Cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated each year. With so much of daily life conducted online, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from cybercriminals. Here are 10 ways to help stay safe from scammers:
These are only some of the ways you can stay safe online. Reach out to learn more about cyberattacks, including what to do if you fall victim to one.
- Limit what personal data you share online and only share it with trusted sources.
- Be aware that cyberattacks and scams can come via computers and phones, including text messages.
- Update your computer and phone operating software to the latest versions for improved cybersecurity.
- Use unique passwords on each website and make them strong, using uppercase letters, special characters and numbers.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible, which involves verifying your identity in multiple ways before logging into an account.
- Monitor your personal accounts regularly, such as banking statements and credit reports, for any suspicious activity
- Conduct online business (i.e., anything involving personal information) while on a secure internet network rather than public Wi-Fi.
- Never share personal information, such as usernames and passwords, with anyone who calls or emails asking for it, even if the contact seems reputable. Reach out to the institutions directly if you’re unsure if the correspondence was fraudulent.
- Never click on suspicious links in emails or texts, regardless of the sender. Scammers can spoof email addresses and phone numbers, so reach out to the purported sender directly before clicking a hyperlink.
- Know that the government (e.g., the IRS) will never call or text you about owing money.
These are only some of the ways you can stay safe online. Reach out to learn more about cyberattacks, including what to do if you fall victim to one.
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