Cybersecurity is a crucial component of modern day digital safety. Continue reading for ways to protect yourself and your devices.  

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of all online devices, networks, data and electronic systems from attacks by hackers, scammers and cybercriminals. There are several major categories of cybersecurity:

• Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders who commit crimes via targeted attack and/or malware. 
• Application security focuses on protecting software and devices from threats. 
• Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data.
• Operational security includes handling and protecting data assets. 
• Disaster recovery and business continuity include the ways an organization responds to an actual or potential security breach.
• Cloud security refers to creating secure cloud applications for companies that use cloud service providers, like Google, Amazon Web Services, etc. 
• Identity management and data security protects processes that enable authorization and authentication of legitimate individuals to an organization’s systems. 
• Mobile security protects data that is stored on mobile devices from threats like unauthorized access, device loss or theft, malware and viruses. 

Types of cybercrimes:

• Cybercrime includes criminals acting alone or in groups who target systems for financial gain or to cause disturbances.
• Cyber-attack will often involve groups of criminals gathering information for political reasons.
• Cyberterrorism is the act of hacking electronic systems with the intent of causing panic or fear.

Methods of cybercrimes:

• Malware. This threat includes ransomware, spyware, viruses and worms. These can install harmful software, block access to computer systems or provide scammers with access to data.
• Trojans. This attack tricks users into thinking they are opening a harmless file when, in reality, they are installing a backdoor that provides cybercriminals with unauthorized access. 
• Botnets. This attack is conducted via remotely controlled malware-infected devices and is usually deployed as a large-scale attack. Compromised computers are integrated as part of the botnet system to further spread the attack.
• Adware. This threat involves a potentially unwanted program that is installed without the user’s permission and automatically generates unwanted online advertisements.
• Phishing. This attack is employed via email, text or social media message to trick the target into sharing sensitive information. Often, the tactic will also lead to the installation of malware.

How can I protect myself against cyberattacks?

Fortunately, there are plenty of preventative measures you can take to protect your information and your money from cyberattacks: 

• Update your software and operating systems. Accept every update you are offered because these will provide the strongest and most current protection.
• Use anti-virus software. This software will detect and remove threats in real-time. 
• Use strong, unique passwords across all your online accounts. Be sure to vary your use of capitalization, symbols, letters and numbers. For optimal security, switch up your password every six months.  
• Never open email attachments or click on links from unknown senders. These can automatically download malware onto your device.
• Avoid using unsecured public WiFi. Using unsecure networks leaves you vulnerable to attacks.

Stay informed with SeaComm’s Fraud Center. As your credit union, we want to keep you and your finances safe. That’s why we created our Fraud Center, which includes valuable resources to help educate and empower our members to protect their assets and identities. Click here to get started.

TIP: Once you upgrade your basic checking account to a Benefits Plus^® checking, you will gain access to a full range of fraud and identity-theft protection services, including fraud alerts, lost document recovery services, 90-day Purchase Protection, and much more. Click here to learn more, or stop by your local SeaComm branch to enroll!

For complete information, terms, conditions and exclusions please visit www.benefits-plus.org or call 866-329-7587.