As school, socializing, and many aspects of life moved online in 2020, experts warned it was more important than ever to protect your digital devices and steer clear of cybercriminals.

October was National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a designation intended to raise awareness surrounding online threats.

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Terrence McGraw, the President of PC Matic Federal, said Americans are overly connected with internet-enabled devices, which become more integrated into our lives with each passing day. From voice assistance to security cameras on our smartphones, everything is available at the tap of a finger on your smartphone’s screen.

However, all of these marvels of technology also introduce a slew of potential risks and avenues for cyberattacks.

"Cybercrime is very effective. It works, and unfortunately the only thing required is a willingness to commit crime," McGraw said. "The tools you need are all available on the internet."

McGraw said as businesses struggled to recover financially from the COVID-19 pandemic, a cyber attack could cripple their operations and ultimately force them to close their doors permanently. In fact, McGraw said, a recent study conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance found that 60% of small businesses who were hacked went out of business within six months.

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Moreover, McGraw said countless public institutions, hospitals and local governments had fallen victim to cyberattacks even amid a global health pandemic.

"Cybercrime can be anything from criminals doing things through ransomware to get money, all the way up to advanced threats to large corporations and academic institutions," McGraw said.

Cyber Safety Tips

• Keep software systems up to date and use a good antivirus program.
• Examine the email address and URLs in all correspondence. Scammers often mimic a legitimate site or email address by using a slight variation in spelling.
• If an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call asks you to update, check, or verify your account information, do not follow the link provided in the message itself or call the phone numbers provided in the message. Go to the company’s website to log into your account or call the phone number listed on the official website to see if something does in fact need your attention.
• Do not open any attachments unless you are expecting the file, document, or invoice and have verified the sender’s email address.
• Scrutinize all electronic requests for a payment or transfer of funds.
• Be extra suspicious of any message that urges immediate action.
• Confirm requests for wire transfers or payment in person or over the phone as part of a two-factor authentication process. Do not verify these requests using the phone number listed in the request for payment.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

• Week of Oct. 5: If you connect it, protect it
• Week of Oct. 12: Securing devices at home and work
• Week of Oct. 19: Securing internet-connected devices in healthcare
• Week of Oct. 26: The future of connected devices

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