As Andrejus Mochovas, Head of Cyber Security for the Baltic States of “Lietuvos drimadu” points out, it is obvious that an increasing part of society is dealing with cases of cyber fraud. Therefore, personal knowledge, efforts and means to properly protect your data and that of your loved ones in the digital space become critically important.
“Residents are mostly affected by not taking care or not taking basic steps to protect their identity and data online. Weak passwords, denial of multi-factor authentication, or simply careless online behavior allow cybercriminals to steal personal data. In most cases, these are logins to a personal bank account, social networks or e-mail. health access. These data can later be used to commit financial crimes, create fake accounts or for other malicious purposes,” says A. Mochovas.
Company photo/Andrejus Mochovas
According to a security expert, cyber security is also relevant for businesses, because if digital data and access to sensitive information are not properly protected, serious threats can arise to the sustainable existence of the organization.
“Businesses almost always work with sensitive data, such as various customer databases, payment and settlement systems, so it is important to prioritize the prevention of cyber attacks. Various types of attacks aimed at leaking or capturing data can dramatically damage not only a company’s reputation, but also its business continuity. As the scale of digital attacks does not decrease, every step towards greater digital security in business is important,” emphasizes A. Mochovas.
A cyber security expert provides key tips that will help you raise the bar for security in the digital space and protect yourself from fraud or data leakage:
- start by creating strong passwords because passwords are the key to your digital life. We recommend the “3 random words” method, and think of simple words – they are easy to remember but hard to crack. Later, learn how to use a password manager to help you manage them on a daily basis;
- practice recognizing phishing attacks by participating in various security trainings or testing your skills in real situations. Every time you encounter a suspicious e-mail check the sender of the letter or message and never rush to click on suspicious links or follow the requests and instructions in the letter;
- identify the reasons why you might be avoiding using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and gradually “tame” it. Maybe you’re avoiding this because you don’t know how MFA works – this can be fixed by trying the MFA installation with help. Enable MFA on all important accounts, i.e. email mail, bank, social network accounts. This will significantly increase the security of your information. Important – do not accept unexpected MFA requests, and if you receive such a request that you did not initiate, reject it;
- learn some simple software and device update routines to help you stay cyber-secure. Set reminders to keep devices updated on time, preventing digital vulnerabilities.
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Interview with Andrejus Mochovas, Head of Cyber Security for the Baltic States at “Lietuvos drimadu”
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Andrejus. It seems that cyber fraud is becoming a major concern for many people. Can you expand on why you believe this trend is increasing?
Andrejus Mochovas: Absolutely. We’re seeing a rise in cyber fraud cases primarily because many individuals neglect basic online security practices. Simple mistakes like using weak passwords, foregoing multi-factor authentication, or just careless browsing behavior provide cybercriminals with opportunities to access sensitive information. This negligence can lead to significant issues, including identity theft and financial loss.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that many residents fail to take basic steps for protecting their identity. What are some specific examples of these lapses?
Andrejus Mochovas: Certainly. For instance, many people use easily guessable passwords or reuse the same password across multiple sites. Not utilizing multi-factor authentication adds another layer of vulnerability. This behavior often leads to unauthorized access to personal accounts, including banks and social media, and ultimately allows criminals to misuse that data.
Editor: Moving on to businesses, you pointed out that they face unique threats regarding cyber security. Can you elaborate on the risks organizations face if they neglect their digital security?
Andrejus Mochovas: Yes, businesses handle extensive sensitive information, from client databases to payment systems. If these are not properly protected, it can lead to severe consequences, such as data breaches that damage reputation and disrupt operations. The number of digital attacks is rising, and any lapse in security can have severe ramifications for an organization’s sustainability.
Editor: For individuals looking to bolster their online security, what key steps would you recommend?
Andrejus Mochovas: One of the most vital steps is to create strong passwords. I recommend using the “3 random words” method—it’s easy to remember and challenging to crack. Additionally, using a password manager can help manage these passwords effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Andrejus. Do you have any final thoughts or advice for our readers regarding cyber security?
Andrejus Mochovas: It’s crucial for everyone to take cyber security seriously. Whether you’re a personal user or a business, investing time and resources into understanding and implementing security measures can protect not only your information but also that of your loved ones and clients. Awareness and proactive measures are key in this digital age.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Andrejus. It’s been a pleasure having you with us today.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Andrejus. It seems that cyber fraud is becoming a major concern for many people. Can you expand on why you believe this trend is increasing?
Andrejus Mochovas: Absolutely. We’re witnessing a rise in cyber fraud cases primarily because many individuals neglect basic online security practices. Simple mistakes like using weak passwords, avoiding multi-factor authentication, or just careless browsing behavior provide cybercriminals with opportunities to access sensitive information. This negligence can lead to significant issues, including identity theft and financial loss.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that many residents fail to take basic steps for protecting their identity. What are some specific examples of these lapses?
Andrejus Mochovas: Certainly. For instance, many people use easily guessable passwords or reuse the same password across multiple sites. Not utilizing multi-factor authentication adds another layer of vulnerability. This behavior often leads to unauthorized access to personal accounts, including banks and social media, and ultimately allows criminals to misuse that data.
Editor: Moving on to businesses, you pointed out that they face unique threats regarding cybersecurity. Can you elaborate on the risks organizations face if they neglect their digital security?
Andrejus Mochovas: Yes, businesses handle extensive sensitive information, from client databases to payment systems. If this data is not properly protected, they risk severe threats not only to their reputation but also to their operational continuity. A successful cyber attack can lead to data breaches that damage trust and disrupt business activities, making it imperative for organizations to prioritize the prevention of such attacks.
Editor: What key advice can you offer both individuals and businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures?
Andrejus Mochovas: For individuals, I recommend starting with strong password creation—consider using the “3 random words” method. Also, it’s essential to recognize phishing attempts; take the time to verify email senders before clicking on links. For both individuals and businesses, embracing multi-factor authentication on important accounts can significantly lower vulnerability. Additionally, keeping software and devices up to date is crucial for protecting against known vulnerabilities.
Editor: Thank you for the insightful tips, Andrejus. As we navigate increasingly digital lives, it’s vital to stay informed about cybersecurity practices.
Andrejus Mochovas: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Protecting our digital lives is a responsibility we all share.
