Weather Alerts and Cybersecurity Risks: Memphis Residents on High Alert

Weather Woes and Cyber Concerns: What’s Happening in Memphis

Memphis, Tenn. – As we brace ourselves for a rocky weather day ahead, residents can expect a high of 78°F with showers and thunderstorms lurking around the corner, bringing a 90% chance of rain to our neighborhoods. So, make sure you grab that umbrella if you’re heading out! Winds will be a gentle E at 5 to 10 mph, keeping things comfortable, though we might hear some thunder rumbling through the evening. The low tonight is forecast to dip down to 64°F, with rain chances hanging around at 70%. It’s a classic November day in Memphis!

Coping with Cyber Crime

While we prepare for potential downpours, there’s another storm brewing in the world of cybersecurity. In the past year, cybercriminals have been on the prowl, stealing data from hundreds of millions of individuals across the globe. Our own Memphis resident, Justin Griffin, is raising eyebrows as he reports receiving multiple spam calls and texts that leave him feeling uneasy. “It’s very creepy,” says Griffin, who suspects his information may have been compromised in a recent data breach.

Getting a notice that your personal information has been leaked is more common than ever. According to a new report from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), about four in five people have received such alarming alerts in the past year. And let’s be honest—these breaches can lead to identity theft, which can turn into a financial nightmare. The ITRC Consumer & Business Impact Report revealed that around 31% of consumers experienced losses of less than $500, while 12% had the misfortune of losing $10,000 or more!

Big Bucks at Risk

Even more concerning, James E. Lee, the COO of the ITRC, mentioned, “We’re seeing for the first time people losing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, millions of dollars are being lost due to these breaches.” It’s alarming, to say the least. So what can you do to protect yourself? Thankfully, technology is stepping up to the plate.

You might have noticed websites encouraging you to create a ‘passkey’. This is a unique, super-secure code that’s way safer than your average password. Lee reassures us that if you have a passkey, it becomes nearly impossible for anyone to access your information illegitimately. This is because the passkey is unique to each device, making it challenging for cybercriminals to steal.

Big names like Amazon, Apple iCloud, Google, and Paypal are among the sites using passkeys, but don’t fret if your favorite site doesn’t offer them yet. Consider employing a password manager to help keep your passwords organized and secure across different accounts. Both Apple and Google offer password managers, plus there are various free and paid options available online.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate through the potential rainstorms and cyber storm clouds, it’s essential to stay informed. Weather may bring wet conditions today, but knowledge is power when it comes to safeguarding your personal information. Whether you’re headed out in the rain or staying home, keep those smart tech practices in mind! And remember, regardless of the storm outside, there’s always sunshine waiting somewhere just beyond the clouds.

Stay safe, Memphis!