Packerland Websites owner Bill Koehne was interviewed on the local talk show on WOCO Radio, Oconto. Bill told listeners how to avoid being victimized by scams and cyberattacks. He presented expert advice for consumers, businesses, and nonprofits. By being aware of some of the common strategies used by scammers, people and organizations can protect their identity and the assets from victimization.
Scam Phone Calls & Emails
For example, you might receive a phone call or email from seemingly legitimate agencies or companies. Don’t be too sure! Bill recommended looking closely at the email and sender’s address for signs of a scam. Do you recognize the email address? Spoofers can make emails look like they’re from a legitimate source. If you’re unsure, don’t click anything or reply to the email. Instead, call the organization to confirm you received legitimate correspondence.
Domain Registry Renewal Scams
Another scam involves domain registry. Bill explained that domain names are like a deed on the internet. The domain points to an organization’s email or website address. Businesses call Packerland Website at least once a week asking about Domain Registry expiration notices they received in the mail. The letter appears to be an invoice to pay to renew a website domain.
Yes, domain names need to be renewed regularly or they expire and another entity can purchase the domain name. For example, Bill mentioned that a historical society failed to renew its organization’s domain name. Someone else bought the domain, and now the historical society’s website address leads to a website with scantily-clad women.
Renewing a domain name should be a priority. But instead of paying $200-$300 to a domain registry company, Bill recommended talking with your website provider. Determine who holds the domain name in their account and know when it expires.
Look for Secure Websites & HTTPS Padlock
Packerland Websites just launched a redesigned website for WOCO, and now listeners can tune in and listen online. The WOCO website is secured with an SSL certificate and HTTPS certificate. You can tell by looking in the upper left-hand corner for a padlock and HTTPS letters in the web address. Scammers can copy a website, build it on another server, change a few things, and try to get people to use the copy-cat website. Look for the padlock on the address bar to ensure the website meets today’s security standards.
If you run a business or nonprofit, make sure your website meets these security standards. Otherwise, your audience will visit your competition that offers secure browsing. How many visitors do you want to lose by not having SSL?
Invest in Anti-Virus Software & Clear Your Cache
Bill also recommended installing an anti-virus software program on your computer. Anti-virus software scans your computer for viruses and provides real-time protection. He also recommended clearing cache – your computer’s short-term memory. Your computer is tracking you, unless you open an incognito window to browse the internet. Clearing cache will get rid of the “cookies” that your computer collected as you visited various websites. Clear your browsing history, and your computer will run faster.
Create Complex Passwords
Additionally, Bill recommended creating complex passwords to protect websites against hackers. When Packerland Websites builds websites, the developers hide the login page. A login page can be a gateway to hackers, but it’s hard for hackers to pick the lock when they can’t find the door. The Packerland Websites team also requires double-factor authentication in which a code is sent to an email or phone. Strong passwords include upper and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t reuse old passwords or create passwords that are easy for others to guess.
Reduce Spam Calls with an Auto Attendant
To reduce spam calls, Bill recommended an auto attendant. An auto attendant is an automated answering service. Callers are directed to use their keypad to dial the extension of the person they want to talk to. Some of the Packerland Websites developers work remote, and the auto attendant connects callers to the team’s Google phone numbers. With an auto attendant, spam gets filtered out because an auto-dialer spam caller can’t click a number.
Name Multiple Admins for Facebook Pages
Bill also spoke about the importance of having multiple administrators you trust on a personal, business, or nonprofit Facebook page. If an employee sets up a Facebook page, is the only administrator on the account and leaves the organization, access to the Facebook account is locked. Disgruntled employees can remove themselves as administrators and leave the Facebook page in limbo. It can take months to get the Facebook page up again. Companies that rely on Facebook for marketing are in a real bind when this happens.
Think About Your Digital Assets & Plan Ahead
Lastly, Bill encouraged listeners to think about their digital assets, like a website, Facebook page and LinkedIn page. What do you want to happen to these if you pass away? Make a plan and mention this to your estate planning attorney when creating a trust or will. Who do you want to control these digital assets? How will the designee access your accounts?
Thanks to Larry & WOCO Radio, Oconto
Thanks to Larry and WOCO Radio at FM 107.1 for the opportunity for Packerland Websites to share expert insights. Be wary of scams, and protect yourself with the latest cybersecurity. Contact us for more information about any of these topics, website development, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO).