Think before you click on that link!
Crime Watch with Garda Sergeant Michael Walsh
OCTOBER 2021 is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it aims to raise people’s knowledge about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all individuals and organisations have the information and tools they need to be safe online.
Going online helps you stay connected with family and friends; keeps you up to date with news; gives you access to online learning – and much more – but it is always a good idea to keep security in mind and there are lots of things you can do to protect yourself.
Over the past 18-months in particular, we have seen cyber criminals using many online platforms to instigate scams and frauds. They use what’s called social engineering to try and harvest information from unsuspecting victims. Social engineering is the art of manipulating people so they give up confidential information.
We’ve all gotten the pre-recorded voice calls or scam text messages with a hyperlink, that are aimed at trying to trick you into giving them your passwords or bank information, or access your computer to secretly install malicious software. The best way to beat the scammer is to create awareness and this month we are asking the public ‘to think before you click’.
When shopping online, make sure your online purchases are from reputable and secure sites. Check that the site has an address starting with https and watch out for spelling and grammar mistakes. Look at the 'about us' and/or the 'contact us' pages to ensure there are legitimate contact details. Be wary of 'one-time' offers and search for other people's experiences of the site.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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