1. 2. 2024
To commemorate Safer Internet Month, Telekom Slovenije has alerted that the number of online abuses and cyberattacks on individuals, companies, and organizations is increasing. At the Cyber Security Operations Centre, experts from Telekom Slovenije use cutting-edge technology to closely monitor, analyse, and respond to security events 24/7. In 2023, they detected an 85% increase in security incidents compared to the previous year. There is an increasing number of abuses of personal data, including passwords and payment card details.
"The majority of security incidents are related to individuals' activities online. Users often ignore the rules of safe internet use or underestimate the dangers. Consequently, we constantly detect incorrect password entries, installations of unauthorised software, and visits to malicious websites. It often happens that users log in to various digital platforms, like social media profiles, websites, online stores, online banks, and other platforms, with the same username and password. Online scammers exploit this to their advantage, and a lot of the data (such as user names, phone numbers, etc.) ends up on the dark web and resold," said Rok Peršak, the head of Telekom Slovenije’s Cyber Security Operations Centre. It is necessary to ensure preventive protection for online activities and to be critical, responsible, and prudent about what we publish online. Parents and guardians should also place special attention on the children who are just embarking into the digital world for the first time, and make sure to properly prepare them for safe internet use.
Rok Peršak further adds that no one is safe from cyberattacks – neither companies nor individuals, and it is a misconception to think that we are not of interest to online criminals as individuals or because we are a small business. DDoS attacks on companies of all sizes are becoming increasingly frequent, as well as network scanning for security vulnerabilities in attempts at cyber intrusion. In addition to ensuring cyber resilience of their own systems, it has become increasingly important for businesses to also manage risks in their supply chain, which includes assessing their suppliers’ cyber resilience.
Telekom Slovenije’s residential users can protect their devices with the Varen splet security plan, which costs €0.99 euros per month for mobile devices, and €1.49 euros per month to protect their home network, including computers, mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and other devices connected to the network via cable or WiFi. The service protects from malicious websites by warning the users of the danger and preventing them from visiting such websites.
Users can activate and manage the Varen splet service in Moj Telekom, and can also activate it via SMS (text with the keyword VAREN SPLET to 1918), at Telekom Slovenije Sales Centres, or by calling 080 8000.
Business users can protect their network and mobile phones with the Varen poslovni splet service, and they also have access to a comprehensive set of other security solutions; Telekom Slovenije’s experts can help them find the best solution for them.
How can an individual improve their security in the digital world?
• Think twice before visiting websites with questionable content and security. Such sites often offer exceptionally attractive deals that may be intended for fraud and collecting data about your payment cards and passwords.
• When shopping online make sure to only enter your personal data on websites you completely trust. Be especially careful when entering payment card data.
• Use different passwords for different websites and services, and make sure that they are at least 12 characters long, and preferably 16. Make sure to securely store your passwords. Password managers are recommended. If available, also activate multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Email is often the attack vector of attackers who use so-called phishing messages to lure their victims. Be cautious and carefully check the sender and their email address. Do not follow links in emails from unknown senders, especially if they are hidden in graphics, and do not open attachments. Never send your personal information, passwords, or payment card numbers, as legitimate service providers do not request this.