Saturday 16 August 2025

The most common misconceptions about online security

The most common misconceptions about internet security

The internet has become a part of our everyday lives, but many of us have misconceptions about how to protect ourselves online. These misconceptions they can cost us dearly!

Every day, hackers and scammers exploit our false beliefs to steal our money, personal information, or destroy our devices. From "it will never happen to me" to "I have a good password, I'm safe," these thoughts make us easy targets.

Let's look at the most common misunderstandings and how to really protect ourselves!

🔐 "I have a good password, so I'm safe"
The reality:

A strong password is like a good lock - important, but not enough on its own! Cyber thieves have many ways to get into your account:

Caution: They may send you fake emails that look real, steal your password as you type it, or find it from other websites that have been hacked.
🛡️ How to protect yourself:
  • Different code everywhere: Don't use the same password for Facebook, Gmail and bank!
  • Double protection: Enable SMS or app confirmation when logging in
  • Password manager: Use apps like Google Passwords to remember these passwords
📱 "Mobile phones don't get viruses like computers do"
The reality:

Your phone is a mini computer with all your secrets! It has photos, messages, banking apps, and much more that bad people want.

Danger: Malicious apps can steal your money, read your messages, or secretly monitor you!
🛡️ How to protect yourself:
  • Only official stores: Download apps only from Google Play or the App Store
  • Updates: Update your phone when prompted.
  • Protection: Install antivirus even on your mobile phone
🤷️️ "I have nothing to hide, I don't care about privacy"
The reality:

Even if you think you don't have anything important, scammers can use your information in many ways you can't imagine!

What can happen: Open accounts in your name, charge you for things you didn't buy, or pretend to be you to scam your friends!
🛡️ How to protect yourself:
  • Less on social media: Do not post when you are away from home or your personal information.
  • Incognito browsing: Use a VPN so they can't see what you do online
  • Check settings: See what you share in your apps
(I.e. "Big companies protect my data"
The reality:

Even big companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have been hacked! When this happens, the data of millions of users ends up in the hands of the bad guys.

Recent examples: Hackers have stolen data from PlayStation, Yahoo, LinkedIn and many other major companies!
🛡️ How to protect yourself:
  • Unique codes: Use a different password on each website
  • Notifications: Enable notifications when someone logs into your account
  • Control: Check if your information has been stolen at haveibeenpwned.com
📧 "Emails from well-known companies are always safe"
The reality:

Scammers are very clever! They send emails that look completely genuine from your bank, Amazon, or other companies you trust.

Beware of fake emails: They may ask you to "verify your account" or "update your information" to steal your passwords!
🛡️ How to protect yourself:
  • Don't click right away: If it says it's "urgent," stop and think.
  • Check the address: See if the email really comes from the company
  • Contact directly: Call the company to make sure.

💡 Additional Tips:

  • Online payments: Only use secure payment methods such as PayPal or protected cards
  • Wi-Fi: Don't connect to free Wi-Fi for important business (banking, shopping)
  • Applications: Delete apps you don't use - they have access to your data!
  • Backups: Keep backups of your important files in a safe place.

🎯 Conclusion

Online security isn't complicated - it just takes a little attention and the right habits!

Remember: Scammers rely on our negligenceThe more informed and careful we are, the harder we make it for them!

Share this article with friends and family - everyone's safety is important! 🤝


Evangelos
✍️ Evangelos
Its creator LoveForTechnology.net — an independent and trusted source for tech guides, tools, software, and practical solutions. Each article is based on personal testing, evidence-based research, and care for the average user. Here, technology is presented simply and clearly.



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