Protect yourself from online scams
Scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to steal your money, data, or identity. So, how can you protect yourself while online?
Avoid clicking on links
Fraudsters often send fake links via email. These links may look like they're from your bank or other trusted sources, but they can redirect you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials. To protect yourself, don't click on links in suspicious emails. Instead, manually enter the web address into your browser and log in from there. You can also check if your bank has contacted you by logging into your account directly.
Stay away from high-risk websites
Avoid visiting gambling, adult content, or illegal software websites. These sites are known for attracting scammers and hackers, which increases the risk of falling victim to computer viruses.
Check site security
When shopping online, pay attention to the security of the website. After you click through to the checkout, look for a padlock icon and a URL that begins with https. This indicates that your connection is encrypted. However, some hackers can buy SSL certificates to make their fake websites look legitimate. To confirm the site's authenticity, click on the padlock icon and check for an "extended validation" certificate.
Use anti-malware software with URL checking protection
A good anti-malware package offers more than just virus removal. It can also include a built-in content filter that automatically blocks access to risky websites. Look for software that checks every link you click on and blocks access to websites known to contain malware, such as Safenetclub.
