Whether you’re a workaholic, online shopper, avid gamer, or social media scroller, we have some helpful tips to keep you safe as you navigate your life online! 

Take a look at the personas below, decide which sounds most like you, and learn how you can stay cyber safe and protected! 

The Shopper

• Saving money and saving time is your specialty, but do you pay attention to your online shopping habits? 
  • Watch out for “too good to be true” deals or click-bait style banners that may download harmful viruses to your device. 
  • Credit cards provide more purchase protection than debit cards. Make purchases through trusted vendors and never shop using unprotected, public wi-fi.
  • Avoid saving your payment information on websites. Hackers are actively trying to steal this information from retailers. 
  • Use complex passwords for websites you frequently visit and delete cookies often in case your browser becomes compromised.

The Worker

• While at school or work, are you on the lookout for common email phishing attempts, ransomware or cyber attacks? 
  • Use caution when opening any suspicious links or attachments on email, Zoom, or other messaging platforms even from people you know.
  • Block and delete scam messages, especially if it’s from an unverified sender. Friends and colleagues can get hacked too! 
  • Frequently back up your work and change passwords to prevent hackers from gaining access to your account and information, especially from data leaks. 
  • Log out and lock up your computer as soon as you are done working to keep your data safe and secure.

The Scroller

• You love staying on top of the latest trends and content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. But are you keeping your profile (and your personal information) safe?
  • Be on the lookout for suspicious content. Social media apps are prone to phishing attacks and stalking.
  • Be conscious about how much you share online, your personal information can be at risk.
  • Set up two-factor authentication ahead of time to protect your accounts and identity.
  • Never check bank accounts when using free public wi-fi. People nearby can potentially view your sensitive information as it’s being sent across the network.

The Gamer

• Chatting it up on Discord? Streaming on Twitch? Electronic devices have made it easy to stay entertained and connected, but even the saviest of gamers need to stay secure!
  • Only play with people you know and never give out personal information or answers to common security questions.
  • Be wary of supposed “free stuff” or game cheat codes. As good as it sounds, you could be engaging in a scammer’s fraud opportunity.
  • Be careful where you download. Downloading games from pop-up banners can expose you to spyware that can lead to identity theft, drive-by downloading and viruses on your device or gaming console. 
  • Be sure to connect to a VPN when you’re in public and turn off bluetooth when not in use. 

As you navigate your day-to-day activities on the internet, it’s important to be conscious of the dangers out there. By taking time to learn now, you will be more alert to dangerous situations online. 

If you would like more information on cybersecurity tips, check out the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website at https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/tips. If you have any questions, please contact Help Desk Central at 979.845.8300 or helpdesk@tamu.edu. 

As you head back to your working, shopping, gaming and scrolling, be cautious and do your part to stay cyber safe!