How to protect yourself from cyberattacks: seven online safety recommendations

In an increasingly connected world, cybercrime is a risk that should not be ignored. Learn how to protect yourself.

The digital transformation of society and business opens up new opportunities, but also hides dangers related to cybersecurity.

What cyber threats do we need to protect ourselves from?

Cybercriminals are ready to exploit our weaknesses. They try to spoof popular websites, install malware, or use other scams to steal data or gain access to devices. This then allows them to operate bank accounts or use organizations’ databases.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make their attacks more effective. AI is helping to create realistic fake videos, automated data collection campaigns through scams, and adaptive viruses that have the ability to evade traditional antivirus systems.

Disinformation is also a growing cyber threat. It is the dissemination of false or misleading information that aims to mislead people, manipulate public opinion, or harm a specific individual or community. Cybercriminals use social media, fake news sites, and misleading content created by artificial intelligence to exploit user trust and cause confusion.

How can you protect yourself from cyberattacks?

The European Union is working to strengthen cybersecurity at the European level, but you can also take many protective measures yourself:

1) Be suspicious of emails, calls, and messages

Be especially cautious if you receive messages that pressure you to bypass normal security procedures. Cybercriminals know that it is often easier to fool a person than to hack a well-built system. Remember that government officials, banks, and other organizations will never ask you to reveal your password.

2) Learn to recognize content created using artificial intelligence

You can spot fake content by looking for inconsistencies and anomalies. Videos often contain strange distortions like unnatural blinking and facial movements, and AI-generated voices often contain strange intonation and unnatural pauses.

3) Learn to recognize and defend yourself against misinformation

Learn about six key tactics for misleading through disinformation. Check sources and information, and be careful before sharing claims you haven't verified.

4) Secure your home network

Don't rely on the default password for your Wi-Fi network: change it. Limit the number of devices connected to the network and only allow devices that you know.

5) Improve your passwords

Use long passwords that include a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters.

6) Protect your devices

Don't forget to update all systems and applications, install antivirus software and keep it updated.

7) Restrict access rights for family members and guests

Your children can accidentally delete or change information or even infect your device, so don't let them access devices you use for work.

What is the EU doing to keep you safe online?

European institutions and bodies such as the European Commission, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, Europol and the CERT-EU computer incident and threat response team monitor for malicious actions, inform and protect people and businesses.

The European Parliament has adopted measures for the security and reliability of networks and information systems, given their important societal role. In May 2022, Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on rules to strengthen security and counter malicious activities in cyberspace.

In 2024, Parliament approved the Cyber Resilience Act, which includes a wide range of rules to ensure safety in the use of digital products and services.

Source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/