We look at how to protect yourself from Tech Support and Online Scams as we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness month
A recent Microsoft study from 16 countries shows that less people are now susceptible to tech support and online scams. Another reveals millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 are exposed to the highest levels of online risks.
This we can say will be attributed to millennials spending the most time online. And the increasing education and awareness of these scams.
But it doesn’t mean the threat or its realism doesn’t still persist. Athima shares that people have become savvy to such scams.
Consumers have developed a healthy skepticism about unsolicited contact from technology and software companies. They’ve become savvy to flagging such contact as a potential scam. – Athima Chansanchai
But how is Microsoft helping in this fight? Microsoft says through advanced analytics at its Digital Crimes Unit, they identify the players. Collaborating with appropriate security agencies to disrupt fraudulent enterprises.
The month of October is denoted a month to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. We look at how you can further protect yourself from tech support or other online scams. You can also read a previous post talking about how to Protect yourself from Email and Web Scams.
What can you do to stay safe from Tech Support and Online Scams
Buy Genuine Software
I know how and why most people don’t buy genuine softwares. Instead collect them from friends or download pirated versions. The reasons are debatable and i really hope this can be addressed to encourage consumers do the right thing. From costs of software, availability, file sizes etc.
Being a victim of viruses, malwares, etc. will be too much and painful, so best avoid it if you can.
Remain in Control
If you ever have to give control of your computer to a third party remain in control. You can terminate the session if you see any thing suspicious. Also confirm that, it is the legitimate rep of a support team if you didn’t initiate the service.
Don’t just click links
When you receive an email that says click to view, etc. don’t just click even if sender is in your contact list. Sometimes they might have been hacked because they were careless and you details were exposed. Confirm email addresses and names, speak to them about that email, it might draw their attention to the situation.
In a haste to move on to certain pages we just accept and click okay without checking what we are accepting or clicking. Check and read before clicking.
A few other things
– Microsoft says it will not send you unsolicited email messages or phone calls to request personal or financial information. Or to provide technical support to fix your computer. Any communication with Microsoft has to be initiated by you.
– Download softwares only from official websites.
– Keep your antiviruses up to date. (Windows 10 comes with an antivirus, just keep it up to date you’ll be fine. Or just use the one you prefer but keep it up to date).
Microsoft holds Chief Security Officer (CSO) Executive Series themed “Think like a hacker” targeted at security experts in Accra.
The CSO Executive Series targeted at IT admins and security officers of companies was led by Greg Tworek. Greg is the director of CQURE and also a trainer at CQUREAcademy where they help experts level up. Microsoft created the CSO executive series to enables participants network with peers and engage international security SMEs. It is also an event to teach on how to create an effective information security strategy against threats and hackers.
Every day, you can do something to protect your company from attacks. Especially when taking into consideration the newest technologies. It is surprising how often a hacker can use the same paths to enter your system. Let’s put you into the hacker’s role, and perform all the activities they would to better understand the threats. – Microsoft
The very informative sessions get you to see and think from a hackers point of view. What they think and how they think when trying to steal and take information from you that will be used in later days or months. Participants also learnt some very useful tools for whitelisting, checking ransomware, phishing etc.
Session modules included topics such as your company as a potential hacker’s target and Protecting privacy and identity. Also an informative session on Using Information Technology to prevent attacks and threats.
In the era of cloud computing information on Data storage security and Data sharing security was shared.
Greg sharing on some Security Best Practices;
Understanding is the Key
Put on the Hackers Shoes
Prevention is the key to success.
Did you know 67% of young workers think cooperate social media policies are outdated. Digital signature is a great way to protect your stuff. Also 70% of users do not password protect their smartphones.
One very helpful and interesting fact Greg shared was that Office 365 cloud solutions provide a lot of gains and security.
Follow more details check out the conversation via the hashtag #MSSecurityGH. The event is also scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya follow via the hashtag #MSSecurityKE
In designing Windows 10 the Microsoft OS team had making computing very personal for the end user says Corporate Vice President, Operating Systems Group at Microsoft Joe Belfiore and as such are introducing like some of the other already cool features (if you are signed up for the Insiders Program you’ll know this) another cool new “personal computing” feature – Windows Hello and Microsoft Passport -.
Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature which can provide instant access to your Windows 10 devices. With Windows Hello, you’ll be able to just show your face, or touch your finger to new devices running Windows 10 and be immediately recognized without hassle. And not only is Windows Hello more convenient than typing a password—it’s more secure! Our system enables you to authenticate applications, enterprise content, and even certain online experiences without a password being stored on your device or in a network server at all.
How Windows Hello works?
It uses a system support for biometric authentication using the face, iris or fingerprint with specialized hardware including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors. If your device already has a fingerprint reader, you’ll be able to use Windows Hello to unlock that device, A picture of you or someone trying to impersonate you can’t be used to login. The cameras use infrared technology (like that of the Kinect technology) to identify your face or iris and can recognize you in a variety of lighting conditions.
Microsoft Passport is a code name for a programming system that IT managers, software developers and website authors can use to provide a more secure way of letting you sign-in to their sites or apps. Instead of using a shared or shareable secret like a password, Windows 10 helps to securely authenticate to applications, websites and networks on your behalf—without sending up a password. Thus, there is no shared password stored on their servers for a hacker to potentially compromise.
Microsoft passport gives you access to online content and apps without passwords but more securely and will work with your Microsoft account and the Azure active directory and other sites using the azure active directory.
