Written By
David H. Coull, Senior Systems Administrator
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals. Today, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. With over 1,300 AI-powered tools and platforms available to hackers, the threat landscape has become increasingly sophisticated and personal.
Hackers can now impersonate anyone, even your family members, by harvesting publicly available data from social media and other online sources. Using AI, they can create convincing deepfake videos or voice recordings that appear to come from someone you know. A common scam involves a fake video or audio message claiming a loved one is in trouble — jailed, kidnapped, or in urgent need of money — and asking you to send funds immediately to a fraudulent account.
These scams rely on urgency and fear to pressure you into acting before verifying the situation. It’s essential to pause, think critically, and confirm the facts before responding.
Cybercrime has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, generating over $50 billion for hackers in the past five years alone. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense.
Tips to Stay Safe:
- Be cautious of unexpected messages or calls requesting money.
- Verify any emergency claims through direct contact with the person or trusted sources.
- Limit the personal information you share online.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Keep your devices and software updated with the latest security patches. Please note that Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10, which means the operating system will no longer receive security patches. To ensure your system remains up to date, you are strongly encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11.
Staying Safe with Email and Online Accounts
When it comes to email and online security, a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting you and your system:
1. Be cautious with links and attachments
- Think before you click. If you receive an unexpected link or attachment, even from someone you know, pause and verify. Their account may have been compromised.
- When in doubt, don’t click. Reach out to the sender through another method to confirm the message is legitimate.
2. Don’t fall for scare tactics
- Cybercriminals often use fear to trick you into acting quickly. Common examples include:
- “Your account has been hacked—click here to secure it.”
- “Your service will be suspended unless you act now.”
- Best practice: If the message claims to be from a service you use, don’t click the link. Instead, go directly to the official website and log in. If the alert is real, you’ll see a notification there.
Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA)
Enable 2FA on every account that supports it—especially financial accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring your password and a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication application (app).
Note: Some websites are moving away from text message-based 2FA in favor of authentication apps such as Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Duo Mobile for increased security. Be prepared to for the potential change.
Use a Password Manager
A password manager helps you create strong, unique passwords for every site and store them securely, so you only need to remember one master password. Do your research and choose a reputable provider. Many offer family plans, making it easy to share passwords securely with loved ones.
Monitor Your Credit
Credit monitoring services help detect suspicious activity such as unauthorized credit checks, new accounts or loans opened in your name. Some even identify misuse on social media platforms. These services are also valuable for children, whose identities are often unmonitored and can be exploited without detection. There are many reputable providers to choose from, some of which offer plans tailored to families for added protection.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as cybersecurity safety or financial planning recommendations or advice. Sendero does not guarantee safety against cybersecurity threats. Please seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance matters.
