How to protect yourself from cybercrime: seven tips to be safe online
Cybercrime is an increasing problem in an ever more connected world. Read on for tips on how to protect yourself.
The digital transformation of the economy and society is creating opportunities and challenges, which is why cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important on a societal and personal level.
What cyber threats should I protect myself from?
Cybercriminals use phishing, malware and other malicious practices to steal data and access devices, allowing them to do anything from accessing bank accounts to organisations’ databases and worse.
Cybercriminals are also increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to make their attacks more sophisticated and effective. AI enables the creation of highly convincing deepfakes, automated phishing campaigns and adaptive malware capable of evading traditional security measures.
Disinformation is another growing cyber threat, as false or misleading information is deliberately spread to deceive individuals, manipulate public opinion, or cause harm. Cybercriminals and malicious actors use social media, fake news websites, and AI-generated content to exploit trust and create confusion.
How can I protect myself from cybercrime?
The EU is working on increasing cybersecurity, but following the tips below can help you stay safe while using the internet and working remotely:
1. Be cautious with unsolicited emails, text messages and phone calls
Be especially cautious if someone tries to use a crisis to pressure you into bypassing the usual security procedures. The attackers know that it is often easier to trick humans than to hack into a complex system. Remember that public officials, banks or other organisations will never ask you to reveal passwords.
2. Learn to spot AI-generated content
To recognise AI-generated content, look for inconsistencies or anomalies. Videos often have odd distortions, like unnatural blinking or facial movements, and AI-generated voices may have strange intonations or unnatural pauses.
3. Learn to spot and protect yourself against disinformation
Check out these six disinformation tactics used to fool you. Verify sources, cross-check information and be cautious about sharing unverified claims.
4. Secure your home network
Change the default password for your Wi-Fi network to a strong one. Limit the number of devices connected to your Wi-Fi network and only allow trusted ones.
5. Strengthen your passwords
Remember to use long and complex passwords that include numbers, letters and special characters.
6. Protect your equipment
Make sure you update all your systems and applications and that you install an antivirus software and keep it up to date.
7. Manage the access of family members and guests
Your children and other family members can accidentally erase or modify information, or even worse, accidentally infect your device, so don’t let them use the devices you use for work.
What is the EU doing to keep you safe online?
EU institutions, such as the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, Cert-EU, and Europol track malicious activities, raising awareness and protecting citizens and businesses.
The European Parliament has long supported EU measures to ensure internet safety, as the reliability and security of network and information systems and services play a vital role in society.
In 2024, the Parliament approved the Cyber Resilience Act, a comprehensive set of rules to ensure products with digital features are secure to use.
