Technology has become more and more important to how we live in recent years. This has seen high tech developments like contactless card payments, ecommerce and smartphones all become normalized in our lives. The foundation that most modern tech advances like this are built on is in the internet. It is this ability to head online for work or play which has really made tech something we all use greatly now.
While the internet is a great resource and tech invention, you do have to use it carefully. Online scams and crime have grown in recent times and this means you need to be aware of them too. With the cost of cyber-crime to hit $6 trillion per annum in 2021, it is something you cannot afford to ignore. But how can you stay safe from online scams and threats?
Choose the websites you use carefully
One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe online is being careful about the websites you access. But what should you do when choosing a secure site to visit online? The best idea is to only visit sites whose URL starts with ‘https’ and has a padlock symbol next to it. This indicates that it uses high-end SSL data encryption tech to keep visitors safe. Some industries will also be highly regulated, so it makes sense to look for licensing or accreditation from regulatory bodies on the site.
A great example of all of the above is taking the time to research and select an online casino to game at before signing up. Doing so will help you choose one that is honest, fair and safe. SkyCity online casino is a good illustration of the kind of website you can trust with your sensitive personal data – they’re backed by land-based operations and already have an established reputation.
Take care with emails
Email scams are also a real online danger to people – in fact, they’re the most common form of scam. The best tip to stay safe from this type of online threat is to remain cautious at all times when using email. If you get a message from someone you do not know or were not expecting, treat it with care – even if what the message says sounds plausible.
It is certainly not wise to click any embedded links or attachments, as these can be laden with malware! It is also wise to think twice before believing an email that seems to come from a well-known company. Many scammers will send emails saying they are from a well-known brand, when in fact they are not. If an email prompts you to change your password or similar, with a link in the email, best practice is to always ignore the link and navigate to the site yourself.
Don’t overshare personal details
One growing threat over time has been identity fraud and online criminals scouring the net for people’s personal details. This can see you being the victim of a scam, as the personal data criminals source about you can be used to take out loans or credit cards in your name. It is a good tip therefore to be very careful about what details you share on places like social media platforms. Make sure most of your information is set to ‘Friend-only’.
Keep your wits about you
Online scams can also simply revolve around cyber-criminals tempting people in with outrageous offers and then ripping them off. Get rich quick schemes are a great example of this, as are sites which supposedly offer rock-bottom prices for high-end goods. The problem is that after you pay for the goods/service online, you never get what you pay for. A common tactic is to ship a far cheaper item so that they can prove they shipped the package if you ask for a refund, claiming it’s you trying to con them! Remember the oldest rule – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Use anti-virus software
While you can do much to stay safe from online threats, you cannot do it all alone. Many viruses such as Trojans or keyloggers can be picked up when surfing the web. It is therefore a must to have up to date anti-virus software installed on your device. This operates automatically in the background when you use the internet and blocks any dangerous activity which you would otherwise miss.
Staying safe from online scams is vital
The internet is a true marvel of the modern age for the number of things it allows us to do more easily. It is something that must be used sensibly though. As it has become more accessible, scammers recognize that those without a lot of knowledge will be using it too. If you become the victim of an online scam, it could cost you in terms of lost money, infected IT equipment or stolen personal details. If you need a few handy tips on how to stay secure online, the above is a great place to start.
