3 things everyone needs to know to protect themselves from online scams

When it comes to online scams, there are three crucial things that everyone should know.

1. Be aware of common scam techniques: Cyber criminals employ various tactics to deceive individuals and steal their sensitive information or money. It’s essential to stay informed about common scam techniques. Some prevalent methods include phishing emails, where scammers impersonate legitimate organisations to trick victims into sharing personal information, such as passwords or credit card details. Other scams involve fake tech support calls, romance scams, fake online auctions, and investment frauds. By being aware of these techniques, you can better recognise and avoid potential scams.

2. Maintain your vigilance: Maintaining a healthy level of suspicion while engaging with online content is crucial. Cyber scammers often create convincing scenarios and use psychological manipulation to make their scams appear legitimate. They might create a sense of urgency, offer tempting deals or prizes, or exploit emotions like fear or excitement. Being vigilant means questioning suspicious requests, verifying the credibility of unfamiliar websites or services, and double-checking email addresses and URLs before providing any personal information. If something seems too good to be true or raises your suspicion, it’s wise to proceed with caution.

3. How to protect yourself: Taking proactive steps to protect yourself from cyber scams is essential. Here are some fundamental protection measures you should follow:

Keep your software and operating systems updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Be cautious while clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails, especially if they are unexpected or from unknown sources.
Install reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date to detect and remove malicious software.
Regularly back up your important data to an external storage device or a secure cloud service.
Educate yourself about online scams and share your knowledge with family and friends to help them stay safe.

By understanding common scamming techniques, maintaining vigilance, and implementing essential protection measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber scams.

Remember, staying informed and cautious is key to protecting yourself in the digital world.