The Human Factor: How Social Engineering Threatens Our Digital Lives

Don't make yourself a target! In this episode, we discuss the EYE-OPENING realities of social engineering in cyber attacks and internet fraud.

Join us at the Learn Online Security Podcast as Chris Howells and podcast host, Tamara Michèle explore the biggest cybersecurity threats today and how Learn Online Security is helping individuals and companies stay safe from cyber threats. This is more than business—it’s about making the community stronger and safer.

Chris Howells shares how a data breach at a former employer led to his identity theft, motivating him to help others protect themselves. He explains that most cyber attacks are organized and often involve individuals with prior connections to their victims, with social engineering playing a key role.

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References:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCNW7n6n7q9GzulfZ8fIW0cg

Learn Online Security My Life After Being Hacked, the True Story of an Identity Theft Victim Video https://youtu.be/m5lfhLf1f1s

Independent Fact Check: Manitoba Hydro warns of scam emails, texts threatening power cutoffs https://globalnews.ca/news/10290062/manitoba-hydro-scam-emails-texts/

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⌚Time Stamps ⌚
00:00:00 - The Biggest Threat: Social Engineering Attacks
00:00:32 - Introducing Chris Hows and His Background in Cybersecurity
00:01:44 - Personal Experience with Identity Theft and Its Impact
00:02:36 - The Deeper Purpose Behind Learn Online Security
00:03:35 - The Personal Cost of Cyber Attacks on Clients
00:04:03 - The Real Nature of Cyber Attacks: Organized and Orchestrated
00:05:21 - The Role of Familiarity in Social Engineering
00:06:01 - The Danger of Digital Overload: How Phones Make Us Targets
00:07:55 - The Consequences of Rapid Digital Communication
00:10:01 - Reevaluating How We Use Technology and Its Impact on Our Lives

This video is a must-watch for anyone who uses a smartphone, manages sensitive data, or works in a customer-facing role—especially small business owners, remote workers, and parents. If you’ve ever clicked a suspicious link or felt rushed to respond to a message, this one's for you.