EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - December

EA_Kuba

Community Manager

12 days ago

Welcome to the final newsletter of the year, dedicated to keeping you informed about online security.

Last time, we explored the rising issue of phishing during the holiday season. If you're not familiar with this or need a refresher, make sure to revisit our previous edition!

This month, together with our co-host @EA_Kalina, we're excited to share how far our newsletter has reached over the past year. Your engagement has been key to this success, and we hope you'll keep joining us for future editions. Take a look at the infographic below for more details!

As a usual token of appreciation for your participation, you'll receive a unique badge on the forum!

@EA_Kalina
As we head into the new year, we want to thank you for your engagement in this year’s newsletter series. Your participation and feedback had a direct impact on the security of our community. Here’s to the new year and the challenges it may bring!

The new year often comes with resolutions, so we encourage you to consider making resolutions about your online safety as well. My New Year's resolution is to share knowledge about staying safe with young gamers who are just beginning their online adventures. Additionally, next year we'll provide more resources to help parents and guardians safely guide their children through the digital world.

I hope you'll share your resolutions with us and, most importantly, that we all achieve them!

Online Security - A Year in Review

January - Secure Downloading
Downloading from unverified resources can lead to the installation of trojan malware, which creates backdoors for attackers. This malware can compromise sensitive data and potentially allow control over your PC. Always download from secure, legitimate sources to protect your system.
February - AI in social engineering
AI is anticipated to enhance cybercriminals' abilities in social engineering, reconnaissance, and data exfiltration. Generative AI can craft more convincing interactions, making phishing attempts harder to detect.
March - Passwords
Use a memorable phrase turned into an acronym, incorporating at least 8 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters to enhance security. This method helps create a robust password that's easier to remember.
April - Stream(er) Safety
Use Two-Factor Authentication or Multi-Factor Authentication and create strong, unique passwords. Establish separate accounts specifically for streaming to protect your personal information and adjust privacy settings on streaming platforms.
May - Malware
Signs of malware include slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, new browser toolbars or extensions, and system instability. These symptoms suggest malicious software might be consuming resources or altering settings.
June - Account Security
TFA provides an extra layer of security by requiring an additional code to protect your account even if someone knows your password. For enhanced security, it is recommended that you use an app authenticator.
July - Online Communication
Review and update your privacy settings to control what information is visible to others. This helps protect against spear phishing attacks, where attackers impersonate trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information.
August - Securing your home network
Default credentials are often printed on the device, making them easy targets for unauthorized access. Changing them to something more secure helps protect your network from intruders.
September - Bots
Use strong, unique passwords and enable Two-Factor Authentication. Guard your privacy by keeping personal information confidential. Download files only from trusted sources and regularly update your operating system and antivirus software. Keep your home network secure by updating your router's firmware, and stay alert to phishing attacks.
October - Two-Factor Authentication Deep Dive
Authenticator apps are more secure because they generate codes locally on your device, avoiding interception or SIM swapping risks. Codes are unique and time-based, changing every 30 seconds for extra protection.
November - Phishing Deep Dive
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) using an authenticator app. Verify links and sources by checking URLs carefully. Be skeptical of urgent requests and keep your software updated. Recognize red flags like spelling errors and generic greetings. Secure your email with strong passwords and TFA. Familiarize yourself with account recovery features.