Tips for spending Carnival with digital safety

Personal care is a fundamental part of Carnival. As any experienced reveler knows, the use of sunscreen and the correct hydration, for example, are essential to reduce the damage caused by the long hours in the sun and the alcohol consumption. But health risks are not the only ones out there: Carnival also poses dangers to our well-being in the digital world. During the celebrations, we are more susceptible to theft of cell phones, internet scams and problems related to the use of the internet under the influence of ethyl and psychotropic substances.

In today’s post on the IRIS blog, we examine some of the risks to users’ digital security during the biggest popular party in Brazil, as well as precautions to be taken to foliate with digital security.

Protecting your cell phone and your personal data

We know that theft of cell phones and other goods are common during the revelry. The combination of large crowds of people and substances that reduce the individual’s attention favors an increase in the frequency of this type of crime. In the city of São Paulo, for example, a survey carried out by SPTV identified an average of 880 robberies and thefts per day during the block days at Carnival 2018, a number that dropped to 200 on ordinary days.

In this scenario, it is highly recommended that the device be left at home. If the user has a reserve device of lesser value, one option is to insert his chip in it and take it in place of the main cell phone. If the partygoer considers it essential to take the device, basic measures also help to mitigate the risk of losing it, such as avoiding using it in crowds and prefer commercial establishments for its handling.

Even with due precautions, however, thefts and robberies can end up occurring. On these occasions, it is important that the user has taken precautions to protect his personal data and applications, since our cell phones are the means by which we access our social networks and bank accounts. Below we list some precautions that can contribute to making it more difficult for criminals to access the victim’s accounts and information:

• Set up a screen lock mechanism. In addition to functioning as a barrier to accessing information on the device, many cell phones allow the user to activate data self-destruction after a number of unsuccessful access attempts, which provides an additional layer of protection;
• Set up passwords for specific apps. Many applications require or allow the setting of an access password. Setting a password different from the one used on the lock screen is useful, as in some cases of theft, criminals force the victim to unlock their home screen.
• Encrypt your files. Many current smartphones come with hard drive encryption turned on automatically, others require you to enable it manually in the “Security” section of the settings. The combination of screen lock and data encryption is a strong defense against access by unauthorized third parties;
• Make a note of the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) for your device. This number is a unique global identifier that can be found on the cell phone case, on the sticker on your battery or by calling *#06#. In possession of it, the user is able to lock the device at the operator and register a report online quickly. Informing the IMEI also helps the police to return the cell phone to the owner in case of later seizure;
• Always have an updated backup. Losing your device can mean losing access to much of your multimedia files, app settings, wifi passwords, etc. With a backup, you can save a lot of time.

Don’t take the bait of phishing scams

The Brazilian Carnival is a global reference in tourism. Many foreigners take the opportunity to visit Brazil during the holidays and many Brazilians take advantage of the extended holiday to travel domestically. According to the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism, tourism related to Carnival will generate 8 billion reais in 2020, a real increase of 1% compared to last year and the highest volume of revenue since 2015. The main sectors benefited will be food, air and road transport and accommodation services. For potential tourists, the search for convenience and agility in researching prices and purchasing tickets and tour packages increases the appeal of the idea of ​​doing everything online.

This scenario of high demand facilitates the application of phishing scams, a practice in which criminals pretend to be a company or trusted party in order to induce the user to share personal information, such as passwords and credit card data. Several means can be used to carry out this type of fraud: websites that sell tickets to non-existent events, e-mails or text messages with exorbitant discount offers and unmissable promotions, announcements that the user has won a lottery accompanied by links where she must click to get the prize. In addition to using fraudulently obtained data, the technique often also infects the victim’s system with malicious software such as viruses and spyware.

Fortunately, there are several simple measures that can be taken to prevent this scam, as phishing.org, a project dedicated to fighting it, warns:

• Install an anti-phishing toolbar. These tools, which can be added to most modern browsers, perform quick checks on visited websites and compare them to lists of known phishing sites. If the site is listed, the user is alerted;
• Emails asking for personal details are a bad sign. As a rule, trusted companies never ask for confidential information by email. When in doubt, contact the company through official channels to verify the authenticity of the communication;
• Think before you click on unknown links. Links in e-mails and unknown websites are commonly used for phishing, especially if they lead to pages that request personal data right afterwards. By dragging the mouse pointer over a link, you can view the URL to which it will go, which can help identify suspicious links;
• Check the security of the site. Note that the URL displayed in the browser begins with “https” and that a padlock appears next to it. The absence of these signals indicates that your connection is not protected. It is also recommended to use a website security scanner, such as Google Safe Browsing.

If you drink, be careful with what you post

We know that Carnival is also a period in which the consumption of alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances increases. Excessive alcohol intake offers several health risks, so it is strongly advised that the consumption of drinks of this nature should be done in moderation and care. One should not, for example, drink too fast, on an empty stomach and / or without being properly hydrated. However, there are dangers associated with drunkenness that often go unnoticed: this is the case with the risks of the phenomenon known as drunk posting.

Drunk Posting is a term used to describe the use of social networks under the influence of large amounts of alcohol. This practice can lead to the publication of inappropriate content without the future consequences being properly considered, which often results in reputational damage to the user and subsequent feeling of regret. A study published in December 2018 identified cases in which this phenomenon even impacted job selections and college admissions, which evaluated the behavior of applicants in social networks as part of the admission selection.

To prevent such setbacks, the best way out is without a doubt conscious and moderate consumption. If the user goes overboard, however, there are ways to reduce the risks of misuse of social networks. One can, for example, leave his cell phone at home, as discussed at the beginning of this text, or choose to hand it over to someone he trusts when he starts to feel alteration of his state of mind. Alternatively, there are several apps that block certain functions of the device when the user is drunk, such as access to specific applications and communication with pre-set numbers. These apps can help prevent further mishaps when the user regains consciousness, allowing the damage from the excess committed to be reduced.

Conclusion

Many of the tips mentioned throughout this text are not only valid for the holiday season, but can help us maintain a healthier digital life throughout the year. In this period, however, they are especially important, as we are more vulnerable than usual. Carnival is a time of celebration, joy, sun and fun, but it is important to take specific precautions and care with our health and safety – including digital security – so that we can enjoy the revelry without a hitch. So, before going out to party in a block next week, how about backing up your files? Or, better yet, maybe leave your phone at home?

If you are interested in the tips given in this text, you can learn more about how to protect yourself from another scam, sim SWAP, in our post on the topic.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors.
Illustration by Freepik