For 20 years now, October has been Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM). Since scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal personal information and money, it’s important for all of us to stay informed about how to protect ourselves from them. Here are 10 relevant tips to help keep you safe, as well as a list of the most popular types of online fraud
1. Update everything, always
Every app, program, and operating system periodically receives updates, which often include security patches.
What to do? Simply enable automatic updates on all your devices — it’s easy to do in the settings.
2. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication requires not only a password to access an account but also another way to verify your identity, like entering a code sent to your phone. Even if hackers learn your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second code.
What to do? Enable 2FA in the settings of your social media accounts, email, and banking apps.
3. Don’t trust strange emails and links
Phishing is one of the most common methods for stealing data. Scammers may send an email or message asking you to follow a link or provide personal information. Sometimes, it may look like an official message from a bank or postal service.
How to avoid getting caught?
- Never enter personal data unless you’re sure of the source.
- If an email raises doubts, visit the company’s official website directly, not via the link.
- Check the sender’s address — often, it looks strange or contains errors.
4. Create strong passwords
Passwords are the keys to your accounts, so the stronger the password, the harder it is to crack.
How to create a good password?
- Use combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Don’t use the same password for different services.
- Use password managers — they can generate and store complex passwords for you.
5. Monitor your bank transactions
Most people use the internet for shopping and bill payments, and this is also a risk zone.
How to reduce the risk?
- Regularly check your bank statements and notifications.
- Set up alerts for any transactions — this way, you can respond quickly if something goes wrong.
- Use bank cards with virtual numbers to protect yourself during online purchases.
6. Protect your devices
Your smartphones, computers, and tablets are also targets for cybercriminals. If your devices are poorly protected, scammers can gain access to your data.
What to do?
- Use antivirus software and regularly scan your devices for threats.
- Protect your Wi-Fi with a password.
- Secure your home network with encryption — this will prevent others from accessing your personal information. Update your router settings to WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal. WPA3 is the newest and best available encryption, but both will encrypt your information.
7. Take control of access to personal information
Sometimes apps and websites require access to your location, contacts, camera, and microphone, but you need to control what data they can collect.
What to do?
- Check your privacy settings on your smartphone and computer.
- Limit access to information for apps that don’t need it.
- Disable location services when they’re not necessary.
8. Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet connection, protecting your personal information from being intercepted. When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks (like in cafes or airports), hackers can easily capture your data. VPN encrypts your traffic, making it inaccessible to cybercriminals.
What to do? Install a VPN app on your devices and enable it when using public networks.
9. Avoid suspicious files and programs
Sometimes scammers distribute viruses disguised as regular files or programs. These viruses can steal your data or lock your device.
What to do?
- Don’t download programs and files from unknown sources.
- Use antivirus software to scan downloaded files.
- If a file or app looks suspicious, don’t open it — delete it.
10. Set up data backup
Backup is the process of creating copies of important data that can be restored in case of loss or theft. If your device is attacked or lost, you’ll be able to recover your files from the backup.
What to do? Set up automatic data backups to external drives or cloud services like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox.
The most popular modern types of fraud
- Quizzes on social media (e.g., Facebook)
Seemingly harmless tests and surveys like “Which movie character are you?” can collect personal data, such as your email, location, or other information. This data can be used for phishing or sold to third parties. - Marketplace scams
Scammers may pose as sellers on popular platforms (e.g., eBay or Amazon), offering a product at an unusually low price. Once you pay, they disappear, leaving you without money and without the product. - Bank card fraud via SMS or calls
Scammers may send you messages or call you pretending to be from your bank, asking to confirm a transaction or provide card details. In reality, it’s an attempt to trick you into giving up your information. - Fake investment schemes
These schemes may promise quick profits through investments in dubious projects, such as cryptocurrencies. Most often, it’s just a way to steal money. To avoid falling into this trap, research the company yourself — search for its name along with words like “review” or “scam.” - Job scams
In this type of fraud, a person poses as a recruiter or company, trying to steal information or money from job seekers. They post job ads online — often very attractive ones with good pay and few requirements. They might ask you to fill out forms with information like your social security number or driver’s license details. - Romance scams
These scams usually target lonely people. Be wary if a new friend on Facebook seems too attractive and asks you to help with a financial transaction. Check their photo through Google search — it might have been stolen from a real person long ago.
