Internet Safety By: Ayana Shiggs

Internet Safety Internet safety or online safety is essentially attempting to be safe on the internet and is the knowledge of maximizing the user's personal safety and security risks to private information and property associated with using the internet, and the self-protection from computer crime in general.

Common Internet Scams Examples: Phishing It involves tricking computer users into disclosing their personal details (username, password, PIN number or any other access information) and using these details to obtain money under false pretenses. Smshing Targets victims through an SMS (text) message that includes a link to a fake bank account or financial institution. The victim is prompted to fill out a form when they click on the link in the text message, duped into a simple phishing attack Debt Relief Scams Requires victims to send a fee along with loan information and power of attorney authorizing transactions on the client's behalf. Ex: A scam group swindled vulnerable victims including the elderly – out of $2.4 million. SPAM Email

Personal Experience?

The process by which scammers find their targets Clickbait: A scammer tries to make victims click on something that leads to a scam webpage, and makes victims think the webpage is legit where it is not. There, they will ask for personal information to steal. Some examples are fake giveaways/lotteries, free samples, scam “free” credit reports, technical support phone scam, etc. False advertising: Scammers try to make a victim use their service or buy their goods, but the truth is that is is a total rip-off. Fake software: Scammers try to make people download their software; however the software is actually malware.

How can you protect yourself from cybercrimes?

Examples of password that are acceptable: Use Complex Passwords An ideal password needs to be hard to guess. It should be long, have capitals, special characters and it should not be related to something someone might know about you (e.g: date of birth). Do not write your password down for all to see. Examples of bad passwords: 1234 Your hometown Date of Birth Your children’s Date of Birth Examples of password that are acceptable: Information only YOU know A word/phrase that is unique to you Something that will be difficult. Use numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase numbers Ex: Website’s now have password generators that will create a complex password for you to use.

DO NOT click on email links or attachments you do not recognize Malware: a malicious piece of code— could get on your machine when you open an attachment or link. Clicking on unknown links may lead to “phishing” sites that harvest usernames and passwords. Pay attention to suspect emails as more and more hackers are getting sophisticated in the way they write them. 

Avoid clicking on pop-up windows These kind of attack could expose you to ransomware – a specific type of malicious code that hold you to ransom. “When you are shopping online for instance, and get an add pop up, clicking and closing on one of those might actually install a malicious piece of code on your machine,”

Does Missouri Protect Their Residents from Cyber Crimes? State Cyber Crime Grant (SCCG) Program The State Cyber Crime Grant (SCCG) Program is administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Office of the Director from monies appropriated by the state legislature. Using Public Data to Alert Missouri Entities of Vulnerabilities Understanding the high probability that there are critical, yet potentially forgotten about infrastructure connected to the Internet, OCS set its sights on identifying these vulnerable systems within the geographical boundaries of the State of Missouri.

Other Remedies?

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) How can the FTC help you? File a consumer complaint “Complaints from consumers help us detect patterns of fraud and abuse. The FTC would like to know about your complaint and the Complaint Assistant will help guide you” The FTC protects consumers by stopping unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. The FTC conducts investigations, sues companies and individuals who violate the law, develop rules to ensure a vibrant marketplace, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) The CFPB aims to make consumer financial markets work for consumers, responsible providers, and the economy. The CFPB was created to provide a single point of accountability for enforcing federal consumer financial laws and protecting consumers in the financial marketplace. Before, that responsibility was divided among several agencies. How can the CFPB help you? File a complaint on their website; or Call (855) 411-2372

Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection Section The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section has moved Missouri toward a more fair, open, and honest marketplace since the adoption of Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act more than 45 years ago. In 2018, approximately 116,900 consumers filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section. If you would like to file a complaint regarding fraud or deception, call 800-392-8222.