JOURNEY TOWARDS SECURITY

Stay secure while preparing for the new year

The new year is upon us!
Whether you are posting pictures from the holidays on social media, creating a new year budget, or setting up that gifted smart TV, cybercriminals are finding ways to sneak their scams into these exciting times. As you take on whatever the new year throws at you, make sure your journey includes staying cyber secure.

There are many resources and programs online you can use to help accomplish fitness and health goals. When searching for gyms, workout plans, or healthy recipes, watch out for scams. Some of these scams are nothing more than misleading ads, while others result in no product being delivered at all. Be wary of any pills, diets, or programs that promise immediate results.

The new year is a great time to look at finances. With the rise of online shopping, it can be difficult to keep track of purchases. Set a routine to check your transactions on debit and credit cards and look for any suspicious charges you didn’t make. Many people are using budgeting apps. Make sure to read reviews and research the app before downloading or entering your personal information on it. Avoid entering your banking information on unknown apps.

Online surveys may seem like an easy way to make money, but it is important to do your research before participating. Many of these sites are scams. If the money offered seems too high or if a reward is offered just for signing up, it is likely a scam. Be careful with your personal information. Read the privacy policy and leave the survey immediately if the questions ask for sensitive information.