It’s hard to imagine, but it’s been 14 years since the iPhone was released. In that time, so much has changed – we’ve gone from a world of desktop computers to a world where most people access the internet through their phones. Along with all the amazing advances in technology, there have been some not-so-wonderful changes as well. One of the serious threats we face today is online safety. With cybercrime on the rise, it can be hard to know how to protect yourself from these digital dangers.
Here are some of the most commonplace threats you’ll face online in 2022 and how to avoid them:
Phishing Scams
These are dangerous emails or websites that look like they’re from a legitimate company, but they’re actually created by scammers. They’re designed to trick you into giving them personal information, like your credit card number or Social Security number. To evade these scams, never click on links in emails from companies you don’t recognize. And if you’re ever asked to enter personal information on a website, make sure the URL starts with “HTTPS” – this means it’s a secure site.
Malware and Viruses
Malware and viruses are similar, but they’re not the same thing. Malware is any software that’s designed to harm your computer, while viruses are a specific type of malware that can damage your files or even delete them. To protect yourself from these threats, you should install anti-virus software on all of your devices and keep it up-to-date. You should also be careful about what websites you visit and what emails you open – never click on links or download attachments from emails that seem suspicious.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands that you pay a ransom to get the decryption key. To protect yourself from this threat, you should never click on links in emails or download attachments from people you don’t know. You should also have a backup of all your important files in case they do get encrypted. Some examples of ransomware are Locky, CryptoLocker, and WannaCry.
Social Media Scams
Scammers often use Facebook Twitter, and lots of other platforms to try to steal your personal information. They might post fake offers or contests, or they might send messages asking for money or passwords. To avoid getting scammed online, be careful about what information you share on social media and never click links or download attachments from messages that seem suspicious.
Hacking
Hacking is when someone gains unauthorized access to your computer or account. They can then do things like steal your information or delete your files. It would help if you used strong passwords for all your accounts to protect yourself from hackers and never reuse passwords. You should also enable two-factor authentication whenever it’s available. This is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code from your phone (after receiving a text message) in addition to your password when logging into an account.
Identity Theft
When someone uses your info to assume your identity, it’s known as identity theft. This can lead to them opening new accounts in your name or making changes to your existing accounts. To avoid becoming prey for identity thieves, you should never give out your personal information online unless you’re sure the site is trustworthy. It’s also essential to keep an eye on your credit report and bank statements and report any suspicious activity immediately.
General Ways to Protect Yourself Online
In addition to the specific threats listed above, there are also some general ways you can protect yourself from dangers online. First, you should always use a secure connection when possible. This means using a VPN or connecting to a trusted WiFi network. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to be careful about what information you share online. This includes things like your address, birthdate, and Social Security number. Finally, you should keep your software and devices up-to-date. This includes things like your operating system, web browser, and anti-virus software. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe from the dangers of the digital world.
