Time Bomb Tactics: Outsmart Hackers' Urgency Scams Today!

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AUG 14

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URGENT!

Please get me information within the next three minutes or you’re going to deeply regret this! Seriously!  The consequences are going to really hurt, so act NOW. I haven’t even stated what I want from you, but I bet your heart was racing at least a little when you saw the word URGENT.  It’s human nature, and something that usually works to keep us safe.

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But guess what?  Hackers know a little something about human nature and they’re all too eager to exploit it.  If they can create a sense of urgency, they can get someone to act without thinking and then BAM!!  

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They’ve won!

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But let’s rewind.  They haven’t actually won yet, so I’d like to share some important information about “urgency” cyber scams, and steps you can take to outsmart them.

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Unmasking the “Urgency” Con

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First, let’s talk about two types of “urgency” requests:

• Bizarre Requests: Hackers play on your nerves by making the abnormal seem normal. So, next time you get a hurried request to share sensitive information or to click on a 'time-sensitive' link, hit the pause button.
• Masquerading as Trustworthy: Hackers love pretending to be someone they're not. If an 'urgent' message pops up from your bank or a known contact, cross-verify through independent channels before responding.

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Here's What You Need to Do - NOW!

We all know that urgency scams work.  They trigger our brains into taking the fastest route to a resolution, which means we don’t take time to think about or verify the information.

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So, what can we do?

• Get Savvy: Empower yourself with knowledge about common cyber scams. An informed user is a secure user.
• Double-check: If an email or message smells fishy, trust your instincts and verify it separately. Better safe than sorry!
• Update Your Armor: Keep your systems and software up-to-date. Regular updates often contain patches to recent security threats.
• Be Password Smart: Strong, unique passwords coupled with two-factor authentication make for a formidable defense.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. A second pause can save you a lot of trouble.
• Watch for Language Glitches: Phishing messages often reveal their truth through bad grammar, clumsy spelling, or oddly formal language. These are your red flags.

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So, take a deep breath. The hackers haven’t won. Be aware, be smart, and stay ahead. You've got the power to defend your digital life. Now go out there and show them who's boss!