Scammers, or fraudsters, are individuals who try to deceive people for their own gain. In today's digital age, scammers have evolved their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in our technology devices, including our smartphones, tablets, and computers. The good news is that there are steps we can take to protect ourselves from these scams.
One of the most important steps is to keep our devices updated with the latest software and security patches. These updates often address known vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit to gain access to our devices. By keeping our devices updated, we can reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.
Another important step is to be aware of the most common types of scams. One such scam is the phishing scam, where fraudsters send fake emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or government agencies. These messages often contain links that, when clicked, can install malware on our devices or take us to fake websites designed to steal our personal information.
Another common scam is the tech support scam, where fraudsters pose as technical support personnel and try to convince us to give them remote access to our devices. Once they have access, they can install malware, steal personal information, or lock us out of our own devices.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it's important to be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or text messages, and to never give remote access to our devices to anyone we don't know or trust. We should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
In addition, we can protect ourselves by using strong and unique passwords for our online accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information.
By taking these steps, we can reduce our risk of falling victim to scams and protect our personal information and devices from harm. Stay vigilant and stay safe!
IT SPECIALIST // REFERENCE LIBRARIAN
Butte Silver Bow Public Library
(406) 723-3361 Ext. 6201
asamano@bsb.mt.gov
