Digital Safety
Habits that protect you
Pause before you act
Scams rely on urgency. If a message wants you to act right now, that is the moment to slow down and check another way.
Go direct, not through links
Open the app or type the website yourself instead of using links in messages, even when the message looks real.
Turn on two-step verification
Add a second check to email, banking and social accounts, so a stolen password alone isn't enough.
Use unique passwords
A password manager makes it practical to use a different, strong password for every account.
Keep devices updated
Updates fix security holes. Turn on automatic updates for your phone, computer and apps.
Never share codes
No real company, bank or friend needs the one-time codes sent to your phone.
Related scams
Fake delivery and parcel texts
A text says your parcel is held and asks you to pay a small fee or confirm details.
Warning signs and what to do
Tech Support ScamsTech support pop-ups
A loud warning says your device is infected and tells you to call a number.
Warning signs and what to do
Social Media ScamsHacked-friend giveaways and voting links
A friend's account asks you to vote for them or claim a prize, and you lose your account.
Warning signs and what to do
Related resources
Secure your accounts checklist
Passwords, two-step verification, recovery options and signed-in devices: what to check and in what order.
Have I Been Pwned
Independent security service
Check whether your email address has appeared in a known data breach.
(opens in a new tab)Is This a Scam? practice set
Look at realistic example messages and decide: scam or legitimate? Works well as a classroom warm-up.