Whether a wedding, or a holiday event, this year, you may see the dreaded notation: Black Tie or Black Tie Optional. What do you wear these days?
A member of our Advisory Board told a story of a time he went to the tuxedo hanging in the back of his closet which he hadn’t worn in years. He tried it on, and it fit! Unfortunately, his sartorial choice was rejected by his kids who complained about the lapels, the cummerbund, the size of the bow tie, and the style of his shirt. He was tempted to push back- after all, formal never really goes out of style. Does it? But the kids were right. What worked a decade ago likely will not work today.
Why are we talking about tuxedos and style? Well, the same thinking is true for cybersecurity. What worked last year may not work today. December is ID Theft & Protection Awareness Month, and the Office of Consumer Protection provides you these basic steps on Protecting Your Identity or Protecting Your Child’s ID. Here are some easy ways to update your “IT Tuxedo” and help keep your data and finances safe.
Passphrases not Passwords
Do not use passwords--create passphrases instead. Sadly, password and 12345678 are amongst themost commonly used passwords worldwide. Complex phrases, like TreeDeskNovemberPie are safer than a combination of your birthdate and initials—especially given how many data breaches have placed such information on the dark web. Even better, mix up the letters in your passphrase for numbers and symbols: Tr33De$kN0v3mb3rP1e. Do not reuse your passphrases. Always use fresh ones for each account. Using password managers or passkeys can help you keep track and act as an upgrade to your new security “style.”
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is like the raincoat protecting that new tuxedo during a storm. Setting up a two-factor authentication protocol, to include a pin, biometric, or randomly generated codes has proven to be 99% effective in thwarting account hacks. Add MFA to your cell phone, tablet and computer. Check the settings, usually under privacy or security, for set up. If any of your cell phone apps offers up this feature, turn it on.
Updated Software
The tuxedo isn’t the only thing that needs updating. Whether it is your cell phone, tablet, or computer, make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the operating system and of the security system. Keeping your software updated protects against the newest viruses, malware and other malicious attacks.
Phishing and Smishing: Don’t Click!
It is important to recognize phishing and smishingattempts. Criminals posing as your bank, USPS (and other delivery services), big box retailers (Walmart, Target, Amazon), law enforcement (FBI, Sheriff, Police, ICE) and even your family members whose email accounts have been hacked will send you emails and texts which look legitimate. With artificial intelligence, the internet, and a computer, criminals can create scenarios that can look and feel very real. Attachments and links, even photos from an aunt you haven’t heard from in a while, could contain a virus or malware, or simply take you to a mock website that will fool you into downloading a virus or exchanging personal information. Make sure you are checking the email address of the sender (by hovering over it with your cursor/mouse), and if in doubt, directly contact the person or entity who is asking you for money, identity confirmation, etc. using a phone number you find in your account documents or on the entity’s website. Criminals often give fake phone numbers to steer you to their colleagues.
By taking these steps, you can increase your online safety, deter ID theft, and protect your name and your finances. If you, or a loved one, have been a victim of identity theft, there are some steps to addressing the crime even if the victim is deceased.
To request this publication in an alternative format, contact the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov. Follow us on social media @hococommunity.
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection | 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr | Columbia, MD 21046 US