Stopping to check before clicking helps you avoid phishing scams, malware, and unsafe websites. Take a moment to verify the sender, link, and message before clicking—especially if it creates urgency or asks for passwords or personal information.
Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible, especially for your operating system, web browser, and antivirus/security software.
Digging through spam emails can expose you to phishing scams, malware, and malicious links or attachments. It’s usually safe to simply view spam, but avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or responding to suspicious messages.
Be careful of the friend requests you accept on Facebook, Instagram or X (unless you know them in real life). This is because cyber criminals often create fake profiles to befriend you, so they can get you to leak confidential data to them.
Never do online shopping from a device that isn’t yours or on a network you don’t own. Your data could be copied and harvested by cyber criminals. Only spend money on websites by employing strong passwords, and by never saving your card details in an… Read More »Online Shopping
Just because you can click, doesn’t mean you should. Remember, it can cost you a hefty sum. Malicious links can do damage in several different ways, so be sure to inspect links and ensure they’re from trusted senders before clicking.
Make sure your router offers WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA3 encryption, and that it’s turned on. Encryption protects information sent over your network so it can’t be read by outsiders.
According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans lost more than $10 billion to online scammers, last year (2022). Please be mindful about what you post online and how you protect your information.
Firewalls are a great way to protect against suspicious links, but they shouldn’t be depended on because overheating or server crashes can also cause data loss.
When using VPNs, the company that owns it can track what you’re doing. This can allow them to sell the information to advertisers, who will be able to pitch ads based on your online activities.