Page 40 - TODAY Magazine Issue 1 2022 - Old Mutual

YOUR FAMILY ONLINE SAFETY
HOW TO OUTSMART SCAMMERS
For more advice on staying and shopping safely online, read this article in our previous issue.
be how a reasonable person in possession of the same information, with due regard to all the circumstances, would perceive the message? Would they interpret it as a threat to damage property or hurt a person?
Anyone found guilty of malicious communication may be arrested and sentenced to a fine and/or imprisonment of up to three years. Children between 10 and 18 may under certain circumstances also be arrested.
If you are the victim, it is therefore very important not to delete any of the posts, emails or messages. Take screenshots as backup, in case the person deletes their posts, and download photos and videos. If the case does go to court, you will need them as evidence.
Hacking and data theft
Say a criminal has phished your login details, gained unlawful access to your online banking profile and emptied your bank account. Does the Act cover this? Yes. It covers unlawfully obtaining someone’s username and
password and unlawfully accessing their bank account online.
What happens if a criminal intercepts the email that you sent to your financial
adviser and changes your banking details? This, too, is a criminal act. Furthermore, if you have a side hustle and someone
steals your new product design or your client database, this person can now be charged with theft.
These offences all carry heavy sentences with a maximum fine and/or up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Practical tips to staying safe online
It can sometimes be very confusing, but always think before you press Forward. Would you pass on the same message to a group of people if you were standing in front of them? If you wouldn't, don't do it online.
1. Guard your online presence with the same care as you would protect yourself in the real world. Keep your login credentials safe and safeguard your devices (including your phone!) with antivirus software.
2. If you suspect that your online profile or credentials have been hacked, take action immediately. First of all, change your passwords. And do not use the same password for all the websites you have registered with.
3. Do not send sensitive documents in Word format, convert them to PDFs and secure your email.
PHISHING
verb
The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
– Lexico.com
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ISSUE ONE 2022