Fake Robinhood Account Warning Texts: How the Scam Works
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
If you’ve recently received a text message claiming to be from Robinhood warning you of “unusual account activity” or “urgent risk,” you’re not alone. Across the United States and beyond, cybercriminals are targeting Robinhood users with convincing text messages that look and sound legitimate. These messages often urge you to verify your account immediately, threatening to “freeze” or “lock” it if you don’t comply.
But here’s the truth: these texts are not from Robinhood. They are part of a carefully crafted phishing scam designed to steal your login credentials and personal information. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how the scam works, how to recognize it, what to do if you’ve fallen victim, and how to protect yourself in the future.
This article contains:
Scam Overview
What These Fake Messages Look Like
The scam typically starts with a fraudulent SMS text message that claims to be from Robinhood. The message often contains alarming language such as:
“Your account has experienced an unknown anomaly.”
“Your account is at risk of theft.”
“Verify your account within 24 hours to avoid suspension.”
“Your account will be frozen if no action is taken.”
The message almost always contains a link to a fake website—often designed to look identical to the official Robinhood site. For example:
https://www-robinhood.fflroyalty.com/Verify
https://robinhood-securelogin.com
https://robinhood-verification.net
These domains may look convincing at first glance, especially to someone who’s anxious about losing access to their investment account.
Why These Messages Are Effective
Cybercriminals behind these scams understand how to exploit fear and urgency. By making it seem like your money is at immediate risk, they push you to click the link without stopping to verify its authenticity.
The messages often:
Arrive from a spoofed or unfamiliar phone number, often starting with a UK or US country code.
Use Robinhood branding or mention “Urgent Risk” to appear credible.
Contain a link that mimics Robinhood’s domain but isn’t actually legitimate.
Threaten account suspension or theft if you don’t act within 24 hours.
Key Red Flags in These Scam Messages
Unsolicited text messages — Robinhood typically communicates via their secure in-app notifications or verified emails.
Urgent, threatening language — Scammers want to scare you into fast action.
Fake URLs — Real Robinhood links always come from robinhood.com (and not a variation of it).
Requests for sensitive information — Robinhood will never ask for your password, PIN, or 2FA code via text message.
Random or foreign phone numbers — Official financial institutions use verified communication channels.
The Scale of the Problem
Since 2023, phishing campaigns impersonating Robinhood have significantly increased. This is partly due to Robinhood’s popularity with retail investors and its mobile-first platform, which makes text-based scams particularly effective. According to reports from cybersecurity researchers:
Thousands of users have reported receiving fake Robinhood alerts.
Many victims have unknowingly given away their login credentials.
Some cases have resulted in financial loss and identity theft.
This is not an isolated incident. Phishing attacks impersonating financial institutions are one of the most common forms of online fraud, and Robinhood is a frequent target due to its large user base.
How the Scam Works
Understanding how the scam operates can help you identify and avoid it before any harm is done.
Step 1: The Fake Alert
The scam begins when you receive a fraudulent SMS claiming to be from Robinhood. It often uses urgent language:
“[Robinhood] Urgent Risk Warning: Your account has experienced an unknown anomaly and is at risk of theft. Please log in to your account via the link below within 24 hours to verify your account. Otherwise, your account will be frozen.”
The message includes a link that appears legitimate at a glance, often by adding words like “secure,” “verify,” or “support” to the domain.
Step 2: The Phishing Link
The URL included in the message is not Robinhood’s official site. However, it’s designed to look similar to confuse users:
https://www-robinhood.fflroyalty.com/Verify
https://robinhood-secure-login.com
https://robinhood.com.verify-now.co
The scammers use typosquatting and subdomain tricks to make the URL seem legitimate.
Step 3: The Fake Login Page
Once the victim clicks the link, they are redirected to a spoofed login page. It looks almost identical to Robinhood’s actual website, including:
Logo and branding
Login fields for email and password
A fake two-factor authentication prompt
Security warning banners
This carefully crafted page is meant to steal your credentials as soon as you enter them.
Step 4: Credential Harvesting
When the victim enters their login information:
The credentials are immediately sent to the scammers’ server.
The victim may be redirected to a fake “verification complete” page.
In some cases, the victim may even be redirected to the real Robinhood site afterward to reduce suspicion.
Meanwhile, the criminals now have full access to the account.
Step 5: Account Takeover
Using the stolen credentials, the attackers:
Log in to the victim’s Robinhood account.
Attempt to disable two-factor authentication if it’s enabled.
Transfer funds or sell assets.
Link new withdrawal methods.
Lock the victim out by changing the password.
Some attackers also harvest additional personal data from the account, including:
Full name
Social Security Number (if on file)
Bank account information
Tax documents
This can lead to identity theft, not just financial loss.
Step 6: Additional Exploitation
In some cases, the attackers:
Use stolen information to target victims with follow-up scams.
Attempt to access other financial accounts using the same email and password combination.
Sell the stolen credentials on dark web marketplaces.
By the time victims realize what has happened, their funds may have already been moved.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link or entered your credentials, immediate action is critical. The faster you respond, the higher your chances of minimizing damage.
1. Reset Your Robinhood Password Immediately
Go to the official Robinhood website (https://robinhood.com) or use the official mobile app.
Reset your password right away.
Choose a strong, unique password that you don’t use for any other account.
If you’re locked out, follow Robinhood’s account recovery process as soon as possible.
2. Enable or Re-Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If your 2FA was disabled, turn it back on immediately.
Use an authenticator app rather than SMS for better security.
This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password was compromised.
3. Contact Robinhood Support
Use only the official support channels.
Report that your account may have been compromised.
Ask them to freeze transactions and investigate any suspicious activity.
Keep a record of all correspondence for reference.
4. Check and Secure Linked Bank Accounts
Review recent transactions for unauthorized withdrawals.
Contact your bank or card issuer to flag suspicious activity.
Consider temporarily freezing your bank account or replacing your debit/credit card if needed.
5. Scan for Identity Theft
Because Robinhood accounts may contain personal data, victims should:
Monitor credit reports for unauthorized activity.
Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if in the U.S. at IdentityTheft.gov.
6. Update Passwords for Other Accounts
If you used the same password on multiple accounts (which is common), change those passwords immediately. Attackers often try stolen credentials on:
Email accounts
Banking accounts
Cryptocurrency exchanges
Other investment platforms
7. Report the Scam
To Robinhood: Forward the phishing message to their security team or report it via their Help Center.
To your mobile carrier: They may be able to block similar scam numbers.
To the FTC or your country’s cybercrime agency: This helps track and shut down scams.
8. Consider Using a Password Manager
A password manager helps create unique, strong passwords for each site and prevents you from entering credentials on phishing sites (many managers will flag fake URLs).
9. Educate Friends and Family
Many scammers target multiple people in the same household or social circle. If you’ve been targeted, warn others so they can avoid similar attacks.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
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Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
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In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
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Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
How to Recognize and Avoid Robinhood Phishing Texts
Check the Sender’s Number or Address
Legitimate Robinhood alerts are delivered through the app or official email domains such as @robinhood.com. Texts from random numbers or foreign codes should be treated with suspicion.
Verify the URL Carefully
Always check that the URL starts with:
https://robinhood.com/
Anything else — even if it looks similar — is fake. Watch out for:
Extra words or subdomains (e.g., robinhood-securelogin.com).
Misspellings (e.g., robbinhood.com).
URL shorteners (e.g., bit.ly, tinyurl) used to mask the destination.
Look for Urgent or Threatening Language
Phishing texts often say things like:
“Your account will be frozen.”
“Unusual activity detected.”
“Immediate action required.”
Legitimate companies don’t threaten you into compliance through random texts.
Avoid Clicking on Links in Messages
Instead of clicking, open the Robinhood app directly or type https://robinhood.com into your browser. If there’s a real security issue, you’ll see an alert in your account.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Strong security settings make it harder for scammers to access your account even if they obtain your credentials.
Use Official Communication Channels
If you’re unsure about a message, contact Robinhood directly through:
Here are a few variations of phishing texts reported by victims:
[Robinhood] Urgent Risk Warning: Your account has experienced an unknown anomaly and is at risk of theft. Please verify immediately: https://www-robinhood.fflroyalty.com/Verify
Robinhood Security Alert: We’ve noticed suspicious activity on your account. Log in here to confirm your identity or your account will be suspended: https://robinhood.secure-login-help.com
Your Robinhood account is on hold due to irregular activity. To prevent permanent suspension, verify your information here: https://robinhoodhelpcenter-login.com
These are all fake. Notice how each uses alarming language, fake URLs, and urgency to pressure immediate action.
How Scammers Build Trust in These Attacks
1. Brand Imitation
The phishing websites use Robinhood’s:
Logo
Fonts and color schemes
Security messages
Legal disclaimers
This makes the page look nearly identical to the real site.
2. Timing and Urgency
Messages are often sent outside business hours (e.g., late evening), when victims can’t easily contact customer support, increasing the chances they’ll act out of fear.
3. Psychological Pressure
Phrases like:
“Your account will be locked”
“Funds at risk”
“Act now or lose access”
trigger fear, making people act without verifying.
4. Realistic Redirects
After stealing your credentials, many phishing sites redirect victims to the actual Robinhood homepage to make them believe nothing happened. By the time they suspect a problem, the account is already compromised.
The Bigger Picture: Phishing in the Financial Sector
The Robinhood “Urgent Risk Warning” scam is just one example of a larger wave of smishing attacks targeting financial platforms.
According to cybersecurity reports:
Financial services phishing has increased by over 45% year over year.
Text-based phishing (“smishing”) is rising faster than email phishing.
Retail investing platforms are prime targets due to the high value of accounts.
Attackers often automate these campaigns using SMS gateways.
Other companies frequently impersonated include PayPal, Coinbase, Cash App, Venmo, and major banks.
How to Protect Yourself from Future Scams
1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Prefer authentication apps over SMS.
This makes it much harder for attackers to take over your account.
2. Keep Your App Updated
Security patches are regularly released. Keeping your app and phone software up to date helps reduce vulnerabilities.
3. Use a Password Manager
Automatically fills credentials only on legitimate websites.
Alerts you if you’re on a fake domain.
4. Regularly Review Account Activity
Log in periodically to check for:
Unauthorized logins
New linked bank accounts
Unfamiliar transactions
5. Don’t Reuse Passwords
Using the same password across multiple sites increases your risk. If one site is compromised, others may follow.
6. Bookmark the Official Website
Bookmark https://robinhood.com in your browser and use it exclusively for logging in. This helps you avoid mistyping or clicking on phishing links.
Reporting Robinhood Phishing Attempts
If you receive a suspicious message:
Do not click any links.
Forward the message to Robinhood’s security team at their official reporting channel.
Report the number to your mobile carrier.
Delete the message to prevent accidental clicks later.
If the scam resulted in financial loss, file a complaint with your local cybercrime unit or FTC.gov.
Robinhood also encourages users to enable extra security features and to report impersonation attempts promptly to help them shut down fraudulent domains.
What Robinhood Officially Says About Phishing Texts
Robinhood has published multiple warnings on its website and app reminding users:
It never asks for passwords or 2FA codes via text.
Official communications are only through the app or verified email.
Users should always verify URLs before entering credentials.
If something feels suspicious, contact support through the app—not by replying to texts.
Robinhood also collaborates with security researchers and law enforcement to take down phishing domains.
What Law Enforcement Recommends
Authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advise:
Never share personal or financial information via text or email.
Victims of financial phishing may also be eligible for support from fraud prevention services or their financial institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Robinhood “Urgent Risk Warning” text message scam?
The Robinhood “Urgent Risk Warning” scam is a phishing scheme in which scammers send fake text messages pretending to be Robinhood. These texts claim that your account is at risk of theft or has experienced “unusual activity” and urge you to click a link to verify your account. The real goal is to steal your login credentials and personal information, giving criminals access to your investment account and potentially linked bank accounts.
How can I tell if a Robinhood text is fake?
You can identify a fake Robinhood message by checking for common red flags. These include messages sent from unfamiliar numbers, links that do not lead to robinhood.com, urgent or threatening language, and requests for sensitive information such as passwords or 2FA codes. Robinhood does not send random texts from personal numbers, and it will never ask for sensitive details over SMS.
What should I do if I clicked the link in the scam text?
If you clicked the link but did not enter any information, close the page immediately and do not share any credentials. If you entered your login details, act quickly:
Reset your password directly on the official Robinhood app or website.
Enable or re-enable two-factor authentication.
Contact Robinhood Support to secure your account.
Review your linked bank accounts for suspicious activity.
Monitor your credit and consider placing a fraud alert if personal data was exposed.
What if the message looks very real?
Scammers often create highly convincing fake websites with Robinhood logos, colors, and security messages. Even if the message or website looks professional, always check the URL carefully. The official website is https://robinhood.com. Any variation—such as additional words, subdomains, or misspellings—means the site is fake. If you are unsure, go directly to the Robinhood app or type the official address manually in your browser.
Does Robinhood ever send text messages about account security?
Robinhood may use in-app notifications or verified emails for security alerts, but it does not send urgent texts from random numbers asking you to verify or log in through an external link. If you receive such a text, it’s almost certainly a scam. When in doubt, contact Robinhood directly through their app or Help Center.
What personal information can scammers steal through these fake texts?
If you fall for the scam, attackers can steal:
Your Robinhood login credentials
Bank account and card details linked to your Robinhood account
Social Security Number (if stored in your account)
Personal identification data that can be used for identity theft This stolen information can then be used to drain your accounts or sold on criminal marketplaces.
How can I secure my Robinhood account after a phishing attempt?
To protect your account after receiving a phishing message:
Change your Robinhood password immediately.
Turn on 2FA through an authenticator app.
Review account activity for unauthorized logins or transactions.
Contact Robinhood support to flag and secure your account.
Update passwords for any other accounts that may share the same credentials.
Enable security alerts on both your financial and email accounts.
Should I report the scam text message?
Yes. Reporting phishing attempts helps Robinhood and telecom providers block malicious senders and domains. You can:
Forward the message to Robinhood’s official security team through their Help Center.
Report the number to your mobile carrier.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your country’s cybercrime agency.
Inform your bank if you shared financial information.
Can this scam affect my bank account or credit?
Yes. If scammers gain access to your Robinhood account, they may initiate unauthorized transfers or harvest personal details like bank account information and SSNs. This can lead to fraudulent charges, identity theft, or credit fraud. That’s why it’s important to act immediately, secure your accounts, and monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.
How can I protect myself from future Robinhood scams?
The best protection is vigilance and layered security. Here are essential steps:
Never click links in suspicious texts or emails.
Enable 2FA on all financial accounts.
Bookmark the official Robinhood website and use it exclusively.
Use a password manager to detect phishing sites.
Keep your phone and apps updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
Regularly check your account for unauthorized activity.
I didn’t fall for the scam. Should I still do anything?
Yes. Even if you didn’t click or enter information, you should:
Block and delete the scam number.
Report the message to Robinhood and your carrier.
Stay alert for similar attempts in the future.
Educate friends and family, as scammers often target multiple people in the same area or network.
What legal recourse do I have if I lost money?
If funds were stolen due to a phishing scam, immediately contact Robinhood support and your bank. You may be able to freeze transfers or recover funds if reported quickly. Also consider filing complaints with:
The FTC (in the U.S.) or your country’s cybercrime unit
Local law enforcement
Your bank or card issuer for fraud investigation While recovery is not guaranteed, acting fast greatly increases your chances.
How can I verify if a suspicious message is legitimate?
The safest method is to bypass the message entirely. Open the Robinhood app directly or type https://robinhood.com in your browser. If there’s a real issue, you will see an alert in your account. Do not reply to the text or call the number provided in the message.
Are similar scams targeting other financial apps?
Yes. Similar phishing campaigns target platforms like PayPal, Cash App, Coinbase, Venmo, and major banks. The tactics are the same: alarming messages, fake links, and pressure to act fast. Learning how to identify these scams protects you across multiple services.
How common are Robinhood phishing scams?
Phishing campaigns against Robinhood users have grown rapidly in recent years. Cybersecurity analysts report a significant increase in smishing (SMS phishing) targeting financial apps. Because Robinhood is popular among retail investors, it has become a high-value target for cybercriminals.
Is it safe to use Robinhood after receiving such a scam?
Yes, Robinhood itself is secure. The scam does not compromise the platform directly—it targets users through social engineering. As long as you do not click fake links or share personal data, your account remains safe. Keep security settings strong and be cautious with every message you receive.
The Bottom Line
The “Robinhood Urgent Risk Warning” text scam is a dangerous phishing campaign designed to steal your login credentials, personal data, and potentially your money. It relies on urgency, fear, and deception to trick victims into clicking fake links.
To protect yourself:
Never click links from unknown numbers.
Always verify messages through the official app or website.
Act quickly if your credentials were compromised.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
