Jan 30, 2025 | Home Technology, Helpful Tips, Cyber Security, Digital Literacy

Staying safe online is just as important as locking your doors at night. Many online scams target individuals who may not be as familiar with modern technology. But don’t worry. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect yourself. You can keep your information and finances safe by following a few simple steps. 

Password Security: Your First Line of Defense 

Passwords are the keys to your online accounts. Just like you wouldn’t leave your house key lying around, you shouldn’t make your passwords easy to guess. 

• Make Strong Passwords:

  • Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (!, @, #, ^, etc.). The less your password looks like a regular word you'd find in the dictionary, the more secure it is. Confusing passwords are harder for hacking software to decipher, keeping your account more secure.

  • Avoid using personal information like your name, birthday, or pet’s name. Those are too easy for hackers to figure out.

  • Aim for at least 12 characters in length. Each extra character makes it harder for hackers to break into your account.

• Don’t Reuse Passwords: Use a unique password for each account. This way, if one account is compromised, the others remain safe.

• Consider a Password Manager: These tools securely store and manage your passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all. 

Recognizing Online Scams 

Scammers are clever and use tricks to steal your money or information. Stay alert by knowing the common signs of a scam. 

• Phishing Emails or Messages:

  • Be wary of emails or messages that claim to be from a bank, government agency, or company asking for personal information or money. Those types of organizations typically send a paper letter via US mail, not email.

  • Check the sender’s email address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. Often, they are one letter off to make it look real.

• Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Promises of free money, prizes, or vacations are often scams.

• Urgent Requests: Scammers try to create panic by saying your account will be locked or you’ll be fined an enormous amount of money unless you act quickly. Always take a moment to verify the claim. For example, if an email appears to come from your bank, call their customer service line to see if they really sent it.

• Unsolicited Tech Support: Legitimate companies will not call you out of the blue to fix your computer. Hang up if someone claims to be tech support and asks for remote access to your device. 

Safe Online Habits 

A few good habits can go a long way in keeping you safe online. 

• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Make sure your home Wi-Fi has a strong password that is difficult to hack or replicate.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like online banking and buying from an e-commerce store such as Amazon because your personal information may be vulnerable on a public network.

• Pause Before You Click: Where is the email or link from? Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. They may contain viruses or malware.

• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step to log in, like a verification code sent to your phone or email, something outsiders wouldn’t know.

• Keep Software Updated: Regular updates can fix security holes in your device’s software. Turn on automatic updates, if possible, to allow your device to update on its own without having to ask you every time. Automatic updates are often performed at night, when you’re not using the device. 

What to Do If You’re Targeted 

Even with precautions, you might encounter a scam. Here’s what to do: 

• Don’t Engage: If something seems suspicious, stop communication immediately. Don’t reply, click links, or give out information.

• Report It: Notify your bank or credit card company if you suspect fraud. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov or call their helpline.

• Change Your Passwords: If you suspect an account has been compromised, update its password immediately. 

How to Get Help 

If you’re unsure about an email, message, or website, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted family member or friend for help. Libraries and community centers often offer free classes on internet safety, which can be a great resource. You can also Google the companies that appear to be contacting you to find out if they are legitimate. 

By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe. Remember, staying cautious and informed is your best defense against online threats.

(Disclaimer: The info provided in this article does not cover every scenario and may have changed since the publishing of this article.)