Data theft and cybersecurity are some of the most pertinent issues that tech giants such as Facebook have had to face in the recent past. Prior to the 2016 US elections, it was alleged that a data analyst firm Cambridge Analytica was involved with data harvesting from Facebook. The data said to be harvested was for people's likes, friends, and pictures to help the firm analyze and help steer people's opinion and influence the election of that year.
A lot has happened since. For instance, Facebook has come out with a few security tools such as off-Facebook activity (shall be discussed later in the article). Cambridge Analytica was just one example of an application that could get free access to your social network data and use it to shape the social and commercial space. Subsequently, your data on say Google – like the search history, can be sent to Facebook to help customize adverts they send you. It also good to look at what others have to say about Facebook weekly. Here is how you can control your private data apps.
Off-Facebook Activity
When it comes to data control, Off-Facebook activity needs attention. There are high chances that whenever you log in to any site online, it captures some of your data. This data can be shared widely from one application to another. Mostly it, however, ends up with Facebook or Instagram for purposes of advertisement. Major corporations invest heavily in pushing their brands and products online through influencers and application ads. The data an app like Facebook gets is used to trim personalize the data you get individually. For instance, say you went searching about the best laptop brand on the website; you may end up getting an advertisement on laptops in your Facebook timeline. Facebook pixel is an online spy which tracks some of the activity you have online, especially those sites you have linked with Facebook.
Therefore, the social tech giant released a security feature known as the off-Facebook activity that helps the users to monitor the data other applications and websites share with it about them. As the user, you are at liberty to disconnect this data from your account; however, Facebook will still receive your data from its partners, it’s just that it will not be displayed on your timeline. To dig into the details you can use private searching on Chrome, and learn how the data will be mined.
You can access this tool on your mobile phone or on the desktop. It can be activated on the settings then scroll down until you find the off-Facebook activity icon. Another remedy is to delete your search history online to avoid the sites from sharing it along.
Well, there are several ways you can apply to protect your identity or avoid being spied on. However, there is no way to know for sure that you are out of danger to get into crossfires with spyware online. With an ever-growing technology and social space, it is unfortunate that once you join the online society, you give away your power to control your private space.
Generally, since apps are not so trustworthy with protecting their client’s data, these are some of the top tips on how you can protect your private data from being accessed by malicious applications.
Manage your Passwords
The best password range is always eight digits and above while mixing characters, special digits, and different fonts. Sometimes, having numerous accounts with such a complex password may have its downside since you may forget. This is where a data management system comes in. Usually, chrome and other browsers ask you to store your passwords usernames to numerous accounts with them. However, seasoned data security consultants disagree with this. Instead, they recommend you to store your login credentials to sites and apps in password managers, which contain stringent security measures meant to keep away any spyware. They store your information in a series of layers in encryption such that decoding the encryptions will not be so easy for third-party sources to access it.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks
Well, this is almost like asking you not to eat. Public Wi-Fi networks are the most vulnerable networks that hackers use to get unsuspecting users to steal their data and potentially rob them. The temptation of logging into a café Wi-Fi network for a short time just to refresh your feeds may prove to be costly later on when you realize that your data has been stolen and used to do something despicable. It should be clear to you that you may never know where your data lands. Yes, it may be shared with other apps, but whatever the information may be used to do, no one knows.
There are two ways you can avoid such traps. One is obviously steering clear of untrustworthy networks. The other method is to use a secured virtual private network (VPN) whenever using public Wi-Fi. Generally, when surfing, you should prevent censoring and filtering.
Manage App Permissions
This is one of the most efficient ways to filter out malicious applications on your phone. For instance, if you download, say an app to organize your notes, and you notice the app is asking permission to access say contacts, and then it should raise a red flag about the trustworthiness of the app.
You should never grant app permissions randomly. Other than monitoring data and security, you may also use this feature to preserve your phone operation. For example, some apps run in the background after you install them. This is unsustainable to the battery over time.
Limit Your Exposure to Social Media
Generally speaking, you are never that safe on social media. You may not be online, but as much as you appear on someone else's profile, even a friend, your information can easily be accessed. And depending on what you share on those platforms, you may be very vulnerable to these sites. Also, while creating an account, fill out as little information as possible to limit the extent of damage when the risk occurs. There are instances when people's identities have been used in crimes without their knowledge.
The Bottom Line
It is healthy to exercise caution while using the online space, whether socially or for business purposes. Always download applications from trusted sources such as Google play store and apple’s app store. Also, you should ensure you frequently update your application as well as your phone’s security system.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).