As we kick off the new year, it’s important to refresh ourselves on the cybersecurity topics we’ve explored over the last year - topics we hope provide you with practical, actionable advice to keep your family, finances, and operations safe. Cybersecurity can often feel intimidating or overly technical, which is why we provide these tech tips and work to break these subjects down into simple, human terms.
Whether we are discussing emerging threats such as AI-driven deepfakes, providing guidance on identifying financial scams, or shared recommendations on password management and multifactor authentication, the objective has remained the same: to make cybersecurity comprehensible and actionable for everyone.
AI and Deepfakes: The Threat Feels Like Science Fiction
Over the last 12 months, AI and deepfakes dominated the headlines and for good reason. Just a year ago, most of us were not even talking about deepfakes. Today? They are everywhere, just take OpenAI and their new tool Sora that can create hyper-realistic videos and audio clips that are so convincing they can fool even the sharpest eye. Imagine receiving a video call from someone who looks exactly like your trusted financial advisor, but it’s not really them.
In the Fall Partners Magazine titled The New Era of Financial Fraud – Deepfakes and AI, we shared, “Threat actors are using deepfakes and AI-generated content to manipulate communications, impersonate trusted individuals, and trick people into harmful financial decisions.”
It’s a terrifying reality, but there’s good news: you can take steps to protect yourself. Start by enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) on all your accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, making it much harder for attackers to gain access, even if they trick you into revealing a password.
Mail Scams and Public Information: Too Real to Ignore
Have you ever received an official-looking letter in the mail about your mortgage, farm equipment, or property taxes that seemed a little... off? You are not alone. In Summer Partners Magazine, we covered this growing problem in Scammers and Public Information – Be Informed.
The short version? Cybercriminals are digging through public records—like court filings and property deeds—to send out fraudulent mail that looks incredibly legitimate. It might say you owe money, need to act quickly, or it could even offer tempting deals on equipment or loans.
Here’s what was suggested back then, and yet today: “Public records can be exploited to create mailers that mimic official correspondence, tricking recipients into taking action.”
So, what can you do?
- Trust but verify: Don’t act on any unsolicited mail until you confirm the sender’s identity.
- Shred sensitive documents before tossing them out.
- Use a locked mailbox to protect incoming mail.
And remember—if it feels rushed, urgent, or just too good to be true, pause. Scammers often use fear or excitement to push you into making hasty decisions.
Your Smartphone: A Double-Edged Sword
Let’s be honest—our smartphones are indispensable. They help manage farm operations, check finances, keep us connected—and yet, they are a goldmine for cybercriminals. If a bad actor gains access to your phone, they can grab everything: emails, passwords, bank info, you name it.
In the Spring Partners Magazine article, Five Tips to Secure Your Smartphone Now, these risks were explained: “Portability, constant connectivity, and access to sensitive information make smartphones a prime target for attackers.”
But do not worry, securing your phone is easier than you think. Start with these basics:
- Use strong authentication, like fingerprints or facial recognition.
- Regularly update your phone and apps—updates patch security holes.
- Be cautious about what you download. If an app looks sketchy, it probably is.
A few small tweaks can go a long way toward keeping your personal and financial information safe.
Looking Ahead throughout 2025
Cybersecurity is not about perfection—it’s about progress. The key is to take small steps, focus on what matters most, and build from there. Here are some recommendations worth starting in the new year:
- Passwords: Create unique, strong passwords for a few key accounts—like email and online banking. Once you get comfortable, a password manager can help you generate and store stronger passwords across more sites.
- Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Start with your most critical accounts and enable MFA. You’ll be surprised how much protection this simple step adds.
Thank you for continuing to join us on this cybersecurity journey. Our hope is that these tips have made you feel more confident and capable when it comes to protecting yourself. Here’s to staying vigilant—and ready—for whatever 2025 has in store.
To view the winter 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
