This post includes cybersecurity and tips on protecting your online accounts from “Bad Actors”
I’ve had a love-hate relationships with online platforms for years. You know the ones, I’m not going to spell them out; fb and ig. See my previous post lamenting my life with mindless scrolling here: https://villaparkhearts.com/on-social-media/. I’ve spent hours and hours chasing followers, chasing dreams, chasing some thing. I’m in the hunt for new customers, new opportunities, yet never catching them… all of which has left me feeling empty, exhausted, and unsatisfied. I have seriously considered closing my accounts. But, I haven’t. I can’t seem to pull the final plug. Nevertheless,
I’m also being hunted. Cyber hacks and “bad actor” activity has increased more than you may even be aware of. These jerks are getting really sophisticated at fooling us with spam emails, texts, requests in DMs, and stupid phone calls about our car warranties. They are using company logos and getting better at spelling English. The deceit is deep and they are after me, and you.
One of my design friends, Dana Batho over at Peacock and Fig was the victim of a recent ig attack where she lost access to and was completely locked out of her account for days. She shared as she was going through it in real time on one of our groups and it was horrible to witness; she tried everything she could and still did not receive any help from the platform. Dana wrote about the extremely stressful experience to help others and she has some things for you to think about. What she went through motivated me to write this blog post to show support and solidarity with her. Go check out her blog post about it here: https://peacockandfig.com/2022/04/why-instagram-hurting-your-art-business/. And note that she makes some really amazing art, too!
Cyber security is a constant battle. We just don’t see it. A lot of smart people in our work places, government agencies, and military branches have teams of people working hourly monitoring and attempting to keep attacks at bay. I receive a weekly cyber security news update from SANS Newsbites. You can read them here, or have them sent to your inbox: https://www.sans.org/newsletters/. I’m telling you, Microsoft, T-mobile, Google, Elementor, to name a few, have all been attacked within the last four months. It is up to each of us to be diligent and not fall for the bait (phishing). Here a couple things to keep in mind as you go about your day. Memorize these and do them.
Tip #1: Don’t act in panic. If you receive ANY communication that instantly sends panic or urgency through your body, STOP, PAUSE, and give yourself a few minutes to think. The tactic is to frighten you into instant reaction. Reread the communication, think it through, and remember that if your financial accounts were compromised, you won’t get the information through an email, a text message, or direct message in any one of your apps.
Tip #2: Rethink the immediate need to “help”. Bad actors play upon your sympathies; they aim to take advantage of your good nature. Never click a link in emails or text messages. Never open an attachment from someone you do not know. Read the message or email over for misspelled words, wonky word phrasing, or leading phrasing that is trying to make you panic. Then see Tip #1 again.
Tip #3 Set up all of your online accounts with two-factor authentication. I know it’s annoying when you log in and then they ask to send you a text message or email with a code that you need to enter, but do it anyway. This extra step protects you from getting hacked if someone were to get your password(s). Just do it. Ask Dana. You’ll thank us later.
To wrap up, I’ll continue to encourage people to reach me here on my own website and Spoonflower shop. My power is in my own hands. I’m not chasing anyone to follow me or try to convince them to give a shit about what I’m doing. You are here, and you are part of my circle, and that is enough. I am so grateful to you. Thanks for reading. Now go be safe out there. xo -Angela
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