Everyday cybersecurity tips to stay safe online

The internet serves as a repository for a wide range of information. It’s a portal to many crucial operations, such as financial services, accessing documents, purchasing products, conducting business, and so much more. But as everyone’s online presence increases and they conduct more personal and business tasks on the internet, cybercriminals are improving their scam tactics, too. The number and frequency of scams is at an all-time high.

It's vital to stay aware of these online scams and protect your data and online identity from getting into the hands of cybercriminals. If information such as credit card details, account numbers, or credentials get leaked, it could have far-reaching impacts both for organizations and individuals. By practicing specific measures to stay safe on the internet, people can ensure that their data is secure and doesn't get into the wrong hands.

In this article, we'll explore the different types of threats on the internet and offer everyday tips that can be followed for your emails, social media, networks, and devices to keep your data secure.

Common cyber threats 

Cybercriminals use different tactics to trick people into sharing information, transferring money, or granting access to company systems. Knowing what these threats look like is the first step towards protecting you. While the threats take different forms, the ultimate motive in most cases is data breach, data theft, financial motives, or corporate espionage.

Phishing emails 

Attackers send emails that look legitimate, often posing as your boss, a vendor, or a trusted service. They may ask you to click a link, open an attachment, or urgently approve a payment.

Social engineering scams 

Scammers may call, text, or message you on chat apps while pretending to be IT support, HR, or a familiar contact. They often create urgency or fear to pressure you into sharing passwords or sensitive details.

Malware and ransomware 

Malicious software can arrive through infected attachments, unsafe downloads, or even compromised USB drives. Once inside, it can steal data, lock your files, or disrupt operations until a ransom is paid.

Account takeover 

Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to guess or steal your login credentials. Once they gain access, they can read emails, steal files, or impersonate you to others in the company.

Tips to stay safe online  

To ensure well-rounded protection on the internet, there are several things to be careful about. Taking precautions while handling your emails is one of the most important, since it's the most exploited entry point by threat actors. Additionally, it's good practice to stay mindful of what you share on social media, as well as secure your account, network, and devices to protect your company's data from cybercriminals.

Email safety tips 

Email is the medium of communication businesses use most often. With important information exchanged via email, it's crucial to exercise utmost caution when you handle emails and secure your email account. There are several aspects of an email that you need to check to determine its authenticity. We'll explore these factors here.

The sender's domain: Cybercriminals often tweak legitimate domain names in certain ways to trick the email recipient into trusting the email. They may add extra terms to a genuine domain, add extra letters or swap the placement of certain letters to make the domain deceive the recipients. Therefore, it's advisable to check the domain name multiple times to confirm the legitimacy of an email.

The sender's username: Another commonly used tactic is deception using the display name and the username part of the email address. They may set usernames such as CEO, HR, or Finance Team to trick an organization's employees into believing the email. When targeting individuals on a personal basis, they may use popular brands such as Amazon, Microsoft, PayPal, or Dropbox to initiate an attack. Don't trust an email based on just the username.

Check header details: Email headers carry valuable information about the source and authenticity of an email. Check the SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication result of the email to ensure that the email hasn't been tampered with. Email providers also display warning messages or BIMI verification statuses of brands to communicate that the brand logo and email address is, in fact, authentic.

The reply-to address: The reply-to address is the email address to which any response will be directed. Sometimes, the reply-to address can be different from that of the sender's address. While this address can be used for legitimate purposes, threat actors exploit it to direct responses to their mailboxes. If you spot a reply-to address that's starkly different from that of the sender's domain, it could be a red flag.

Alarming subject lines: Cybercriminals try to craft clever subject lines that cause alarm and elicit a response immediately. Most genuine brands don't use fear-inducing content in the subject line. Rather, they communicate the intent of the email clearly. If the subject line nudges you to open the email with threatening content, be wary of the email.

Pushy email content: Just like the subject line, the email content could also nudge you to take a specific action, such as clicking on a link or an attachment download. If the content tries to induce too much fear or sounds too good to be true, be cautious.

Embedded URLs: The URL present in an email is a catchy entry point for threat actors. Often, URLs are masked behind buttons, shortened URLs, images, or QR codes. Before you click on the link, check the redirection URL in the bottom left corner of your browser. If the URL doesn't look straightforward, the domain name contains extra words, or if there are too many redirections, avoid engaging with the URL and access it from the official site instead.

Attachments: Email attachments are a primary source of malware. If you receive an unwarranted attachment from a suspicious sender, steer clear of downloading it. Attachment extensions such as .exe, .vbs, and .bat, are common malware carriers and should be treated with caution. Use the preview option in email providers to view the attachments before downloading them.

Account safety tips 

While it's crucial to handle emails with care, it's equally important to ensure that all of your accounts are managed carefully. Let’s look at some of the factors to keep in mind.

Logging out regularly: Logging out of your accounts, especially on shared or public devices, helps prevent unauthorized access. Even on personal devices, logging out occasionally can minimize the risk of session hijacking or cookie theft. It also ensures that sensitive apps and services aren’t left running in the background, reducing your exposure to potential breaches.

Monitoring account activity: Regularly reviewing your account activity helps you spot unusual logins, device connections, or transactions before real damage occurs. Most services display recent sign-ins, IP addresses, and device types. If something looks suspicious, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication to prevent further unauthorized access.

Review third-party app access: Over time, various apps and websites may gain access to your primary accounts, especially email, cloud storage, and social media. Audit these permissions regularly to remove tools you no longer use or don’t recognize. Limiting access reduces data-sharing risks and minimizes the chances of third-party vulnerabilities affecting your account.

Close unused accounts: Inactive accounts are low-hanging fruit for attackers. Old platforms may have outdated security practices or be part of breached databases. Closing these accounts helps reduce your digital footprint and eliminates forgotten data trails that could be exploited. In an organization context, take necessary backups and close accounts that aren't in use.

Enable alerts for suspicious activity: Turn on security notifications for login attempts, password changes, and other critical actions. These alerts provide early warnings about potential compromise, allowing you to respond quickly by resetting passwords or locking access. Combined with strong authentication, these alerts act as your first line of defense against account breaches.

Use strong passwords and MFA: Set a password policy that ensures the use of complex, unique passwords for every account to limit the fallout if one gets compromised. A password manager like Zoho Vault can help you generate and store them securely. Strengthen this further with MFA, which adds an extra layer, like a code or biometric check, making it far harder for attackers to break in.

Network safety tips 

Secure your network: Your home or office WiFi network is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Protect it by restricting access to trusted users, disabling remote management, and regularly checking for connected devices. A secure, encrypted network limits intrusions and helps safeguard every device that connects to it.

Change your router credentials: Routers often come with default usernames and passwords that are easy to guess or are publicly available. Change these credentials immediately after setup, and avoid reusing passwords across devices. This prevents outsiders from tampering with your network’s settings.

Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, masking your IP address and protecting data from prying eyes, especially when you’re using public or shared networks. It also helps prevent location-based tracking. Choose a trusted VPN service and keep it active whenever you browse on unfamiliar connections.

Avoid public WiFi for sensitive actions: Public WiFi networks are often unsecured, allowing attackers to intercept data like passwords or payment details. Avoid logging into critical accounts or conducting financial transactions on these networks. If you must use them, always connect through a VPN and enable your device’s firewall for added protection.

Enable WPA2 or WPA3: Your WiFi encryption standard determines how securely data travels between devices and your router. Use WPA2 or the newer WPA3 protocol for the strongest protection. Older standards like WEP or WPA are outdated and easily cracked, leaving your network exposed to unauthorized access and data theft.

Social media safety tips  

Avoid oversharing: Limit how much personal information you post online. Details like your birthday, travel plans, home location, or daily routines can be misused for identity theft or social engineering attacks. Share mindfully and review your privacy settings to control who can see what you post.

Watch out for fake profiles: Cybercriminals often create fake accounts of individuals or businesses to steal data or spread malicious links. Verify profiles, and look for inconsistencies in photos, connections, and posts to verify an account's authenticity. Be skeptical of friend requests or messages from unfamiliar accounts, even if they seem trustworthy at first glance.

Avoid engaging with unknown profiles: Be cautious about interacting with unknown users, especially if they share links or request personal details. Scammers often use friendly conversations to extract sensitive information or plant malware. Keep your interactions limited to verified accounts and people you actually know.

Avoid sharing real-time location: Posting your current location through check-ins or live stories can expose you to stalking or theft. Instead, share updates after you’ve left the place. Disabling location tagging on social apps adds another layer of safety, especially when traveling alone or to unfamiliar areas.

Cautiously share professional information: While networking platforms encourage sharing career details, avoid revealing too much about internal projects, colleagues, or work processes. Oversharing can lead to social engineering or competitive risks. Keep your professional profiles informative yet minimal, and avoid discussing sensitive company data publicly.

Device security tips 

Use company-approved devices: Always use devices authorized by your organization for work-related tasks. Company-approved systems come preconfigured with essential security controls, encryption, and monitoring tools that protect sensitive data. Using personal or unauthorized devices can expose your organization’s network to potentially unsafe environments.

Lock your devices when you’re not using them: Lock your screen whenever you step away, even for a few minutes. This simple habit prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information. Use strong passwords, PINs, or biometrics to ensure your devices stay secure at all times.

Keep software updated: Regular software updates patch known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals often exploit. Keep your operating system, apps, and browser extensions current to prevent attacks. Enable automatic updates wherever possible to stay protected with the latest security fixes.

Avoid pirated software: Pirated or cracked software often hides malware and backdoors that compromise your system’s integrity. Always install applications from trusted sources or verified app stores. Using legitimate software ensures you receive regular updates, vendor support, and the security patches necessary to keep your device safe.

Don't connect unapproved accessories: External devices like USB drives or hard-disks can carry malware or extract data silently. Avoid connecting unknown or unapproved accessories to your system. Stick to trusted peripherals and scan external drives before use to ensure your data remains uncompromised.

Deploy antivirus and endpoint protection: A reliable antivirus or endpoint protection solution helps detect and block threats in real time. It monitors downloads, email attachments, and running processes for malicious activity. Regularly update the software to ensure that it recognizes the latest forms of malware and ransomware.

Monitor slowness or battery drain: Unexplained lag, overheating, or sudden battery drain can indicate hidden malware. Monitor your device’s performance and investigate abnormalities promptly. Running periodic scans and uninstalling suspicious software can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious security threats.

Cybersecurity awareness  

Cybersecurity awareness is a crucial step towards combating cyber threats. We'll explore some ways in which you can equip yourselves to be more cyber-aware. 

Beware of deepfakes: AI-generated deepfakes can convincingly mimic voices or faces, making scams and misinformation harder to spot. Be cautious of unexpected video calls, messages, or media that seem slightly off. Verify through secondary channels before responding or sharing such content, especially if it involves financial or sensitive requests.

Keep an eye out for smishing: SMS phishing, known as smishing, uses urgent messages to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing data. Treat all unsolicited texts, especially those claiming to be from banks or delivery services, with suspicion. Verify the sender through official channels instead of responding directly to the message.

Don't fall for voice call scams: Fraudsters often impersonate company representatives, government officials, tech support agents, friends, and even family, over the phone. Avoid sharing personal or financial details during unsolicited calls. Hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified number to confirm authenticity before taking any action.

Stay ahead of cyber threat trends: Cyber threats evolve constantly, from new phishing tactics to emerging malware strains. Stay informed through trusted cybersecurity sources, newsletters, and company training programs or workshops. Regular awareness helps you recognize warning signs early and adapt your habits to keep pace with the changing threat landscape.

Wrapping up

To make cybersecurity an established practice, small, consistent actions like handling emails cautiously, monitoring accounts, securing devices, and staying alert to new threats can make a big difference. By practicing these habits, you protect your data and help build a safer digital environment for yourselves and the organization you work for.