social media – Fabella Security

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.

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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!

As the year’s first rays dawned, many of us uncorked the champagne, reflected on the past, and scribbled down those classic New Year’s resolutions. From hitting the gym (or at least stretching once in a while) to finally reading that book gathering dust on the shelf – the New Year has always been a beacon of fresh starts and renewed commitments. But why not add a resolution that can protect something incredibly valuable yet often overlooked? Your digital well-being.

Given that more of our lives are entwined with the digital realm, ensuring your cyber hygiene is as refreshed and revitalized as your new workout plan becomes crucial. Let’s dive into the top 10 cyber resolutions you should consider adopting this 2023:

Password Perfect: No, “password123” is not a secure choice. Commit to strengthening and diversifying your passwords. Consider using a password manager, so you only need to remember one master password. With cyberattacks on the rise, this is akin to changing the locks on your front door.
Two Steps Ahead: If you’re not using two-factor authentication (2FA) on your crucial accounts, it’s time to embrace it. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s also an extra layer between your data and potential hackers.
Update and Elevate: Remember that pesky notification you’ve been swiping away for months? Updates aren’t just about introducing fancy new features; they often patch security vulnerabilities. Regular updates can be the difference between a smoothly running device and a malware-riddled one.
Declutter Digital Desks: Much like that closet you’re vowing to clean, your digital space likely needs some tidying. Delete apps you no longer use, especially if they have permissions that access your personal data. A leaner device is often a safer device.
Back It Up: Imagine spilling coffee on your device and realizing you’ve lost everything? Nightmare-ish, right? Regularly back up essential files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. If disaster strikes, you’ll have a digital safety net.
Wi-Fi Wisdom: Free public Wi-Fi is tempting, especially when you’re sipping a latte and browsing. However, they’re also a playground for snoopers. If you must use one, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or use a VPN to cloak your activities.
Email Enlightenment: Phishing scams are ever-evolving, but a touch of skepticism can go a long way. Questionable sender? Unsolicited attachments? When in doubt, don’t click. Think of it as digital stranger danger.
Social Media Savviness: We love sharing, but oversharing can be perilous. From vacation plans to your pet’s name (often used as security answers), be wary of what you post. And while we’re on the topic, review those privacy settings.
Educate and Advocate: Keep abreast of the latest in cyber threats and safety measures. Consider subscribing to a cybersecurity news outlet, the one you’re one is a good start. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself. And share the knowledge; after all, caring is sharing.
E-Commerce Caution: Online shopping is a delight, but not when your credit card details end up in the wrong hands. Use trusted websites, always look for the ‘https’ in the URL, and consider using a credit card over a debit card for better fraud protection.

Tying it up with a bit of cheer – while cyber threats might sound like the plot of a sci-fi thriller, with proactive steps and awareness, they don’t stand a chance against you. Let’s raise our glasses (or coffee mugs) to not just a year of personal growth and achievements but also to a year of robust digital health and fortified cyber barriers.

So, go on, adjust those New Year’s resolutions. Slide in a few from the list above. Here’s to making 2023 not just prosperous and fulfilling, but cyber safe!

Stay updated, stay secure, and remember – a moment of prevention in the cyber world can save hours of digital heartbreak. Cheers to a cyber-smart 2023!