Don’t Get Hooked! How to Protect Your Family from Phishing Scams and Secure Your Private Data

What Is Phishing?

The CSRC, Computer Security Resource Center, says that Phishing is the technique for attempting to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a web site, in which the perpetrator masquerades as a legitimate business or reputable person.

Phishing is the number one way that someone can steal our identity. We all have received emails, messages or pop-ups mostly with someone promising us money if we would just provide our bank account number.

Seniors, adults and now students are increasingly becoming victims of these scams. Because of their age and attachment to social media, children are more prone to communication with people electronically and are more trusting and apt to give out private information to strangers.

We have to teach them to be skeptical about online requests for personal information as well as being able to discern messages or posts that might seem out of character for people they actually know. This could be a warning sign that their friends account has been hacked.

• Avoid opening the message or email in the first place.
• Don’t click on any links or download any attachments. They may contain viruses or spyware.
• Don’t reply to anyone you don’t know or are not sure of.
• Mark as “junk mail” or “spam” for your email provider, or report it to your social network.
• If you are concerned about an account you have with a company, contact the customer service department of that company by phone.
• Verify the company’s contact information elsewhere online before you engage with them.

What Are Vishing & Smishing?

Vishing – Voice and Phishing: Vishing is the telephone version of phishing, where bad actors use phone calls and voice mail to obtain sensitive information.

Smishing: Phishing carried out via text messages or mobile device communication, often including malicious links or attempts to gather personal information.

How To Fight Phishing

Awareness is our best defense against crooks.

Go to the Consumer Information portal on the Federal Trade Commission website to learn more. Go to www.ftc.gov/idtheft for help if you realize that your identity has been stolen.
You can report spam to www.ftc.gov/complaint.
Read Common Sense Media: Scams and Schemes https://www.commonsense.org/education/lesson/scams-and-schemes-6-8
And https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-to-protect-your-kid-from-fortnite-scams

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Online Safety Education and Awareness Programs:

Cyberbullying Statistics Everyone Should Know:

https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/cyber-bullying-statistics

StopBullying.gov:

Find out what bullying and cyberbullying are, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/

Tips To Help With Cyberbullying:

https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/resources/preventing-cyberbullying/

Boys Town National Hotline:

Get help 24/7 for issues like abuse, anger, depression, school issues, bullying etc. (serves girls too)

1-800-448-3000

Internet Threats By The Numbers:

https://www.internetadvisor.com/internet-safety-guide

Password Managers:

Password managers are one helpful way you can keep your online data safe. Here’s why password managers are safe to use.
https://www.passwordmanager.com/are-password-managers-safe-to-use/

Report Any Type Of Harassment:

https://righttobe.org/

It Can Wait Campaign:

Shares a simple message: Please don’t drive distracted. We encourage everyone to take the pledge to drive distraction free and join the movement at ItCanWait.com.

Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI):

An international nonprofit working to make the online world safer for kids and their families, FOSI promotes a culture of responsibility online and encourages a sense of digital citizenship for all.

Common Sense Media:

Common Sense Media is an organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children. It also funds research on the role of media in the lives of children and advocates publicly for child-friendly policies and laws regarding media.

Oasis Institute:

OASIS Institute is a nonsectarian, nonprofit spiritual organization established in 1995 for the purpose of providing Attitudinal Healing support services. Their mission is to create a safe physical and emotional environment for joining with others through attitudinal healing support groups, study groups, classes, workshops and other services that facilitate the well being of people of all backgrounds.

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Protecting Babies From Online Threats:

Presented to you by WizCase: Find it HERE.

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How to Deal with Cyberbullying – The Complete Guide:

Presented to you by StudyCorgi: Find it HERE.

Reacting To Cyberbullying – Presented By StudyCorgi

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Bullying In School – A Teacher’s Guide:

How Can Teachers Prevent Bullying in Schools?
https://ftcetest.org/teacher-certification/school-bullying-guide-for-teachers/#0587

Why Teacher Diversity is Important:
https://ftcetest.org/teacher-certification/educator-diversity-and-importance-in-classrooms/#0587

Creating an Inclusive Classroom for Special Needs Students:
https://ftcetest.org/teacher-certification/creating-an-inclusive-classroom/#0587

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Home Internet & Device Safety Workshop:

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Internet Safety For Parents – GBI:

https://futurestrong.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Internet-Safety-For-Parents-GBI.pptx

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Immediate Mental Health Resources Around The World:

Click HERE.

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Disclaimer: Hey guys, please note. Not all the above links are free services and FutureSTRONG Academy doesn’t get paid for these putting these resources here.

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