looks legit, but steal passwords or payment info. They often pretend to be from banks, clients, or software you use.- Emails that look like they are from your bank, may take you to a clone of your bank’s sign in page. These are getting harder to detect.
- A new Google email scam is targeting Gmail users by sending fake security alerts. These emails appear to be from Google, but they contain links to fake sites.google.com pages designed to steal user login credentials.
- Don’t click links in emails that you are not expecting.
- Fake Invoice Scams
An email says you owe money, and includes a link to pay.- Many of these emails have attachments that they want you to open.
- Some say the charge has already happened, but you have 10 days to reverse the charges “just call or click”.
- Don’t click links or open attachments you are not expecting. Check your bank/credit account instead.
- “Tech Support” Pop-Ups
A scary message says your computer is infected and urges you to call a number. Sometimes it yells at you through your speakers to create more anxiety.- These attacks are designed to scare you and get you to do something without thinking.
- Reboot your computer. When your heartrate returns to normal, run a scan for viruses and malware.
- Business Impersonation on Social Media
Fake accounts or DMs pretending to be your brand (or a trusted vendor) try to trick your followers.- We’ve all seen these, and they are becoming very commonplace.
- Get in front of the issue. Let your followers know what happened. Then work with the various platforms to get it taken down.
- Data Breaches from Weak Passwords
Reusing passwords makes it easy for hackers to break into your accounts and steal data or impersonate you.- AI has made it so much easier for your passwords to be hacked. One of the latest reports I read said that AI can guess your password with 91% accuracy.
- You probably already know what I’m going to say . . .
- Change your passwords regularly
- Don’t reuse passwords
- Make passwords difficult to guess
- Turn on 2-step authentication
- Malware from Downloads or Ads
One wrong click can install harmful software that spies on your keystrokes or locks your files.- These types of scams have been around forever.
- There’s even a new one that can listen to your keyboard and decipher what you are typing based on how the clicking of the keys sound.
- Don’t click on links or download anything you are unsure of. Make sure you have an antivirus program running on your computer and phone.
Other Easy, Doable Steps to Stay Safe
- Use a Password Manager
They generate and remember strong, unique passwords for you. (Try: 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass.) - Turn On 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
This adds a second layer of security (like a code texted to your phone) and most apps now offer it. - Think Before You Click
If an email or link feels “off,” don’t open it. Double-check the sender, spelling, and tone. Gone are the days where grammar and spelling are obviously wrong. Now you need to look for slightly odd word choices, lots of em-dashes (AI’s favorite), a company logo looking “off”, and your gut feeling. - Keep Software Updated
If you have an “Update” notice on your software, it’s there to patch security holes. Do it regularly, especially on your phone and laptop. - Back Up Your Data Weekly
Use an external drive or cloud service. If you’re hacked, you won’t lose everything. - Google Yourself Occasionally
Look for fake accounts or business listings that aren’t yours. It’s a quick check for impersonation.
Want a second pair of eyes on your setup? I help business owners make sense of this stuff and stay secure, without the tech overwhelm. Let’s chat!