Also posted on our Facebook site.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the following tips, feel free to contact us.
- How to Report identity theft if you’ve been a victim (Added 09-23-25)
- If you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft the government has a place to report what happened.
- To report identity theft go to this website IdentityTheft.gov and follow the instructions.
- Cyber Threats & Safety Tips
- This tip expands on the Home Network Intrusions tip below
- Insecure Wi‑Fi Network. (Added 09-22-25)
- The risk: An outdated router or weak Wi‑Fi password can let neighbors—or hackers—into your network, where they can snoop or launch attacks.
- Simple fix:
- Change your router’s default admin password.
- Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
- Create a guest network for visitors and smart devices.
- Keep your router’s firmware updated.
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- No Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA) (Added 09-22-25)
- The risk: If someone gets your password, they can log in without resistance.
- Simple fix:
- Turn on 2FA wherever possible—especially for email, banking, and social media.
- Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator) instead of SMS when available
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- Outdated Devices & Software (Added 09-22-25)
- The risk: Old software has known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
- Simple fix:
- Turn on automatic updates for your computer, phone, router, and smart devices.
- Replace devices that no longer receive security updates (especially old phones, tablets, and routers).
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- Malicious Pop‑Ups & Fake Alerts
- What it is: Deceptive on‑screen messages that claim your computer is infected, your account is at risk, or you’ve won a prize. They often try to get you to click a link, call a fake “support” number, or download harmful software.
- Why it’s dangerous: Clicking or following the instructions can install malware, give scammers remote access to your device, or trick you into paying for fake services.
- Important to know: Microsoft will never display a pop‑up telling you to call a phone number, nor will they ask you to provide passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information through an unsolicited alert. Any message that does this is a scam.
- How to protect yourself: Close suspicious pop‑ups without clicking inside them. If they won’t close, use your browser’s task manager or restart your device. Never call phone numbers or click links from unsolicited alerts—go directly to the official Microsoft support site or your device’s built‑in help tools instead.
- Please call Ridgeway Technical Services at 660-872-6500 if you’re unsure of what to do. Our tech support is local and you will always get a real person on the phone not artificial intelligence (AI) or have to navigate menus. Thank you!
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- Phishing & Deepfake Scams
- What it is: Cybercriminals send emails, texts, or messages that appear to come from a trusted source—such as your bank, employer, or a friend. Increasingly, they may also use fabricated videos or audio recordings that convincingly mimic real people.
- Why it’s dangerous: You could be tricked into clicking a malicious link, downloading harmful files, or revealing sensitive information such as passwords or account numbers.
- How to protect yourself: Verify unexpected requests through a separate, trusted channel before responding or clicking. If something feels unusual, confirm with the person or organization directly.
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- Ransomware Attacks
- What it is: Malicious software encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access.
- Why it’s dangerous: You risk losing irreplaceable data—such as personal documents, photos, or business records—permanently.
- How to protect yourself: Maintain regular backups on secure, offline storage or reputable cloud services. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, attachments, or pop‑ups.
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- Advanced Malware
- What it is: Sophisticated malicious programs that can disguise themselves, alter their code, and evade detection by antivirus tools.
- Why it’s dangerous: They can steal login credentials, monitor your activity, or disrupt your system without your knowledge.
- How to protect yourself: Keep your operating system and applications updated, and use reputable, up‑to‑date security software.
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- Home Network Intrusions
- What it is: Unauthorized attempts to access your Wi‑Fi network or connected devices.
- Why it’s dangerous: Attackers can intercept communications, steal personal information, or compromise devices used for work or home.
- How to protect yourself: Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi‑Fi and devices, enable encryption, and limit access to trusted individuals.
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- Weak or Reused Passwords
- What it is: Using the same password across multiple accounts or choosing simple, guessable passwords.
- Why it’s dangerous: If one account is breached, attackers can gain access to many others.
- How to protect yourself: Create unique, complex passwords for each account and store them securely in a reputable password manager.
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- Public Wi‑Fi Risks
- What it is: Hackers can intercept data sent over unsecured public Wi‑Fi networks, such as in coffee shops, airports, or hotels.
- Why it’s dangerous: They may capture passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information you send while connected.
- How to protect yourself: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi‑Fi unless you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
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- Fake Apps & Software Downloads
- What it is: Malicious programs disguised as legitimate apps, browser extensions, or software updates.
- Why it’s dangerous: Installing them can give attackers access to your files, camera, microphone, or accounts.
- How to protect yourself: Only download software from official app stores or the developer’s verified website. Be cautious of “free” versions of paid software.