Tips for staying secure with online hobbies

For this month on Cyber360, we're looking at ways to stay safe with your hobbies in the digital world.

Social Media: Share with care

Social media is a fun place to post about hobbies like baking, gardening, or playing music. However, sharing too much can attract scammers. For example, talking about an upcoming trip might tip off thieves that your house will be empty. To stay safe, adjust your privacy settings so only friends can see your posts, and be careful about accepting friend requests or messages from people you don't know. When joining hobby groups or making video calls, make sure the settings are private to keep unwanted guests out.

Gaming: Play it safe

Gaming is all about fun and competition, but it’s also a hotspot for cyber threats like phishing and malware. Protect your gaming accounts with strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Be cautious about where you download game files and mods—stick to trusted sources to avoid downloading harmful software.

Fantasy sports and betting

Sites where you manage fantasy sports teams or bet on games ask for a lot of personal info, which can make you a target for scams. Only use reputable websites that have good security practices, and keep your login details private. Regularly check your account for any strange activity.

Watching out for sports scams

Scammers love to exploit sports fans, especially during big game seasons, by selling fake tickets or counterfeit gear. Always buy tickets from the official venue or a reputable reseller, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Similarly, buy team merchandise directly from official stores or approved retailers to ensure you're getting the real thing. When it comes to betting, use well-known and legally recognized platforms that have positive reviews.

Wrap-up

Enjoying hobbies online adds fun to our lives, but it’s important to keep them secure. By being smart about what you share, protecting your accounts, and staying aware of common scams, you can safely enjoy your hobbies without worry.

About Cyber360

Cybersecurity is more important than ever in today's world of digital and technological advancements. To meet this critical need, the Information Security and Privacy Group is excited to present the Cyber360 event series. This series, running from April through October 2024, is designed to cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics; each month focusing on a different theme to ensure participants gain a comprehensive understanding of digital safety. Learn more about Cyber360 here.

Get ready for CyberWorks!

Remember to join us at the CyberWorks event on October 15th, 2024! This event will be a fantastic opportunity for families to learn more about cybersecurity, engage with experts, and discover the latest trends and strategies to keep their digital homes safe. Join our CMS Slack channel #CyberWorks2024 for updates.

More resources

For a complete overview of training opportunities and best practices for keeping data and systems safe at CMS, check out the CMS Information Security and Privacy Training Handbook.