In this episode, Melanie Wakelin speaks with Kathy Macdonald, a former Calgary Police Service officer with 25 years of experience in fraud prevention and cybersecurity education.
Kathy explains how cybercrime has evolved from traditional scams into sophisticated online manipulation using social engineering, AI technology, and identity theft. She shares practical advice for protecting children, seniors, and businesses from online scams, sextortion, data breaches, and digital exploitation.
The conversation also explores how cybercrime connects to larger issues like human trafficking, and why awareness and prevention are more important than ever in the digital age.
• Cybercrime relies heavily on social engineering, manipulating emotions like fear, urgency, and trust.
• AI deepfakes and image manipulation are increasingly being used to exploit and blackmail young people.
• Password reuse and data breaches make individuals vulnerable to credential stuffing attacks.
• Apps can expose personal data through tracking, microphone access, and contact permissions.
• Online exploitation, including sextortion and revenge porn, is a growing threat for teens and adults.
• Parents should actively monitor online activity and talk openly with children about digital safety.
• Seniors are frequent targets of scams and benefit from bank alerts and stronger account protections.
• Cybercrime is often connected to organized crime and human trafficking networks.
00:00 Introduction to Kathy Macdonald
02:30 How cybercrime evolved from traditional fraud
08:50 Online risks facing children and teens
17:30 App tracking and personal data exposure
20:00 Password security and data breaches
26:40 Sextortion and online exploitation
30:40 How scammers manipulate emotions
43:20 What parents should do if a child is targeted
52:00 AI risks and the future of cybersecurity
59:15 Cybercrime and human trafficking
Kathy Macdonald
Cybersecurity Speaker and Former Calgary Police Officer
Website:
kathymacdonald.ca
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