We’re increasingly using our cell phones to pay, save, and take advantage of discounts.
And, as a result, criminals are constantly looking for new ways to access our personal data. To avoid falling prey to these crimes, it’s essential to maintain all available security barriers.
Currently, cybercriminals frequently employ techniques such as phishing, vishing, and smishing. All of these methods share a common strategy: through deception, they try to trick unsuspecting users into sharing their login details, thereby stealing funds from their accounts.
To protect yourself, remember these basic principles: never share your personal information, passwords, PINs, or tokens through chats, calls, or emails. And remember, no one should ever ask for this information!
Tips to strengthen the security of your accounts and cell phone:
In addition to being alert, put these recommendations into practice:
- Use strong passwords: Create passwords that combine upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid repeating them across different platforms.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This additional layer is crucial for the security of your social media accounts, online wallets, and payment apps. It’s recommended to enable it on all possible platforms, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Protect your accounts with biometrics: Facial recognition and fingerprint are secure methods for accessing your account and your phone information. If your phone doesn’t have these security features, you can always set a numeric code.
Keep your app and operating system updated: Updates often include security improvements that protect your data. It’s also helpful to have a reliable antivirus on your computer and avoid unknown Wi-Fi networks when making financial transactions.
Additional recommendations to avoid scams and fraud.
To stay protected from common scams, keep these points in mind:
- Read emails carefully: Review the details of each email to identify potential phishing attempts.
- Don’t act impulsively: Scammers try to create a sense of urgency. Before making a hasty decision, take a moment to reflect.
- Report suspicious profiles: If you find profiles you consider dangerous or fake, report them as spam to help prevent fraud.
- Remember that no one should ever ask you for sensitive information, including passwords, access codes, or bank details.
What to do if someone accessed your account?
If you notice unusual activity follow these steps immediately:
- Contact support: This way, you can share what you saw so they can help you resolve it.
- Change your passwords: Start with the associated email address and then replace the passwords for each related app or platform.
Don’t be ashamed: it can happen to any of us!
It’s important to remember that cybercriminals attack people of all backgrounds, and no one is exempt. Deception methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and while being vigilant helps, these attacks are designed to make anyone lower their guard. If you ever find yourself in a situation of fraud or information theft, don’t feel guilty or ashamed to ask for help. Prevention and a quick response are key to minimizing the impact of these incidents.
