How Cyber Smart are you?
Things you can do to keep your data safe
Below are a few things you can do to protect your data:
Change your password – yes, we know it’s easier to have one password for everything and keep it for years and years. But this also makes it easier for someone else to guess your password too.
Make your passwords long and strong, avoid basing them on obvious information such as family names or birthdays, and have a unique password for each online account. You could also use a password manager, which means that you only have to remember one (really good) password.
Also, keep your passwords to yourself.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) – 2FA is an extra layer of protection on top of your password (for example you have to enter both a password and a code in order to access your account). With 2FA in place, if an attacker knows your password - they still can’t get into your account.
You can use 2FA for extra security on most of your accounts, from email to social media, online banking and shopping. You can also use it to access your laptops, tablets, smartphones and some game consoles. Everyone does 2FA slightly differently. To set it up, start by looking under your account settings.
Update your operating system – because this is your main line of defence against hackers and scammers. Just keeping it up to date will protect you against most of the latest bugs and viruses. You can set your system preferences to update automatically – how easy is that?
Check your privacy settings – so that you know exactly who can see what you post on social media. Think before you share personal information, as hackers can use this information to access your personal accounts or steal your identity.
The CertNZ website has loads of resources to help you with these.
www.cert.govt.nz...
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
Poll: Have you had a pen pal?
With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.
Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!
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67.1% Yes
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32.5% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
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