Last Updated October 24, 2025
Since the pandemic, more people are using digital accounts to shop, bank, and manage daily life online. This increased online activity can leave you vulnerable and raise your risk of a cyber-attack.
Spotting Phishing Emails
Most cyber-attacks begin with phishing emails. These emails are designed to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal information. They often appear to come from well-known companies like Amazon, Apple, or Netflix, using logos and familiar branding to look legitimate.
How to Identify a Phishing Email:
- Hover over the sender’s email or domain to check if it looks suspicious.
- Long, strange, or incorrect email addresses are a red flag.
- When in doubt, contact the company directly instead of clicking links.
Best Practices for Safe Internet Use:
- Avoid clicking links in emails; go directly to the company’s website.
- Never share login, payment, or personal information via email.
- Don’t download attachments from unknown sources.
- Use strong, unique passwords (up to 15 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols).
- Change passwords regularly and avoid reusing them across accounts.
- Use individual accounts on shared devices and always log out.
- Keep a firewall active on your devices.
- Don’t save passwords on shared or public computers.
- Enable two-step authentication whenever possible.
- Keep your software on phones, tablets, and computers updated.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi.
How to Know if You’ve Been Hacked:
If you notice unusual activity in your email, social media, or bank account, change your password immediately. Run antivirus or malware scans to ensure your devices are secure.
By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of a cyber-attack and stay safer online. For questions about insurance or protecting your digital assets, contact our agency at G&G Independent Insurance.
