Sometimes back i received a call from my bank urging me to verify my bank account details since they have noted suspicious activities with my account.The caller looked legitimate since he knew some details about me but what gave them out was that the number they used was not the official number used by the bank for contacting us.It turns out,they were criminals trying to steal my information so as to get access to my account.It is not even about people trying to hack your details,This day there are so many scams some are highly sophisticated that you may not realize you are being scammed unless you are keen.As a freelancer i have encountered jobs which are being advertised on legitimate job sites.You apply for the job such a typing job or converting a document from example word format to PDF format.The owners divert you to telegram (red flag),they don’t want you to keep the conversation within the job site.Another strange thing is they offer extremely large amount of pay for very simple job(red flag).They can offer you PDF to word conversion at 20$ per page for 150 pages.This is work that can easily be done using free online tools in minutes and someone is offering to pay you 3000$ for it(red flag).They now tell you since they owe you 3000$,you just pay 30$ to unlock your 3000$(red flag).If it is true why can’t they just deduct there 30$ from the 3000$ and give you the balance.If you try to pay the 30$ you will end up losing your 30$ due to either your greed or foolishness.A strange woman contacted me claiming to be extremely sick and a widow.She claimed to be in Sweden but she was using a Sierra Leone number(red flag).She told me a long story how her husband was rich and had vast projects in Africa.She told me she had selected me to help her manage the project on her behalf since she was sickly.(red flag).Who told her about me and gave her my Gmail address.She informed me someone will contact me about the bank account details and the way forward.Sometimes later I receive an email from the bank manager claiming that for me to receive the funds from the account i have to pay lawyer’s fees(red flag).In today cyber space if you are a person who is powered by greed you will lose money.
In today’s technology driven world cyber security is no longer a distant technical concept but an essential part of our daily life.From Online buying and selling, social media and work,our daily lives are intertwined with technology but it comes with danger which many people are prone to overlook,Cyber criminals.
My experience’s online have reinforced an essential lesson within me: always verify before you trust.Cyber criminals prey on routine,habits and emotions.They rely on urgency and fear into manipulating us to make quick decision without thinking.Being cautious and questioning suspicious message or calls can prevent data theft or even financial loss.
Many people including myself are guilty of using the same password for multiple accounts at some point in our life even right now.This behavior although convenient may lead to devastating consequences at some point especially if one of your account is compromised.lt is advisable to create unique passwords for each account and use a password manager for convenience.
Public WiFi often used in airport, hotels and many establishments is another hidden danger.Though it is free and most people like free things, someone can easily gain access to your device through a file sharing request.lt is advisable to use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing a public network as it encrypt data and shield sensitive information from hackers.
Cybersecurity is not just about advanced systems or specialized tools,it’s about adopting safe habits and staying informed. Simple steps, like being skeptical of unsolicited messages, using strong passwords, and protecting your data on public networks, can go a long way in safeguarding your digital life.
In an age where our personal and professional lives are deeply integrated with technology, being cyber-aware is not optional,it is essential. By staying vigilant and proactive, we can navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
