Everything is online now. Banking, messaging, shopping. It’s easy to forget that the online world isn’t always a safe place. Scammers and viruses can come from the most unexpected places, so here’s a few tips to follow to keep you and your loved ones safe while online.
- Research
The most important thing to do is research. Always make sure the website you’re using is genuine. You don’t want to accidentally give out sensitive information to a scam website. You can check if the site you’re on is trustworthy by looking at the address in the top bar. The https:// should have the “s” that shows it’s safe. There can also be a small padlock icon to indicate the site is secure before the https://. - Don’t Give Out Personal Information
Next, never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Scammers can be clever and they will try and persuade you that they’re a legitimate company. Unless you know or trust the site, never give out your personal information, especially your credit card number. - Don’t Click on Links from an Unknown Email Address
You should never click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar email addresses. Unless you know the sender, or you are expecting something, don’t click the link or open anything because there could be a virus or spyware that will harm your computer or device and steal your information. You should always know who the sender is before you click a link or open something. - Don’t Click on Pop-Up Windows
Never click on pop-up windows on your computer or devices. They can lead to dangerous websites that can give your electronic device a virus. These windows can also claim your computer is infected with a virus. Be aware that no legitimate company will ever tell you that your computer has a virus. - Have a Multi-Step Login Process
When creating any kind of online account, you should use a multi-step process and create a strong password. Some of the login steps can include having a confirmation email sent out, or a code texted to your phone. Most importantly, you want to have a strong password. You can always write down your password on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place if you have troubling remembering it. - If Your Device Has a Virus, Ask Someone Trustworthy for Help
If you suspect your computer or device is infected with a virus, never allow someone to access it remotely. Take your device to a local technician or call and have a trusted tech expert look at it for you. - Make a Checklist
It can be hard to keep up with so many things to watch out for online. Making a checklist you look at every time you receive a suspicious email or enter an unknown website can help you and your loved ones avoid scammers and viruses.