Internal Tools for Cyber Security Defenses

OUR BUILD-IN MECHANISM

We must equip ourselves with the internal tools we already have in enhancing our defense. Cyber Attackers know the importance of utilizing social media to increase their chances of deceiving the unsuspecting. 

Like a contractor hired by a business to study the market for potential buyers, computer criminals spends a great deal of time phishing for those who are gullible. 

What we say or post about ourselves on social media is like them stumbling upon a treasure chest. 

Don't assume for a second this apply to just the elderly. It can happen to any group, especially college  students. Their targets varies just as much as their methods. 

For example, just over 2-years ago in Chicopee, police uncovered 30 fictitious instagram, twitter, and facebook accounts by someone or some group posing to be local lottery winner Mavis Wanczyk. It's right here https://www.masslive.com/news/2017/08/chicopee_police_30_fake_scam_a.html

At this time, Wanczyk was the winner of the $758 million power ball pot. 

Fake postings by Wanczyk went up on so social media platforms promising people money if they opted to follow him and/or respond to private messages. Some tactics also included liking and sharing posts for a monetary prize. 

But in order to receive it, they request for your banking information....

Sadly, victims fall for this social engineering all the time. As I said in the previous post, cyber attackers are determine to trick you into rendering them information they should not have access to. 

The fact of the matter is, if it's too good to be true, then it's farthest from the truth. 

In attacks such as this one in where college students were targeted with promises by scammers to offset books and tuition expenses, imagine a fisherman on a boat at sea. The fisherman is hoping the fish falls for his bait. He is trying to catch as many fish as he possibly can. 

We must be aware of this in our way of thinking and not fall for this. The human mind naturally has wants and needs. Cyber criminals are using our instinctive passions against us. 

Don't share your banking information with anyone on social media or even emails! It's not worth the risk.

INTRODUCING AN UPCOMING ADULT PUPPET SHOW

Coming in January 2020!

I find using puppets along with my blogging to share useful news and tips regarding cyber security awareness a fun and constructive way to connect with an audience (I certainly hope so).

Having worked as a stage actor in many productions, along with creative writing, and membership with Puppeteers of America, it was inevitable that I would blend all my passions into a short web series to cater to a mature audience (yes, adults).

Frankly, who wants to be bored with scribblings on how to be safe and secure from the never-ending threats by cyber attackers? I really think combining elements of education and entertainment an appealing idea.

Surely, there's room for improvement with the way I shoot video and next time, not only will I have the puppets better positioned, but also I will always use wide screen footage. Also, thanks my wife's suggestion, I am removing the dining portrait in the background. It doesn't fit with the audio video show theme.

"Cyber Brats" is show that will be no longer than 5 or 6 minutes in length. It takes place inside a fictionalized radio station.

Here are the cast of degenerate characters-

Host Cyber Sly

Cyber Sly is an ex con who served 5-years in prison for breaching the security operating system of a bank, stealing customers account data, and single handily causing the institution to crumble to the ground. His cooperation with the District Attorney and Feds in exchange for a lighter prison sentence resulted in the convictions of over 20 cyber attackers across the country. Many of his former friends would love to see him dead and there are existing contracts out on his life. One failed hit in prison almost cost him his life when his tongue was mistakenly severed instead of his throat (more on that later). Sly has turned his life around and strives to do the right thing. 

Co host Monkey Midas

Monkey Midas is a fromer business owner who saw his regional ice cream chain collapse. This episode caused him to be a  bitter man. This man hates all cyber attackers and he vents at Cyber Sly regularly. Midas is ignorant of cyber security precuations and this leads to his bickering with Sly.

Mr. Seal Deal

Mr. Seal Deal is the wealthy owner of Shadow World Radio Station and the creator of "Cyber Brats". He likes when Cyber Sly and Monkey Midas debate openly and feels this makes for good ratings. This guy is all about money and he is cheap. 

Last known picture of fugitive Rocco the Raccoon

This SOB is the most wanted cyber thief in America. He had defrauded banks, retailers, celebrities, massive corporations, and is believed to be involved in many other scams. Rocco, Sly's former friend, likes to taunt authorities and sometimes like to contact the radio station to boast of his latest scam.

The structure of this blog will be set up with serious tips, videos, and latest news and events covering cyber security awareness. Afterwords the short video will follow. As a member of Puppeteers of America and with an interest in helping others, I am thrilled!

We can have all the best and latest antivirus kits for our devices and computers. But that alone can't safeguard our information. We must use the internal tools we already have to build our cyber security defenses.

If you find this blog interesting or helpful, please subscribe and share with your friends and family!

Scattering the Seeds of Knowledge,

Ken Harris
http://shadowedu.blogspot.com
https://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Harris/e/B071ZZK56K?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000