By Michel A. Chevrier
Cybersecurity has become a major concern for all citizens, regardless of their level of digital expertise. With the rapid evolution of technology, scams are becoming more realistic and alarmingly effective.
Concerning threats
Among the most concerning threats are phishing via email, SMS or phone (known respectively as phishing, smishing), where fraudsters pose as trusted organizations. Even more worrisome: deepfakes that mimic voices and faces to create fake calls or video meetings. Identity spoofing, data theft, and ransomware are also on the rise. Victims may find their personal details (name, birth date, email address, phone number, driver’s license number) circulating on the Dark Web, making them vulnerable to targeted scams.
Practical Solutions
There are practical solutions:
• Use strong passwords or passphrases
• Avoid reusing the same password on multiple sites
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Lock your account with credit agencies like Equifax
• When receiving a suspicious email that closely imitates a legitimate company, verify the sender’s address (for example, bclbclhld5@gmail.com clearly isn’t from a bank)
• Create a family password or code to counter fake emergency calls from children
• Choose an effective antivirus and keep your phone and computer up to date
• Check if your email has been compromised via haveibeenpwned.com
• Use a VPN to protect your online connections
Final Advice
Ultimately, staying safe means remaining critical of too-good-to-be-true offers and urgent messages. Protecting yourself is about awareness and adopting simple but powerful safeguards.