Week 3 of Cyber Month: The Most Social Generation.
One thing that unites all generations is the desire to stay connected. However, being online also brings various social risks. This week, we’ll explore:
AI-generated content: There are tools available for fact-checking disinformation, such as reverse image searches, as well as tips for identifying spoofing and other scams.
Phishing: Phishing messages are unsolicited communications from cyber criminals impersonating legitimate entities, such as your bank.
Social media safety: There are various ways to stay safe online, such as recognizing phishing attempts, checking your privacy settings, and safeguarding your personal information.
Social engineering: Social engineering is a type of phishing employed by cyber criminals to obtain sensitive information through manipulation of their victims.
Identity theft and safeguarding your digital identity: Your digital identity is an online record of your personal information, ranging from your email address and social media accounts to sensitive details like your social insurance number, passwords, and financial information.
Read More: Government of Canada
The dangers of the ‘Unsubscribe’ button in Emails.
Legitimate unsolicited emails usually include an “unsubscribe” link, but threat actors exploit this feature as an attack vector. They often craft emails that appear to be from trusted brands, luring victims to click on malicious “unsubscribe” links.
These links can:
- Download malware onto devices.
- Redirect users to fake sites to steal information.
- Confirm active email addresses for future attacks.
Clicking these links can lead to data breaches, malware infections, and increased spam. Understanding the risks associated with “unsubscribe” links and engaging in ongoing training can significantly reduce vulnerability to these cyber threats. Always think before you click.
Read More: Forbes
Lasers extend broadband access where fiber optics can’t.
The “last-mile” problem in the internet industry refers to the challenge millions face in accessing broadband due to the lack of a final connection to the main network. This infrastructure, often costly and complex to build, particularly affects rural and remote areas. One potential solution is “free-space optics” (FSO), a technology developed by NASA in the 1960s that uses lasers to transmit data through the air. While FSO offers advantages like not needing licenses, it struggles with weather-related disruptions and requires a clear line of sight. Now, a Virginia-based company, Attochron, claims to be ready to launch its own FSO solution after over 20 years of development.
Read More: CNN
