Protecting yourself online - Hieu PC

As online users, we definitely are vulnerable to scams/attacks, which is why today, I've been very fortunate to get permission from Hieu PC, the very best person in Vietnam within this field, to share his insight in protecting yourself online! Note that the text is translated from Vietnamese by GG Translate.

Cybersecurity is becoming a hot issue globally, as the development of digital technology entails many potential risks. More and more economic, social, and personal activities rely on cyberspace, leading to an increase in the number and sophistication of cyberattacks. These threats can come from independent hacker groups, organized crime organizations, and even from national governments. The key issues in cybersecurity today include:

- Increasing cyberattacks: Attacks such as ransomware, phishing, and DDoS are becoming more common and causing significant damage both financially and to data.

- Dependence on technology: The explosion of IoT devices, artificial intelligence and networked systems increases the risk that a single security vulnerability can be exploited to attack the entire system.

- National security: Many countries have included cybersecurity in their national defense strategies, fully aware that cyber attacks on critical infrastructure can have serious consequences, paralyzing the operations of the entire country.

- Shortage of specialized human resources: The cybersecurity industry is facing a severe shortage of human resources, leaving many businesses and organizations unable to protect themselves against threats.

Cyber ​​fraudsters often use many sophisticated tricks to steal personal information and assets of victims. Some common methods include:

- Phishing: This is the most common form of fraud, in which a bad guy sends emails impersonating reputable organizations to trick users into providing sensitive information such as passwords or bank accounts.

- Spear Phishing: This type of phishing focuses on specific individuals or organizations, often those with access to important data.

- Smishing and Vishing: Phishing via SMS (smishing) or phone calls (vishing) to collect personal information from victims.

- Malware: Attackers use malicious software to infiltrate and steal data or damage users' systems by opening links or attachments.

- Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks: Bad guys intercept data transmissions between two communicating parties and modify information without the victim's knowledge.

- Social Engineering: This is a form of fraud by exploiting psychological factors, deceiving victims into voluntarily providing sensitive information or performing dangerous acts.

The consequences of being scammed in cyberspace do not stop at losing property, but also cause many other problems for victims:

- Loss of property: This is the most immediate and obvious consequence when victims lose money, data or valuable assets due to fraud.

- Identity theft: Bad guys can use stolen personal information to commit illegal acts or impersonate victims in transactions.

- Loss of reputation: For businesses, being attacked by cybercriminals can lead to loss of trust from customers and partners, thereby negatively affecting business operations.

- Data loss: Ransomware is a common form of cyberattack, in which the victim's data is encrypted and can only be decrypted if a ransom is paid, causing serious damage.

- Psychological crisis: Many victims after being scammed may fall into a state of stress, anxiety, and even panic due to the loss of both property and privacy.

To protect themselves from cyber security threats, users can apply the following preventive measures:

- Cyber ​​security education: Equipping knowledge about scams and how to identify them is a core factor to help users protect themselves.

- Use two-factor authentication (2FA): This mechanism helps increase security for personal accounts, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access even when bad guys know the password.

- Update software: Always keep security software, operating systems, and applications updated to minimize security vulnerabilities.

- Use VPN: When accessing public networks, VPN will encrypt data and help users avoid MITM attacks.

- Effective password management: Use strong, unique passwords for multiple accounts and use password management tools to ensure safety.

In case of fraud, users can seek help from the following sources:

- Authorities: (removed because what he mentions is specific to Vietnam)

- Cybersecurity organizations: Organizations such as CERT (Computer Incident Response Team) or international organizations can provide technical support when cyber security incidents occur.

- Support services from technology companies: Major platforms such as Google and Facebook have centers to help users report and handle cyber attacks.

- Legal advice: Victims may need support from legal experts to protect their rights and determine the next steps in the resolution process.