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Imagine receiving a phone call and a desperate voice claims to be in trouble and in need of your financial help. What if the voice sounded like a loved one’s? How would you react? Would you break down and send money? What if you later realized your loved one actually is safe and sound, and the call was actually a scam?
Cybersecurity, in today’s ever-growing digital age, is no joke. In the US in 2023 alone, there were more than 856,000 instances of imposter fraud that occurred. The Federal Trade Commission reported that US$2.7 billion were drained nationwide, making this the most common type of fraud in the country that year. The good news, though, is education can go a long way in prevention and keeping your family safe.
Curious to learn more about cybersecurity and safe words? Click through this gallery to start your journey.
A safe word is a verbal password or code phrase. It can (and should) be simple and easy to remember, yet not so easy for a stranger to guess.
All AI needs to replicate your voice is the word “hello.” So, if you don’t know a number, don’t answer the phone, as it could be a scam waiting to happen.
Having a prearranged word or phrase available can help you prevent scams. As smart as AI technology is, nothing can replace the actual things only you and your family know. If you receive a frantic call, first ask the caller for your prearranged safe word before offering any help.
The digital world is an ever-evolving one and criminals concoct new schemes every day. Having a plan in place for how to react if a suspected attack occurs is key.
Consider using a particular question, phrase, or pattern that your loved ones would know but a criminal wouldn’t.
For many people, discussing the potential for a faked distress call helps them feel more in control and, ultimately, more confident.
Teaching your children about online safety (in general and specifically related to safe words) creates a lasting tradition of safety in your home.
Specific scams are using voice cloning, AI software to call and fake frantic or desperate “needs” for money to be sent immediately. Safe words can deter this.
Knowing that your family and loved ones, namely children, are prepared in case an unexpected fake call should happen can give you peace of mind.
Unfortunately, there exists a whole world of other cyber-related crimes out there. However, by having a secure word, your family can handle anything that might come their way.
If you feel, or know, that your family’s safe word or phrase has been compromised, change it immediately. Remember to effectively communicate the new word/phrase to applicable family members.
Not everyone has the same level of tech knowledge, so it is important to educate others in your community. Consider sharing the concept of a cyber safe word with community members. The keyword here is "concept," as you're not to share your actual family safe word with them.
Talking about safe words, cybersecurity, and safety in general can open up important conversations for you and your family to have and reflect on.
If you have elderly relatives, they can be especially at risk for cyber scams. Make sure they feel confident combatting potential cyber threats.
Safe words are a great and impactful verbal way to protect yourself from cyber crime, but they work even better alongside a strong passcode or other security measure.
When developing your cyber safe word, never use publicly available information such as your name, location, birthday, or email address.
Installing and regularly updating antivirus software is crucial for keeping your devices protected against a wide range of cyber threats, including viruses, malware, and ransomware.
Being vigilant against phishing attacks involves staying cautious of suspicious emails, links, or messages that attempt to deceive users into disclosing personal information or installing malicious software.
Utilizing merchants you trust when making online transactions minimizes the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities, thereby ensuring the security of your financial and personal information.
Protect your identity by using a fake name or a chosen screen name versus your actual name.
Teach family members to not respond to messages from strangers. These individuals could lie about anything and you’d never know, until it’s too late.
In the unfortunate instance of an attack, avoid all your accounts being compromised by using different, strong passwords for each.
Sources: (United Communications) (LinkedIn) (Hwb) (Avast)
Could it be someone else? Why your family must have an AI safe word
Protecting your family in the digital age
LIFESTYLE Technology
Imagine receiving a phone call and a desperate voice claims to be in trouble and in need of your financial help. What if the voice sounded like a loved one’s? How would you react? Would you break down and send money? What if you later realized your loved one actually is safe and sound, and the call was actually a scam?
Cybersecurity, in today’s ever-growing digital age, is no joke. In the US in 2023 alone, there were more than 856,000 instances of imposter fraud that occurred. The Federal Trade Commission reported that US$2.7 billion were drained nationwide, making this the most common type of fraud in the country that year. The good news, though, is education can go a long way in prevention and keeping your family safe.
Curious to learn more about cybersecurity and safe words? Click through this gallery to start your journey.