The cybersecurity world was recently hit with a barrage of attacks, in an event being dubbed “Black October.”
Because of AI discovering bugs in PHP—a decades-old programming language that is used in most internet websites—hacking attempts skyrocketed as governments and organizations encouraged various emergency solutions, including taking systems offline if they could not be patched. As reported by CNN, “This may be the first of many. This is a wakeup call.”
Matt Seitz, executive director of WSB’s AI Hub for Business, recently shared thoughts in his AI InSeitz newsletter on how users can help protect themselves from such threats.
“Being prepared is good, but people are busy and endless advice can feel like the dentist who tells you to floss, rinse twice a day, and use a tongue scraper,” Seitz wrote.
Here are simple steps you can take to be more secure online:
- Stop reusing passwords on multiple sites.
- Use a unique, strong password and include two-factor authentication.
- Turn on the “SIM protection” feature on your mobile device. This helps prevent hackers from taking over the phone number that authentication codes may be sent to.
- Freeze credit reports through Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This will prevent anyone from opening credit cards or loans in your name. When you need the reports, you can always unfreeze your account.
- Create an IRS identity protection PIN, which prevents someone else from filing a tax return in your name.
- Always be suspicious of calls, texts, or emails asking for personal information. When in doubt, hang up and call the number on your credit card or the company’s official website.
Read the full AI InSeitz newsletter.