Current events · 2 MIN READ · SCOUT SCHOLES · FEB 14, 2025 · TAGS: Guidance
TL;DR
- It’s Valentine’s Day, and just like the other 364 days of the year, we’re dedicated to keeping you secure
- Check out these romance-inspired tips for good online security hygiene
- Share this blog as a friendly reminder for your team—bonus points if it’s accompanied by a sweet treat!
Valentine’s Day is here; love is in the air, and unfortunately, so are cyber threats. You may wear your real heart on your sleeve, but you should be guarding away your digital heart for safekeeping. If you’re on dating apps, you know you don’t just give away everything all at once. You’re cautious for catfish and scammers and potential broken hearts, and those same guidelines can be applied to cybersecurity.
First dates and online security have the same rules
Whether you were taught by your parents, your family, or your friends, first date safety is pretty universal. It includes tips like meeting in public places, telling someone where you’re going and what you’re doing, and trusting your instincts.
These same principles apply to sharing personal information online. It’s always a good idea to check a website’s credentials, security certificates, or fine print before sharing your information. You can also ask others for reviews, and trust your gut! If something looks weird, say something—whether you report it online, to your IT team, or as email spam.
Red flags can be digital, too
Red flags in relationships are remarkably similar to phishing or cyber attack tactics. These common dating concerns can manifest digitally, too, and may look like:
- Love bombing: excessive pop-ups, urgent prompts, and emotionally charged language
- Asking for money: unexpected payment requests—especially almost immediately—are almost always no good
- Excessive secrecy: unclear privacy policies, or hidden fine print and terms of agreement
- Moving too fast: requesting excessive or administrative privileges immediately
Multi-factor authentication is like googling a date ahead of time
Let’s be honest, everyone has googled someone they just met at least once in their life. Often, we find ourselves checking up on our potential romantic partners, our friends’ dates, or even new neighbors to keep ourselves safe. Double-checking someone is who they say they are is what multi-factor authentication (MFA) does, too. Whether you’re using Google or MFA, both can prevent you from being catfished. Turn on MFA wherever you can to stay secure.
Digital PDA > Romantic PDA
When it comes to cyberspace, PDA doesn’t mean public displays of affection. It stands for protection of data assets, and it’s something we suggest everyone be mindful of (just like romantic PDA). Be mindful of what you share online—today’s cybercriminals can use AI tools to scrape your social media and create targeted phishing content just for you. Mindful digital PDA and romantic PDA can keep everyone from feeling uncomfortable, and keep you safe.
Keep the spark alive (with updates)
Just like any healthy long-term relationship, sometimes you need to make time for maintenance. Regular security updates are like date nights for your devices—they keep things fresh, and protect against new threats. And, they can prevent common vulnerabilities from becoming a problem. Attackers don’t care if a vulnerability is old; they just care if it’s still accessible (the same can probably be said for relationships, too!).
Follow breakup protocol
Sometimes your hard work is thwarted, and you find yourself in the midst of a breakup. If that’s the case—romantically or digitally—these tips can help you through a split or a data breach:
- Act quickly but thoughtfully
- Change your passwords (just like your locks)
- Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity (email or Netflix)
- Learn from the experience and use it to strengthen your strategy
A (digital) Valentine for you
Share this blog in lieu of a digital Valentine this year—a small reminder can make all the difference! The best relationships (and security systems) make you feel safe, protected, and confident about the future.
Happy Valentine’s Day, and stay secure!
