Tag: precautions

Digital Footprints in the Sand: Social Media Savviness for Your Summer Break

Posted on by Greg Price in Articles

Ah, summer. The season of sunburns, sandy toes, and… cybersecurity threats? If that last one caught you off guard, you’re not alone. As we bid farewell to final exams and hit the road to paradise, many of us have a one-track mind: relaxation. But in our zest to share every picturesque sunset and poolside selfie on social media, we might be unknowingly inviting some unsavory digital dangers.

Now, I’m not suggesting you shelve your phone for the season – where’s the fun in that? However, a dash of caution can ensure your posts don’t unwittingly play into the hands of cyber miscreants.

  1. Check-in Wisely: Sure, tagging yourself at that luxurious beachside resort or bustling local restaurant is enticing. But announcing your every move to the world also signals you’re not home, making your empty house a potential target for burglars.
  2. Picture Perfect Precautions: That boarding pass photo looks stylish, but did you know the barcode often contains personal information that can be decoded? The same goes for close-ups of event tickets or keycards. A little crop goes a long way!
  3. Privacy First: Adjust your account settings so that only friends or approved followers can see your posts. And while we’re on the topic, be discerning about accepting new followers or friend requests, especially if your profile is a treasure trove of personal snaps.
  4. The Devil’s in the Details: Sharing anecdotes is one thing but avoid giving specifics. Rather than saying, “Staying at the Grandiose Hotel on 5th Street for two weeks!” perhaps try, “Loving the vibes of this city!” It’s vague, it’s mysterious, and it’s safe.
  5. Delayed Gratification: Post your adventures after you return. This way, you’re not providing real-time updates of your whereabouts, and it gives you a chance to relive your vacation all over again.
  6. Beware of Bots and Scammers: Received a comment from a ‘travel agency’ promising discounted trips? Or a message from a ‘fellow traveler’ wanting to meet up? Approach with caution. These could be bots or individuals with nefarious intentions.

In the end, though, remember there’s more to vacation than just the ‘Gram. As tempting as it might be to capture every moment, sometimes the best memories are the ones where you’re fully present, soaking in the sights and sounds unfiltered.

So, while I wholly endorse your efforts to make your friends a tad jealous with those sun-kissed photos, remember to sprinkle in a bit of digital wisdom. Your peace of mind will thank you. And hey, once you’ve ensured your online safety, there’s nothing stopping you from diving deep into the ocean or your novel, away from the persistent pings of notifications. Happy travels and even happier posting!

Digital Tax Trails: Safeguarding Your Financial Data During Tax Season

Posted on by Greg Price in Articles

April is here, and besides the burst of springtime flowers and occasional showers, there’s another cloud looming on the horizon for many: Tax Day. As we hustle and bustle to get our financial ducks in a row before April 15th, it’s important to remember that tax season is also open season for cyber threats.

Imagine this: you’re sitting at your computer, sipping your morning coffee, when an email pings into your inbox. It’s from the IRS! Or, at least, it seems to be. The logo looks right, and the language is pretty official. But hold on. Is the IRS really emailing you about a “tax refund error”? Spoiler: they’re not. This is a classic example of a phishing attempt.

Phishing, for those unfamiliar with the term (or perhaps more acquainted with the hobby involving a rod and reel), is when scam artists try to trick you into providing sensitive information. In the tech world, this typically happens over email, but it can also occur via phone calls or text messages.

In tax season, these scams skyrocket. The bait? Emails masquerading as official communications, promising refunds, or threatening audits. The objective? To get you to click on a malicious link or download an infected attachment.

But fear not, fellow taxpayers! Here’s how you can tread these treacherous waters safely:

  1. Don’t Trust, Always Verify: Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email about a tax bill, refund, or economic impact payment. If in doubt, don’t click on anything. Instead, go directly to the IRS website or contact them by phone.
  2. Use Secure Connections: If you’re working with digital tax documents, make sure your internet connection is secure. That quaint coffee shop with free Wi-Fi might be tempting, but unsecured networks can expose your data to prying eyes.
  3. Backup and Store Safely: Once you’ve filed your taxes, ensure you have digital copies stored safely. Using an encrypted USB drive or a secure cloud storage solution is a good idea.
  4. Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication: If your online tax platform offers it, enable multi-factor authentication. This adds an additional layer of security, requiring you to confirm your identity through two or more verification methods.
  5. Update Regularly: Ensure your computer, browser, and any tax software you use are up-to-date. Cybersecurity patches are released for a reason!

But let’s end on a lighter note. Yes, tax season can be stressful, both for our wallets and our digital peace of mind. However, think of it this way: while you’re safeguarding your finances from both the taxman and cyber scammers, you’re also gaining invaluable skills to protect your digital self year-round. It’s like spring cleaning for your cyber home!

And, if all else fails, just remember: only a few more weeks until you can put all this tax business behind you. Then it’s back to regular programming, like deciphering those cryptic error messages Windows loves to throw our way.