Famous people and VIPs, like international stars, wealthy business people, athletes, influencers, affluent investors or families, are frequently targeted by cybercriminals. Individuals who are famous or rich and influential require significant security precautions to guarantee the safety of their online data and social networking profiles.
Several big names have faced cyber-attacks and threats in the past few years. These cyber-threats are only increasing, and their impact is getting dangerous. But with the advancement of attacks, we also see numerous cyber security solutions coming in front to protect you. Various attacks have been countered, hacked accounts have been regained, and damaging information has been deleted from multiple social media sites.
The risks of not having an adequately protected internet presence include:
- You have lost access to your online accounts.
- Draining of money and financial assets.
- Digital abuse perpetrated in your name.
- Misleading online statements that ruin your reputation.
- You may be blackmailed or tricked.
- Reveal private photos or videos to the public
And the list continues.
Today's development speed is astonishing, and it's only getting faster. It's especially true in the field of digital technology. Hackers take advantage of the disparity among broad adaptation rates and the pursuit of profit that motivates personal data theft.
We will encounter the glory days of cybercrime in the next 3 to 5 years. Criminal organizations and hackers are vying for a spot in line during the most significant wealth transfer in human existence.
The only solution here is to educate yourself, your family members, and your organization about current cyber security trends and adapt the best cyber solutions in the market. This article will discuss VIP security and all those approaches to secure VIPs from cyber frauds.
What is VIP Cyber Security?
Bodyguards are commonly associated with politicians, celebrities, athletes, rich people, and other influential individuals as they are valuable and instantly recognizable victims of an attack.
Due to the world's digitization, these attempts are not limited to physical attacks only but have emerged as cyber attacks. Because of the online presence of all these critical people, they have become an excellent entry point for a cyber security breach.
It requires a virtual bodyguard to secure VIPs virtually. VIP cyber security entails providing users with online security by acting as a virtual bodyguard to accompany their digital identities and protect them from online threats and attacks.
Why is VIP Security Important?
Malicious hackers are gradually shifting from low-value, large-scale attacks that target the public at large to high-value, small-scale attacks that target a group's key members. Moreover, according to the Verizon 2019 Data Breach Report, top executives are targeted twelve times more socially than other employees and nine times more in social breaches. It's since high-level professionals have special authorizations, permissions, and access to:
- Financial statements, company secrets, and other classified info are examples of sensitive data.
- Permit or direct other employees of the organization to perform specific tasks.
- Devices, networks, and other facilities are examples of valuable assets.
These threats are not limited to executives; celebrities and politicians are also popular targets for cybercriminals. An average of 756 GBs of data were stolen in 2020, showing a gold mine of contractual agreements, NDAs, contact details, email addresses, and vulnerable communications. Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Jessica Simpson, Priyanka Chopra, Lady Gaga, Cam Newton, and HBO's John Oliver were among the celebrities whose personal data was compromised.
The huge Twitter exploit in 2020 demonstrated that no high-profile person is secure. From politicians such as Barack Obama to influencers like Kim Kardashian, Billionaire Elon Musk, and singer Kanye West, everyone had their accounts taken and then used to endorse bitcoin fraud.
This data and more is enough to shed light on the importance of VIP cyber security and essential steps to secure VIPs online.
Tips to Secure VIPs Online
Use a comprehensive internet security package.
Many security solutions provide a solid defence against current and new malware, such as spyware and viruses, and aid in the safety of your personal and financial data online.
Use secure passwords.
Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites and change them frequently. Make them complicated. It necessitates at least ten letters (mixture of upper and lower case), symbols, and numbers. A password management app can assist you in keeping your passwords secure.
Maintain software updates
It's especially true for operating systems and online security tools. Cybercriminals regularly use known attacks or faults in your apps to achieve system access. Rendering those flaws and exploits can reduce your chances of becoming a cybercrime victim.
Control your social media preferences.
Maintain the security of your private data. Social engineering malicious hackers can frequently obtain your details with only a few sample points. It is good to share as little information as you can online. For example, if you share your pet's name or expose your mother's mother's surname, you may disclose the answers to the two most common security questions.
Improve your home network
Starting with encrypted communications and a virtual private network is a wise idea. A VPN encrypts all traffic that leaves your gadgets until it hits its target. If cybercriminals breach your line of communication, they will only eavesdrop on encrypted data. So, it is advised to use VPN when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network.
Take precautions to prevent yourself from identity theft.
Identity theft happens when hackers get your details illegally through force or fraud, usually for financial gain. How? For example, you could be duped into providing personal information online, or a thief could steal your mail to access your financial accounts. Or you may have been SIM swapped recently. That is why it is critical to protect your personal information. Encrypt your data and be wise when sharing personal details offline or online.
Take Immediate Actions
If you suspect you have been the target of a cybercrime, you must notify the local police, FTC, and the FBI. Even if the offence appears minor, this is critical. Your report could help officials with their interrogations or stop criminals from reaping the benefits of others in the coming years. If you believe malicious hackers have hacked your identity, take these steps instantly,
Notify the banks and companies where you know there has been a fraud.
Set up fraud alerts and obtain your account statements.
Inform the FTC about identity theft.