CYBER SAFETY: A Guide to Staying Safe on The Internet.
Last year, I opened my email, and there was an inquiry from someone in Caterpillar stating they were searching for a keynote speaker for their annual celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness in October.
Right away my cybersecurity brain kicked in and I started to validate if the email was real, and the person existed.
I searched social media channels, did a google search and also went on the company website and concluded that this was a legitimate request. They found me because my team has been working to optimize our website SEO. I had my first meeting with them and a few weeks later I got selected as Caterpillar Keynote speaker for two sessions on “Connecting, Protecting and Caring about your Cyber Safety at Home,” one in English and one in Spanish.
About the Feeling
This was super exciting and at the same time nerve wracking and stressful because my family and I were moving to another state, and the dates were close to the event. This was an amazing opportunity, so I was committed to do anything to make it work. I decided to have the mindset that everything would work out with ease. And I am so grateful it did!
I found an amazing video recording studio once I moved, and we were able to stream the live event connecting with the Caterpillar Communication team and the Cybersecurity Teams. It was fantastic! The audience was super engaged and because of all the questions we prepared a second video session with all the answers.
I’m passionate about changing the way we perceive this cyber world by simplifying cyber safety by leveraging our personal stories to protect what matters most against hackers, scammers, and Cybermonsters.
Just like you have basic routines you follow on a daily basis, like brushing your teeth, washing your face, doing your work or attending school, you also need to establish a daily routine as you interact with technology, to practice cyber safety regularly.
Here are three cyber safety recommendations you can implement in less than 5 minutes:
Quick tip to protect your credit card: Go to your bank portal and activate notifications. This means you will be notified every time your credit card is used. And you can choose to receive a text or email. This simple one-time configuration gives you real time information. And you can immediately take action if you suspect someone has stolen your card or financial information. Do this for all your credit cards and bank accounts.
When answering phone calls, follow these simple rules:
- If you don’t know the number, don’t answer. Check to see if the caller left a voicemail, and return the call, if needed. By the time you find out you’ve been scammed, it may be too late, so it’s better to avoid interacting with a scammer.
- Silence all unknown or junk callers. Your phone has a setting to silence unknown or junk callers, so make sure to enable this feature.
- If you get a spam call, block the number or mark it as spam. So it reduces the possibility for more calls from this number.
Bonus tip: If you answer your phone, stay in silence for a few seconds, instead of speaking right away. This way you can prevent unwanted robocalls.
Use a Password manager.
I use a password manager because it is the safest way to keep track of my passwords. This tool will allow you to change your passwords often. Ensure you are using different passwords for all your accounts, and even generates safe passwords for you! There are many options to choose from when you’re on the market for a password manager. However, I’m going to encourage you to do your research and select a reputable company.
The 3 recommendations I just gave you are simple to implement, and they can help you start taking charge of your cyber safety at home – you’ll be protecting your information and your family.
When my identity was stolen. I was terrified because I didn’t understand what was happening. I couldn’t get straight answers to my questions, and I had to endure proving I was the “real” me for six whole years. The scariest part was facing the possibility of losing my job and career, and having to return to my country of origin, Venezuela.
It is typical to experience panic and overwhelm after becoming a victim. The key is to make sure you don’t let the fear control you and figure out the steps you need to take charge of your cyber world again.
The great news is that you are not alone in this journey. And instead of being overwhelmed you can follow my recommendations. And this is what it means to live Happily Ever Cyber!
I am here with you, on your journey to start protecting your most precious information at home. Step by step, you can rebuild your cyber confidence. Be in charge of your cyber world and equip your loved ones with the tools they need to PROTECT themselves.
Are you ready to start the journey and take the necessary steps to safeguard your data, your family and/or your business?
Visit happilyevercyber.com to get your own copy of Happily Ever Cyber! How to Protect Against Hackers, Scammers and Cybermonsters. And get exclusive AND FREE access to tools that you need to help you overcome fears, prevent risks, and stay safe in your cyber world, while protecting what matters most to you.
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