FOOTBALL & ONLINE SAFETY By Scott Stitts, Vice President & Chief Information Officer TIPS TO STAY SAFE ONLINE
October is a month packed full of fantastic activities, like bonfires, hayrides, apple picking, corn mazes and (of course) football. Thanks to the everchanging advancements of technology and streaming devices, watching and cheering on your favorite football team is more convenient than ever. However, easy access can Scott Stitts cost you – it can threaten your online safety. October is designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM).
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CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS
The first line of defense against the threat of cyberattacks is to be aware of all the potential threats you may face. It is beneficial to educate yourself, family members and friends about the latest cybersecurity practices. By doing this, you should have a better understanding about how to recognize the red flags, such as unsolicited emails claiming to offer exclusive football-related content or being told to sign up for a giveaway that seems too good to be true.
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Create unique and different passwords for each of your online accounts, even your football related platforms. Each password should consist of at least one uppercase and lowercase letter, a number and symbol. The longer and more complex your password is, the more difficult it is for cybercriminals to guess it. Use two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. The verification code will be sent directly to your phone. If you happen to receive a code but did not try to login to one of your accounts, that means your information is being targeted. A cybercriminal has attempted to steal your valuable information. You need to change your password immediately. Consistently update your phone’s software – this is another safeguard against any possible cyberattacks. Only visit official websites with a good reputation when purchasing tickets or merchandise from your favorite football team. Make sure that the website URL begins with https:// and displays a padlock icon, indicating a secure connection.
PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Protect your personal information, such as full name, maiden name, birthday, address and financial details is the first step in your gameplan against cybercriminals. When you put this kind of information on social media, it stays on the internet forever; making you more susceptible to cyberattacks. You should stay away from websites that have an unsecure web domain, which means that they are an unofficial site. Always practice caution when you get an email from an unfamiliar entity. If you accidentally open the message, do not click on any of the links or open any attachments.
As we embrace the new digital age and immerse ourselves in the online football community, staying safe online is of utmost importance. By remaining cautious, alert and following the essential cybersecurity practices, you can protect yourself from cyberthreats and enjoy football season to the fullest. The power to stay safe online is in your hands, not the opponents. Remember, you should remain cautious throughout the year, not just in October.
AVOID PUBLIC WI-FI
You open yourself up to risk whenever you decide to use a public Wi-Fi network. They are notorious for their lack of security. Cybercriminals have the capability to capture your data that is transmitted over these networks. To stop this from happening, try to use a secure and private internet connection whenever there is one available, preferably through a VPN. VPNs are a good defensive move to use since they ensure your information stays safe, hidden and protected.
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