A quick guide on how to avoid online scams

With the advancement of technology and a surge in digitization, the prevention of online crimes has become an issue with no clear-cut exit strategy. Organizations are losing millions of dollars worldwide today by being targeted by online scammers.

In the past 17 years, 2021 has been the most expensive year for data infringement. In today’s unstable economy, no business can afford to face financial losses, scammers are quick to breach data protection through sophisticated hacking techniques.

Most small businesses fail to identify cybersecurity challenges present in their surroundings as they are delusional that only huge enterprises are the sole target of cyber crimes.

Although small businesses make up the largest part of the economy, their data protection is always at stake due to a lack of access to cybersecurity.

Here is a quick guide on how to avoid online scams.

Avoiding online scams

Along with the various life-changing impacts, the pandemic shifted most businesses to online platforms. While online platforms facilitated businesses to streamline their functions and operate amidst the pandemic, the rate of online fraud went up as well.

Cybercriminals exploited the pandemic fears and the rate of impersonation witnessed a two-fold surge. Avoiding online crimes in such a turbulent economy is an important but complex process.

As the majority of businesses manage their operations online, data protection is highly at risk.

Many businesses rely on cybersecurity software to ensure data confidentiality but they have their own procedural limitations. Certain large-scale businesses hire cybersecurity agencies to provide them with data protection services but what options do small businesses that cannot afford to hire such costly agencies to have?

Avoiding online scams for small businesses is an issue that cannot be overlooked anymore. With the constant technological upgrades, online scammers are smarter than ever and keep small businesses on their radar as they are familiar that small-scale organizations usually have their guards down.

So it’s essential that your data security is at the forefront of protecting your organization and know’s how to avoid online scams and threats.

In such taxing times, small businesses should opt for Jumpstart Security which aims to simplify cybersecurity processes at affordable service charges.

Understanding Spam

How to avoid Email Spam

Email spam is a global problem that affects both individual users and businesses alike. Spammers use a variety of techniques to disguise their messages in an attempt to fool any anti-spam software you may have installed.

The most common methods include using fake sender names and addresses, hiding the links in plain text, and using images instead of HTML.

While it can be frustrating to deal with spam, there are a few things you can do to avoid it. First, make sure that your email software is up to date and includes the latest anti-spam filters.

You should also be careful about opening attachments or clicking on links from unknown senders.

Finally, consider using a third-party spam filter such as SpamAssassin or Bogofilter. By taking these precautions, you can help to reduce the amount of email spam you receive.

Text message spam or Instant Messaging

These days, it seems like spam is everywhere. Whether it’s in your inbox or your text messages, it can be tough to avoid.

Instant messaging spam, or IM spam, is just one more way that spammers are trying to get their message in front of you. Just like email spam, IM spam comes in the form of unsolicited messages, typically from someone you don’t know.

They might try to sell you something, or direct you to a website with malicious intent. The main difference between email spam and IM spam is the platform that spammers are using to reach you. While email spam is still common, spammers are increasingly turning to instant messaging services as a way to reach more people.

As a result, it’s important to be aware of the signs of IM spam and take steps to protect yourself.

Scareware

Much like how people fall for phishing scams, business owners can be similarly susceptible to what’s called scamware, or scareware. This is when fraudulent websites or pop-up ads display warnings about nonexistent malware infections, then prompt you to download fake security software to fix the issue.

The scammer’s goal is to either infect your device with malware or sell you unnecessary security software. In some cases, they may also hold your device hostage until you pay a ransom.

To avoid falling victim to scamware, be very careful about which websites you visit and always double-check before downloading any software. If you do come across a suspicious website or pop-up ad, err on the side of caution and close it immediately.

Fake Antivirus Downloads

Fake antivirus software is a type of malicious software that pretends to be a legitimate security program. These programs are designed to trick users into paying for a false sense of security, or to steal personal information.

Fake antivirus programs are typically distributed through email attachments or fake websites. Once installed, these programs will generate false positives, or “alerts” about non-existent threats on the user’s system. They may also disable legitimate security software, making the device more vulnerable to attack.

Fake antivirus software can be difficult to remove, and can cause significant damage to a system if not removed properly. For businesses, fake antivirus software can result in lost productivity and compromised data. Additionally, b2b companies are especially vulnerable to these types of attacks, as they often manage large amounts of sensitive data.

As such, it is important for businesses to take steps to protect themselves from fake antivirus software, such as keeping their security software up-to-date and being cautious of email attachments and links from unknown sources.

Social Media Scams

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. We use it to stay in touch with family and friends, share news and experiences, and connect with like-minded people. However, as more and more businesses turn to social media to promote their products and services, scams are becoming increasingly common.

Social media platforms are attractive to scammers because they offer a wide reach and allow anonymous communication. Scammers will often pose as a potential customer or client, offering a false sense of security.

They may also create fake accounts or websites that are designed to look like legitimate businesses. If you are a business owner, it is important to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect yourself and your customers. Social media can be a great tool for promoting your business, but you need to be cautious to avoid becoming the victim of a scam.

Data Theft for Businesses

Data theft is a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. Thieves can use a variety of methods to obtain sensitive information, such as spreading viruses that install key loggers on victim’s computers. This type of software records everything the user types, providing thieves with valuable login credentials and credit card numbers.

Data breaches can also occur when employees accidentally leave company laptops or usb drives containing sensitive information in public places. To protect your business from data theft, it is important to have strong security measures in place, such as encrypting all sensitive data and requiring employees to use unique login credentials for each system they access.

Data theft is a serious problem, but by taking proper precautions you can help keep your business safe.

How to identify a scammer

Here are some ways you can adopt to spot scammers at the right time and maintain your online data security.

1. Any message or email that directs you to a phishing website that requires confidential information is sent by scammers.
2. Online shopping platforms that have no padlock icons and ‘HTTPS’ in the address bar might not be secure. Never opt for retail transactions that only support unreliable payment methods such as bank transfers and money orders.
3. We all have received phone calls that pretended to be from a reputable organization and demanded confidential information such as credit card numbers. Such scammers create a sense of urgency to ensure quick fraudulent transactions.
4. Beware of emails or phone calls that have an element of reciprocity in them. Most scammers opt for ways that seem to benefit their target.
5. Calls and emails that ask for sensitive information because of a lottery you won or your credit card that is on the verge of being blocked should always be ignored and reported.

How to avoid online scams

Looking for an insight into how to avoid online scams in such a digitized environment? Here’s a short list of ways that will protect your business against scammers.

Everyone can still be target of online scams

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. If you use the internet, then you are a potential target for scammers. That’s right, everyone is at risk of being scammed, regardless of their social status or position in life. So when you go to bed tonight, be sure to tell yourself: “I am a scam target.” Why? Because too many people assume that they won’t be scammed, and that’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

They prey on people’s complacency and underestimate their ability to spot a scam. But the truth is, everyone can be a target of online scams. So stay alert and never let your guard down. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Don’t go Near Suspicious Emails or Pop-Ups

It’s happened to all of us. We get a text or an email from someone who appears to be our bank, telling us that something has gone wrong and that we need to provide our account information to fix it.

This is a common tactic used by scammers, and it can be very difficult to spot the difference between a legitimate request and a malicious one.

However, there are a few things you can look for that will help you determine whether or not a message is legitimate.

First, delete any text or email that contains grammar or spelling errors. Second, beware of requests for personal or financial information; your bank will never ask for this information via text or email. Finally, be suspicious of any pop-up messages that appear on your computer screen; these are often used by scammers to collect personal information. By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from becoming the victim of fraud.

Secure the Details for Business Employees

The moment you connect your laptop, mobile phone, or any device to the internet, you have no idea when someone is hacking your information.

Companies must ensure their employee’s data is well-protected at all times. well-protected against any possible breaches. Implementing a Secure Employee File Sharing Solution is critical for businesses.

Credentials, performance reviews, personal identifiable information (PII), and other data should always be encrypted and password-protected. Secure document management doesn’t have to be complicated nor does it need to take away from an intuitive user experience.

The best Secure Employee File Sharing Solutions will actually make it easier on employees while still providing the security that businesses need. JumpStart Security helps companies manage employee files in a more secure way with our easy-to-use interface and thorough security measures.

Some of our security features include: user authentication, activity logging, 2-factor authentication, and data at rest encryption. Securely sharing files has never been easier.

Be Cautious When Making Online Purchases for your Business

Be cautious when making online purchases for your business. Just because you bought an item from a trusted website, that doesn’t mean you’re free from scammers.

Scammers will often create fake websites that look identical to the real thing, so always double check the URL before entering your payment information.

Be sure to look for https:// in the URL as well, as this indicates that the site is secure. If you’re ever unsure about a website, contact the customer service department of the company to verify its legitimacy. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry & it’s core in how to avoid online scams.

Jumpstart CyberSecurity enables your business on how to avoid online scams

With unequal access to cybersecurity around the world, Jumpstart envisions a business realm where cybersecurity systems are embedded in every business whether large or small. It has a solution for every business security requirement. Jumpstart facilitates businesses to avoid online scams by frequently testing the website security system.

Jumpstart Security is an affordable cyber risk management platform designed for small business. The Jumpstart Security platform provides a simple and effective way to manage cyber risks, including data breaches, phishing attacks, and malware threats. Jumpstart Security is easy to use and helps businesses identify and mitigate risks quickly and efficiently.

The Jumpstart Security platform offers a variety of features, including a risk assessment tool, a breach detection system, and a security awareness training program. Jumpstart Security is a cost-effective solution for small businesses that want to protect their data and their customers’ data from cyber threats.

At Jumpstart, we do not expect every employee to be tech-savvy and equip businesses with easy-to-understand security guidelines and policies.

How we can help small businesses

• Jumpstart Security Platform for Small Businesses is a cloud-based solution that provides you with the documentation, templates, and tools you need to address IT security issues in your organization. Jumpstart Security Platform for Small Businesses guides you through the process of identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities in your systems.It also provides ready-to-publish IT security policies that can help you protect your business from future attacks. Jumpstart Security Platform for Small Businesses is an essential tool for any business that wants to improve its IT security posture. With Jumpstart Security Platform for Small Businesses, you can jumpstart your security efforts and get on the path to protecting your business from the many threats that exist today.
• Protecting your business from a cyber attack is essential in today’s digital world. Jumpstart Security’s platform is designed to help small businesses identify and fix website weaknesses, leaked data and susceptibility of staff to attacks. Jumpstart Security provides on-going training, testing and reporting to inform you of any vulnerabilities so you can take steps to protect your business.
• Jumpstart Security is a security platform designed to help small businesses secure their data and meet compliance requirements. Jumpstart Security provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage access control, activity logging, and data encryption. Jumpstart Security also includes a team of security experts who can provide guidance on best practices, respond to regulatory queries, and help troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Jumpstart Security is an affordable, all-in-one solution for small businesses that want to maintain a high level of security without breaking the bank.

3 Reasons why you should choose Jumpstart Cybersecurity

1. Jumpstart facilitates businesses with an Action Center that streamlines security assessment. Not only do we identify security threats but also provide actionable insights and recommendations to businesses to protect them against fraudulent activities and scams.
2. Unlike other cybersecurity platforms that overtake your business operations, we educate your staff through our Security Academy. You have all the monitoring tools and expertise as we defend your systems against scams.
3. By setting security check-ins through our policy center, we ensure consistent tracking and security management. With our Document Center, you can generate cybersecurity policies and share them with your staff members through our automated systems.

 

Become cyber-secure with Jumpstart

Whether you operate at a large scale or are a new entrant in the market with minimal financial resources, we have unprecedented solutions for every business type in store. Gone are the days when only huge business enterprises had access to cybersecurity.

Avail of our services and tools at affordable prices and protect your small business from security threats.

 

Features

• Action Center that offers quick security assessment.
• Company portals to monitor training policies and documents.
• Action reports that detect privacy breaches and vulnerabilities.
• Phishing tests automatically detect any phishing attacks.
• Safe supply that sets benchmarks before you sign up for our services.
• Cyber responders are available to promptly respond to online attacks.
• Our cyber insurance policy insures every business against risks.
• Security check-ins consist of consultations with our cybersecurity experts.
• The Security Academy equips businesses with trackable modules and existing threats.
• The Policy Center generates operational policies to avoid cybercrimes and monitors employee acknowledgment.

All these features vary according to the packages and pricing, so businesses can choose the package that aligns with their requirements and organizational budget.

Packages

1. Jumpstart Lite- $49
2. Jumpstart Go- $149
3. Jumpstart Safe- $299

We offer transparent pricing for our clients with no hidden charges. Users can opt to pay on an annual basis to avail of discounts. You can cancel your subscription at any time!

Concluding remarks

With the constant security threats lingering over a business’ head at all times, enabling data protection and security management becomes a necessity rather than a choice. Every aspect of today’s business world relies on computer systems that are always vulnerable to online cybersecurity attacks.

Sign up for Jumpstart’s tailor-made services and simplify cybersecurity for your business at affordable prices.