Common ways people become targets of cyberattacks

In today's digital era, the risk of cyberattacks is a significant concern, as bad actors aim to exploit vulnerabilities present in our online interactions. There are several ways in which individuals can inadvertently become targets for these threats, whether through negligence, lack of knowledge or simply by oversight.

Cyber criminals utilise a variety of tactics to target individuals, with common techniques that are consistently used. It is crucial to be aware of these methods in order to safeguard yourself and your organisation.

This article delves into techniques that make individuals vulnerable to cyberattacks and provides practical advice on how to enhance personal protection in a constantly evolving, interconnected world. Let us explore the most common ways people are targeted and how they can secure their personal information.

1. Phishing scams

Phishing scams are a common way for people to get hacked, so it is important to prioritise security measures and stay vigilant. Look out for warning signs such as suspicious links, unexpected attachments, requests for confidential information and urgent language in messages. Always verify sender addresses, domains, message typos and urgent requests before taking any action.

Vishing involves fraudulent phone calls or voicemails from seemingly reputable companies in an attempt to obtain personal information. Never give out personal or banking details over the phone unless you initiated the call and always contact your service provider to verify the request or report any suspicious calls. Remember, your bank will never ask for your passwords or pins over the phone.

Smishing refers to phishing attacks through text messages. These messages may lead you to a phishing website or download harmful software onto your device. Always verify any suspicious texts with your service provider before clicking on any links. For example, be wary of texts claiming to be about a delayed delivery with a link to track it. Stay cautious and always verify the legitimacy of any messages before taking any action.

2. Weak passwords

Protect yourself from cyber-criminals by using strong, unique passwords for each account and enabling multi-factor authentication. Cyber-criminals can crack weak passwords in a matter of minutes or seconds, giving them access to valuable personal information and financial assets. Do not fall victim to these malicious actions – take proactive steps to safeguard your online accounts.

3. Social engineering

Not all attacks require advanced technology or complex software to be successful. Sometimes, hackers can exploit simple deception to trick individuals. This is the concept behind social engineering, which involves using deception and psychological manipulation. To protect yourself, remain vigilant, question the identity of individuals and approach any requests for money or personal information with caution. Additionally, refrain from sharing too much personal information on social media and always ensure your security and privacy settings are enabled on all platforms.

4. Outdated software

Failing to update your systems leaves them vulnerable to cyber-criminals who can exploit security weaknesses to steal data or introduce malware. It is essential for organisations to regularly apply critical security patches to all systems and applications. Follow your workplace's update installation policy and enable automatic updates on your personal devices to ensure you are always protected from potential security threats.

In conclusion, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and vigilant about the common ways in which they can become targets of cyberthreats. By taking proactive measures such as updating passwords regularly, being cautious of phishing emails, and securing personal information online, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. It is important for everyone to prioritise their online security in order to protect themselves and their personal information in an increasingly digital world.

*Cornelia Shipindo is the manager of cybersecurity at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).