Your email inbox is pretty dull for 90% of the time. Usually, it contains messages from businesses, colleagues, and family. But suddenly, you get a surprising note saying that you’ve won an iPad or a car. Whoopee! All it takes for you to receive that gift at your doorstep is clicking a link and answering a few questions. Easy. Well, that’s what you think until you familiarize yourself with the act of phishing.
Prioritize Internet Safety Now
We live online now. Whether it’s working, shopping, doom-scrolling TikTok, or checking if that weird mole is something you should worry about, the internet is woven into our daily lives. But with that convenience comes risk. So what if you’re tech-savvy? So what if cute cat videos are your thing? Cybercriminals don’t care. The only thing that they want is your data. And they’ll go to desperate lengths for it.
Staying safe online should be a priority. Here are some ways to do so.
#1) Get a Password Manager and Actually Use It
Still using “123456” or “password” as your password? Or perhaps you’re a step ahead using a combination of your favorite food and your second child’s birthday but still making the mistake of replicating that over several online accounts. Don’t do it! Instead, use a password manager that generates and stores hard-to-break passwords for all your accounts. It is an application that is indispensable for every modern internet user.
#2) Two-Factor Authentication: The Extra Step That Saves Your Bacon
You know how your grandma used to double-lock the front door at night? Two-factor authentication (2FA) is basically that but for your accounts. It’s that extra step—usually a code sent to your phone—that makes it way harder for hackers to break in. If a website offers it, use it. Yes, it’s a tiny hassle, but so is canceling your credit card because someone just booked a flight to Bali on your dime.
#3) Stop Clicking on Sketchy Links
Phishing emails no longer look like they once did during the ’90s or 2000s. Today, they appear to come from legitimate companies. Think PayPal, Amazon, and your insurance company. The trick? Hover over links before clicking. If an email claims it’s from your bank but the link says ‘bank-logins.scamcity.ru,’ close that tab and walk away. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s website instead of clicking links in emails.
#4) Public Wi-Fi Is a Trap (Unless You Use a VPN)
Ah, the coffee shop work session. Work seems to flow smoother with that latte in your hand. But that free Wi-Fi connection could host some bad players waiting to spy on you and steal your data. To remain secure, use a virtual private network (VPN) to steer clear of hackers. A residential IP VPN doesn’t just hide your traffic – it also encrypts it!
#5) Keep Your Software Updated (Yes, Even When It’s Annoying)
I get it. Those update notifications always pop up at the worst time. But ignoring them is like skipping oil changes on your car—eventually, something’s going to break. Software updates patch security holes, so when Apple or Windows tells you there’s a new update, just do it. The five-minute restart is better than dealing with malware.
#6) Social Media: Share Less, Stalk More
Posting your pet’s name, your birthday, and the exact location of your weekend brunch spot? That’s basically giving hackers the answers to your security questions. Lock down your profiles, be mindful of what you share, and maybe don’t post your ‘What’s Your Elf Name?’ quiz results (because those are often used to gather your personal info). Instead, embrace your inner lurker and observe in silence.
#7) AI-Generated Scams Are on the Rise—Stay Sharp
It’s 2025, and AI is both amazing and terrifying. Scammers are using AI to mimic voices, generate fake emails, and even create deepfake videos. If you get a text from ‘Mom’ saying she needs money wired ASAP, call her to verify. If your ‘boss’ emails you an urgent request to buy a stack of gift cards, double-check with a quick phone call. Trust, but verify—especially now that tech is making scams more convincing than ever.
Final Thoughts: A Little Paranoia Goes a Long Way
Look, you don’t need to live in fear of the internet. But a few smart habits can save you from major headaches (and empty bank accounts). Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech nerds—it’s for everyone. So, update your passwords, think before you click, and if something feels off, trust your gut. That “qwerty” password has got to go.
