New Year Greetings Messages and Cyber ​​Scams: How to Stay Safe?

With the beginning of the New Year, the flow of congratulatory messages has increased. People are sending best wishes to their loved ones through social media and other mediums. But amidst these encouraging messages, cyber criminals (scammers) have become active. These fraudsters are trying to dupe people and access their bank accounts by using congratulatory messages. Even a simple click can empty your bank account. Let us know how these cyber threats can be avoided.

1. Avoid clicking on files from suspicious numbers

What is the danger?

• Cyber ​​criminals send videos or files as New Year greetings.
• These files are often infected with malware, which can infiltrate your phone.

How to take precautions?

• Do not open any file coming from unknown or suspicious number.
• Before clicking on any attachment, make sure it is trustworthy.
• By doing this you can prevent control of your phone from going into the hands of scammers.

2. Avoid opening suspicious links

How does a scam happen?

• Promotional messages are sent on social media or email.
• In these messages, the lure of gift, free service, or any offer is given.
• By clicking on the link, scammers can hack your phone or computer.

What to do?

• Do not click on unknown links.
• If someone asks to download an APK file, ignore it.
• When installed, these files can hack WhatsApp and other data of the phone.

3. Do not share personal information with unknown persons

Lottery and gift greed

• Scammers may call or message you and claim to have won a lottery or received a gift.
• For this they ask for bank account details or other sensitive information.

be careful

• Do not give personal information to any unknown person.
• Share bank account, OTP, or other details only with trusted sources.
• Remember, banks or other trusted institutions never ask for such information over the phone.

4. Avoid QR code scams

How does this scam work?

• Scammers send you QR codes, luring you into viewing a congratulatory message or video.
• As soon as you scan the QR code, your data and mobile phone can come under the control of hackers.

What to do?

• Avoid scanning any unknown QR codes.
• Before scanning the QR code, check the authenticity of its source.
• Always keep your phone’s security settings strong.

5. Important tips for cyber security

a. use antivirus software

• Install reliable antivirus software on your phone and computer.
• This will keep your device safe from malware and viruses.

b. keep system updated

• Keep the software of your mobile and other devices updated.
• Security updates help prevent cyber attacks.

c. use strong passwords

• Create strong and unique passwords for your bank and other important accounts.
• Keep changing passwords regularly.

d. Do not share OTP

• Do not share any OTP or confidential information with anyone, even if he claims to be a representative of the bank.