Chapter 6 Summary – Internet Security

There was a lot of reading concerning all the threats we have in today’s cyber world. Some cyberattack types referenced names I had never even heard of, such as man-in-the-middle attacks. I did not realize that something like this was even taking place.

I cannot fully explain how or why this happened to a family member, but here is the situation. It is often reported in the news how attackers target the elderly, but my grandmother is very cautious and aware of these risks. Despite this, someone was able to gain access to her debit card and retirement account information. They began making small purchases through DoorDash, starting with $10, then $50, and eventually reaching $100 from multiple fast-food restaurants—all within minutes of each other.

After reading Chapter 6, I realized this may have been a form of phishing or account testing to determine how much money could be withdrawn before the transactions were declined. I am still unsure how the attackers obtained her information, as she is extremely careful. They were even able to access her Merrill Lynch account and change her password, preventing her from checking her balance. The stolen funds were transferred to a prepaid card under a fake name. Fortunately, she had withdrawal limits in place that required a voice confirmation, which helped stop further damage.

This was a very stressful experience for our family. Since then, we have added multiple layers of security to our accounts, which has helped us feel safer—although reading Chapter 6 reminds me that risks still exist.

Despite all the education and precautions available, not all cyberattacks can be prevented. It is important to have a plan in place in case something happens. People should be cautious about how much personal information they share online, establish routines for changing passwords, and use strong security practices. Being prepared for the unexpected is essential in both the digital and physical world we live in today.