On Facebook, people are creating cartoon versions of themselves using ChatGPT. This new technology uses artificial intelligence, and the cartoons fit the person to a “T.”
But ask yourself – how did they get all that information? How did ChatGPT know you like going on cruises, gardening or your hobbies are reading and playing golf?
That’s because everything you post on social media becomes part of your digital footprint and public knowledge. What they don’t know from what you’ve posted, they’ll ask and you hand it right over.
I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast featuring Caitlin Sarian, a cybersecurity influencer, on how to protect yourself online, and she gave some great tips.
Here’s the highlights.
Never give out your real birthday, phone number or name while shopping, both online and in person. If a store wants your phone number or email account for a transaction, decline. They’re not going to call you. This is so they can sell your information to marketing vultures.
Don’t post vacation photos while you’re away from home. People can pinpoint your address using the information you’ve got out there and rob your house while you’re gone. Some of these scammers can even find out your airline reservations and break into your house while you’re in the air and your phone is turned off.
Never use free WiFi. You think you’re saving money and minutes by using the free hook up. Wrong. You’ve just logged on to an open highway where predators and scammers lurk, waiting to steal your information.
Ms. Sarian said, “If there’s any free app or product, you are the product.”
Even though it’s convenient, don’t use the same password, or a variation of a password, on all your apps. Don’t reuse passwords. Use unique passwords with letters and numbers.
There are ways to keep track of complex passwords.
You can buy an electronic password manager device for under $100 or you can go “old-school.” A telephone address book is already divided alphabetically. Write the passwords in pencil and keep the book by your computer. Don’t keep the passwords on your phone.
You don’t have to answer all the questions you’re asked online. Don’t provide your mother’s maiden name or the name of your first pet. These are often legitimate security questions, and you just handed a scammer the answers.
The way to get around this is to create a fake online persona, and that’s free. Use a different G-mail account and phone number for this online personality.
Make your fake persona fun. Choose an exotic name, claim you were born in Paris and that the name of your first pet was Killer.
Don’t plug your phone into a free charging station. Scammers get your information from these open spots. Never assume hackers don’t want you – money is money, Ms. Sarian said.
As much as you hate it, opt for a two-factor authentication. That means you’ll have to type in a number that’s either texted or emailed to you. It takes time, but it’ll keep your information safe.
Don’t answer phone numbers you don’t recognize, even if the window states it’s an official agency. Anybody can get a phone to display a fake name. Don’t believe a caller who says they’re from the police, the IRS or any other law enforcement agency.
If you did answer, hang up as quickly as possible and call the official phone number of the agency, not the one showing on your phone.
Better yet, let the call go to voice mail. If it’s someone you need to talk to, they’ll leave a message. Even if the message sounds urgent or official, don’t react. Call the number listed on the agency’s official website and get more information.
A few more tips: Freeze your credit. Allow software updates. Don’t click on links you don’t know.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, cyber security will become even more important. The first line of defense is you.
Don’t give scammers and thieves any more ammunition.
This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.