Recently, Action Fraud in the U.K. reported that over 33,000 victims lost more than $1.8 million. This happened because hackers got into their email and social media accounts1. Now, Action Fraud is warning everyone to use two-factor authentication (2FA) on Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, and X. Experts say 2FA can greatly lower the chance of your account being hacked by making it harder for criminals to get in.
Key Takeaways
- The U.K. cybercrime reporting center Action Fraud has issued a 2FA warning for email and social media users after over 33,000 victims lost $1.8 million due to account hacking.
- Cybersecurity experts recommend enabling 2FA on all email and social media accounts to significantly reduce the risk of account compromise.
- 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to a mobile device, in addition to a password.
- Hackers often target email and social media accounts to gain access to sensitive personal and financial information.
- Regular password updates and the use of strong, unique passwords can also help protect against account hacking.
Action Fraud Urges Users to Protect Email and Social Accounts
The Action Fraud team works together with the City of London Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. They are the UK’s main fraud and cybercrime reporting center. When they warn us, it’s very important to listen. In just one year, over 33,000 people lost more than $1.8 million because hackers got into their email and social media2.
These numbers only show what happened in the UK and are based on reported cases. So, the real global impact is likely much bigger. Action Fraud is now telling everyone to use two-factor authentication on Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, and X to keep their accounts safe from hackers.
Shocking Statistics on Account Hacking and Financial Losses
Cybercriminals are constantly trying to get into email and social media accounts. This has very bad effects on the people who get hacked. Recent data shows that phishing attacks are the most common type of cybercrime, making up over 80% of all incidents3
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Moreover, 92% of organizations have been hit by phishing, causing big financial and reputation losses3. In some cases, businesses have lost millions because of fake emails that tricked them into making money transfers.
| Cybercrime Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Victims of account hacking in the UK (12-month period) | Over 33,000 |
| Financial losses from account hacking in the UK (12-month period) | More than $1.8 million |
| Percentage of all cybersecurity incidents caused by phishing | Over 80% |
| Organizations that reported falling victim to phishing | 92% |
| Percentage of successful cyberattacks on businesses due to spear phishing | 91% (in 2024) |
| Percentage of phishing attacks that were deceptive phishing | 65% |
These scary numbers show how urgent it is to protect our online accounts. The Action Fraud team’s warning is a call to action for everyone to focus on keeping their digital lives safe from hackers and financial loss23.
The Importance of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a crucial extra layer of protection to your online accounts. It goes beyond just a username and password4. With 2FA, you need a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan4.
This makes it much harder for hackers to get into your account, even if they have your login details4. Security experts say 2FA is key to keeping your email, social media, and other accounts safe from cybercriminals4.
Turning on 2FA for your accounts cuts down the risk of them being hacked. It stops hackers even if they get your login info, because they need the second verification factor too4. This extra security is vital in today’s world, where cybercrime is getting worse and hackers keep finding new ways to steal your info4.
Setting up 2FA is easy and very effective in keeping your online accounts safe4. By doing this, you make your accounts much more secure. This helps protect you from hackers and cyberthieves4.
Cybercrime Agency Issues New 2FA Warning For Gmail, Outlook, Facebook And X User
The U.K.’s Action Fraud agency has issued a warning to fight account hacking and financial fraud. They urge users of Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, and X to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on their accounts5. This is because cybercriminals are targeting these platforms to access personal and financial info5.
The Cybercrime Agency’s alert shows a big rise in attempts to hack into email and social media accounts. They say 2FA is key to better security5. With more data breaches, the agency is pushing for users to protect their accounts with 2FA5.
The warning highlights the danger of cyber threats on these platforms. It points out a high risk of unauthorized access to personal info5. Action Fraud notes that over 33,000 victims lost more than $1.8 million in a year due to hacked accounts5. They say 2FA can greatly lower the risk of account takeover by making it harder for hackers to get in.
The Cybercrime Agency is now focusing more on 2FA for email and social media accounts. This shows how important it is to stay ahead of digital threats. Users are advised to act fast to protect their online accounts and keep their data and money safe.
How to Enable 2FA on Popular Email and Social Platforms
Keeping your online accounts safe is very important today. One great way to do this is by using two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email and social media. This adds a strong layer of protection, making it tough for hackers to get into your accounts6.
Step-by-Step Guides for Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, and X
Setting up 2FA on sites like Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, and X is easy and quick. Just follow these step-by-step guides to how to enable 2fa on your accounts. This will help a lot in keeping your accounts safe from hackers7.
- Gmail 2FA Setup: Log in to Gmail, go to security settings, and turn on “2-Step Verification.” Pick a second check, like a code to your phone, for more security.
- Outlook 2FA Setup: In Outlook settings, find the security section and turn on two-factor authentication. Pick a way to get a code, like SMS or a mobile app, to finish setting up.
- Facebook 2FA Setup: Go to your Facebook settings, then to “Security and Login,” and turn on two-factor authentication. You can get a code by text, app, or security key for more safety.
- X 2FA Setup: Setting up 2FA on X is similar to other platforms. Go to your account settings, find security, and turn on two-factor authentication with your preferred method.
By how to enable 2fa on your email and social media, you make your accounts much safer. This helps protect your personal info from hackers7.
Passkeys: The Future of Account Security
The digital world is changing fast, and tech leaders are working on a new way to keep accounts safe. Passkeys are a new method created by the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance. This group includes big names like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. Passkeys are a better, safer choice than old ways like usernames and passwords or two-factor authentication (2FA)8.
Passkeys are made to fight off threats like phishing and when people use the same password everywhere. They are stored safely on your device. This means you don’t have to remember or keep track of many passwords for different sites and services8.
Cross-Platform Adoption and Passwordless Login
The FIDO Alliance’s passkey system makes logging in easy on any device or platform. This could change how we keep our online identities safe. Passkeys can make signing in up to 75% quicker and 20% more reliable than old methods8.
As passkeys become more common, they might soon be the main way to protect our online accounts. This includes email, social media, and other important sites. It will give users even better protection8.
| Benefit | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Faster sign-in | Up to 75% faster than passwords or passwords plus a second factor |
| More successful sign-ins | 20% more successful than passwords or passwords plus a second factor |
“Passkeys are designed to provide an even more robust form of authentication than traditional username and password or 2FA, reducing the risk of phishing and credential reuse.”
Shared Expertise: A Client-Centric Approach
In today’s digital world, agencies are key in guiding clients through online security changes. They focus on client-centric approach, shared expertise, and adding value. This is different from a sales-first method.
Agencies become trusted partners, building trust with clients. They help with two-factor authentication (2FA) and share knowledge on passkeys. They also keep clients updated on cybersecurity threats and best practices9.
- Consider the impact on others when making ethical decisions
- Ensure fairness in decision-making processes
- Prioritize global safety and the greater good
- Adopt a holistic, spiritually-informed approach
- Focus on doing no harm and practicing discipline toward the good of all
- Embrace transparency and accountability in decision-making
- Demonstrate respect for all stakeholders
By focusing on clients, agencies become valuable partners. They help with online security and build trust in their relationships9.
“Effective ethical decision-making involves starting with gratitude, examining our motives, and acting with integrity – as if our actions were subject to public scrutiny.”
This model lets agencies offer custom account security consultations. They meet clients’ specific needs, improving their digital security9.
Online Security Tips and Best Practices
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and using passkeys are just the start. There are many other steps to keep your online accounts safe. This includes using password managers and being careful about phishing. Here are some key tips to protect your personal info and digital identity.
Password Managers: Your Digital Vault
Experts say password managers are a must. They help create, store, and manage strong passwords for all your online accounts. Password managers make it easy to keep track of many passwords without having to remember them all. This helps avoid the risk of using the same password for different accounts, which can lead to big security problems10.
Phishing Awareness: Spotting Deception
Phishing attacks are a big threat. They try to get you to give out personal info or install malware. It’s important to know how to spot these scams. Watch for emails from unknown senders, requests for personal info, and suspicious links or attachments11.
Account Protection Measures
- Keep your software and operating systems up to date to fix known issues10.
- Use different, strong passwords for each account. Also, turn on 2FA when you can10.
- Check your accounts for anything odd and report any identity theft or unauthorized access right away10.
Following these online security tips can greatly improve your digital identity protection. It helps keep your personal and financial info safe from cyber threats1011.
Conclusion
The U.K.’s Action Fraud has issued warnings about online security. They highlight the need to protect email and social media accounts. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is a key step to prevent hackers from accessing your accounts12.
New technologies like passkeys are coming. They promise to offer stronger protection than old login methods. By using 2FA, passkeys, and other security measures, we can keep our digital lives safe from cyber threats12.
As we invest in broadband and digital skills, keeping accounts secure is vital. This ensures the success of these efforts12. By teaching people how to protect their online presence, we can create a safer internet for everyone.
The future may bring challenges, but we can face them together. By focusing on cybersecurity and working together, we can protect our digital world. This will help us unlock the full potential of our connected lives124.
FAQ
What is the latest warning from the U.K.’s Action Fraud cybercrime agency?
Action Fraud, the U.K.’s national fraud and cybercrime center, warns users. They say to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, and X. This is to protect accounts from hackers.
What are the shocking statistics cited by Action Fraud?
Action Fraud reports over 33,000 victims lost more than $1.8 million. This happened when hackers accessed their email and social media accounts.
Why is two-factor authentication (2FA) so important for online account security?
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection. It makes it harder for hackers to access accounts. While not perfect, 2FA greatly reduces the risk of account compromise.
What emerging authentication technology is poised to provide even stronger protection than 2FA?
Passkeys, developed by the FIDO Alliance, offer stronger protection than 2FA. They reduce the risk of phishing and credential reuse.
How can agencies take a “shared expertise” approach when discussing online security measures with clients?
Agencies should add value and understand client needs. They can answer questions, provide educational resources, or share the latest on cybersecurity threats and best practices.
What are some other important online security tips and best practices?
Important security measures include using 2FA, exploring passkeys, and password managers. Being aware of phishing scams and following cybersecurity best practices also help protect digital identities and assets.
Source Links
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dark-days-newsletter-august-2024-digital-asset-redemption-9vmrc – DARK DAYS Newsletter: August 2024
- https://freemindtronic.com/datashielder-hsm-pgp/page/7/ – DataShielder NFC HSM PGP Solution – Page 7 of 19 – Fullsecure Andorra
- https://www.astrill.com/blog/what-is-phishing/ – What is Phishing? Examples, Types and Protection tips
- https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/10/17/5-common-myths-about-business-bankruptcy/ – Council Post: 5 Common Myths About Business Bankruptcy
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/krisholt/2024/10/17/three-gorgeous-new-indie-games-to-check-out-including-the-stunning-neva/ – Three Gorgeous New Indie Games To Check Out, Including The Stunning ‘Neva’
- https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2024/10/17/sharing-over-selling-a-value-first-approach-to-client-service/ – Council Post: Sharing Over Selling: A Value-First Approach To Client Service
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/10/17/police-issue-new-2fa-warning-for-all-gmail-outlook-facebook-x-users/ – Cybercrime Agency Issues New 2FA Warning For Gmail, Outlook, Facebook And X Users
- https://www.payoneer.com/resources/how-to-keep-your-funds-safe-interview-with-maxim-polyachencko-vp-of-financial-crime-prevention/ – How to keep your funds safe: Interview with Maxim Polyachencko, VP of Financial Crime Prevention | Payoneer
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceweinstein/2024/10/15/how-do-you-make-ethical-decisions-15-leaders-reveal-their-approaches/ – How Do You Make Ethical Decisions? 15 Leaders Reveal Their Approaches
- https://www.rd.com/article/dangers-of-public-wifi/ – How to Avoid Security Risks on Public Wi-Fi Networks
- https://hiverhq.com/blog/google-apps-security – The Quick Guide to Google Apps Security for Your Business
- https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/10/17/dear-entrepreneurs-looking-to-tap-into-the-broadband-billions-here-are-two-ways-you-are-needed/ – Council Post: Dear Entrepreneurs Looking To Tap Into The Broadband Billions: Here Are Two Ways You Are Needed
