How to Avoid Online Scams, Expert Advice for Internet Users

 

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I talk about protecting your personal information and online accounts from hackers and fraudsters all the time, but there's one strategy that can shield you against fraud better than all the others put together.
Posting private information on any website or social media platform that isn't strictly required to use it properly is prohibited.

Why Does It Matter? Since data that is not visible or accessible through another means cannot be taken and used for malicious purposes.
For example, my name, profile photo, and the URL to my tech blog are the only things visible to anyone who takes the time to look at my personal Facebook profile.
As a result, there is hardly anything there for a hacker or con artist to take advantage of.
 
The same holds true for various kinds of websites.
Almost all "service" websites ask for specific information to be entered, while there are usually some options you can choose to leave empty. I advise you to take that action whenever it is feasible.
When I see a friend's entire name, street address, phone number, mother's maiden name, and birthday on their social media site, it truly worries me.
The combination of all those details makes it possible to steal that person's identity. Their social security number is the only piece of information lacking, and if a skilled con artist obtains all the other details, they may simply find it.
When determining which bits of financial and personal information to post online, I advise you to be extremely frugal.

My two main guidelines for Internet security and safety are as follows:
1. It won't be posted if it's optional, clearly.
2. If it's required but I can get away with making something up, I do so to make sure the information can't be misused, even if it is taken.

In summary, con artists are becoming more sophisticated every day. It's your responsibility to make things as difficult for them as you can by keeping as much of your personal information hidden as you can.
 
Upholding Cyber Security is crucial, even for customers. It’s not solely a problem for big companies and other enterprises. Here are some actions that you can do:

1. Never respond to emails you get from strangers: Try getting in touch with the sender directly using alternative channels if you're not sure whether an email you got is authentic. Unless you are certain it is safe, never click on any links in an email.

2. Exercise caution while using new internet addresses and links: Malicious website addresses might resemble genuine websites quite a bit. Scammers frequently trick you by slightly altering a logo or spelling. Be cautious since friends whose email addresses have unintentionally been hacked may potentially send you malicious links.

3. Protect your private data: Make sure the website is safe before entering any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords.

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4. Keep up with the most recent Cyberthreats: Stay informed on the latest scams. You can receive Alerts from the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

5. Employ Robust Passwords: Having strong passwords is essential for internet safety. Examine the CISA guidelines for selecting and safeguarding passwords.

6. Update your software and keep up with preventive software: Make sure that all of the software on your desktops and mobile devices is up to date. Install programs that offer email filtering, firewalling, and antivirus protection.

7.Upgrade the electronic gadgets' operating systems: Verify that the apps and operating systems (OSs) on all of your electronic devices are current. Numerous attacks target older, unpatched versions of operating systems and applications. For further information, see the CISA security recommendation on Understanding Patches and Software Updates.

Image Credit: Google