When you hear how victims of cyberattacks made themselves more vulnerable to criminals, don’t brush it off as another unfortunate story: learn from it.

“Because we face data security threats every day, it helps to know the most common tactics cybercriminals use and how to prevent falling victim to them,” writes Ryan Norton in the September/October issue of CPA Voice.

One of those tactics is spear phishing, Norton says, which targets individuals by using personal information to convince the victim that the criminals are a familiar entity like an employer or family member, to gather private data. He offers clues to help spot if you’ve been targeted.

“First, businesses will not request your bank account number or Social Security number in an email. If someone on the phone is claiming to be from a collection agency, you can perform a few quick Google searches to verify their identity. Second, a legitimate agency will never ask for payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Third, email and letter phishing scams tend to feature glaring spelling and grammar issues,” he writes.

Find out the other way criminals will try to steal your info and how you can protect yourself by reading the full article.

Don’t miss this convenient, self-study CPE

Did you know that reading CPA Voice can help you satisfy your CPE requirement? No matter your location or the time of day – and even without the benefit of electricity – you can gain CPE credit with each issue.

Every edition includes a 12-question self-assessment exam covering content from that issue. Receive a grade of 75% or higher and you’ll earn one hour of CPE credit in specialized knowledge.

Best of all, you can take the exam when and where it’s convenient for you, either online or by mail. Exams remain available online – and may be completed for CPE – through the same month of the following year.

September/October 2018 exam