Do you know that in the first half of 2023, cybercrime cases rose to almost 70%?
In this age of Information Technology, various websites make things easier for you and end up scamming you.
Online scam websites include a wide range of fraudulent activities that are there to deceive and defraud people who use the internet.
These scams range from infecting your device through small viruses to stealing your critical data assets within seconds.
It’s crucial to avoid these scams because they can result in creepy financial loss, identity theft, or other serious consequences.
This calls for staying informed about protective measures to avoid online scams.
7 Effective Web Security Tools to Help You Stay Secure
There are numerous web security features that you can opt for to avoid online scams.
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HTTP
If you want to ensure that the website you’re logging into is secure or authentic enough, focus on its web address.
You must look for “http://” in the URL to identify the website’s authenticity.
Such websites don’t trick you with specific scams you usually find on other websites.
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Use Firewall or Antivirus
Another way through which you can protect your website and yourself from online scams is by using a reliable firewall and antivirus software.
They act as your first defense against unauthorized access and malicious attackers.
The firewall creates a layer of extra protection against suspicious access and blocks unauthorized access.
On the other hand, antivirus software keeps scanning your website 24/7, which helps it tackle any viruses or bugs on time.
You won’t need to do continuous monitoring or check yourself. But make sure you hide your IP to stay anonymous at all times.
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Backup your data
There’s a 3 2 1 rule that the leading information technology organizations across the globe follow. According to this rule, they save their data in three locations to be safe.
If your website is attacked by malware or ransomware and there’s no other way to eliminate them except for the factory reset of your system, this technique can come in handy.
You won’t lose your important data and will be able to get rid of the malicious viruses that infect your system or websites. Always have a backup even when things are going okay.
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Strong Passwords
Another way to avoid online scams and losing your precious website data is by setting solid passwords for all your accounts.
Your password should have correct uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and digits.
Also, make sure that the username and password you’re using for one account are not being used for another.
This way, even if you become a victim of online fraud through one account, your other accounts can remain safe.
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Verification of Emails
Most of the phishing attacks that people have to face while using various websites are through emails.
In these scams, the scammers impersonate a legitimate organization and trick you into willingly giving away your private information.
Once you do this, your online presence becomes vulnerable. These attacks are primarily done in the form of emails having suspicious links.
That’s why, no matter how authentic the email or the sender’s address seems, wait to believe it. Do a proper verification and background check, and then decide accordingly.
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Software Update
Online scams these days are more complex. You need to have updated softwares to keep the security of your device on point.
That’s why, whatever device you’re using to log into various websites, you need to keep it updated.
This way, no suspicious website will be able to release malicious bugs into your device and steal your website data.
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Use a VPN
Do you want to know how to get unbanned from Snapchat Shopify or how to protect your web security? A VPN is the answer to it. Having an effective VPN by your side can help increase the security of your website tenfold.
With the help of a VPN, you can encrypt your IP address, which can help block hackers from gaining access to your website.
Remember, sometimes you need base-level security, which a VPN provides.
What are the Various Types of Online Scams you should be aware of?
You must also be aware of their types to keep yourself safe from online scams.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are among the most common scams you can face on websites. These attacks don’t even feel suspicious to begin with.
In these kinds of scams, the attackers pretend to be a part of a legitimate organization and send you emails as if they’re from some official source.
The manipulative power is so strong that most people believe them and are tricked into providing them with their sensitive information or data.
Attackers then use this information to steal your data and even your financial assets as well. The impersonating of scammers via websites can cause a lot of trouble and make you lose your long-term savings.
That’s why it’s better to stay alert.
Malware or Ransomware
We often encounter random pop-ups on websites that keep appearing on screens with something interesting. Sometimes, these pop-ups tell you to click on them to win some lottery or money.
Some people click on such links, giving way to malicious viruses like ransomware or malware to infect your website or device. Once this happens, all your data in your device is at risk. The deceptive downloads on websites can be one of the chief reasons for viruses in your device.
Tech Support Scams
You must have come across tech support scams at least once in your life.
You may be performing everyday tasks on your website, and suddenly, a link may pop up that convinces you to believe that a certain kind of virus has infected your device, and you can fix it by clicking on that link.
These types of attacks contain viruses that seriously threaten your data and device. Once you click them, you provide them access to your system, and the viruses infect it within seconds.
Pharming
Pharming is another type of website scam that you cannot ignore. In this type of scam, the attackers redirect website traffic to a malicious site.
It doesn’t matter, even if the web address you entered is correct. If this attack is activated, you’ll head straight to the malicious site that can steal and use your essential data for shady purposes.
Data Theft
One of the chief reasons why it’s essential to know how to deal with online website scams is data theft. Most of the time, hackers are after certain websites to access the stored data and use them for malicious purposes.
Business websites are often hacked to gain access to their users’ financial information.
Secure Access is What It All Matters
In short, combating online scams is the need of the hour for maintaining a safe and secure online environment for everyone.
Proactive measures, such as verifying website authenticity, employing solid passwords, and staying informed about emerging scam tactics, are essential for the safety of your website.
Stay secure.