The danger can originate from an e-mail, but also from a text message, phone call or chat. If you are asked, by clicking on a link, to enter passwords, codes, personal data or your credit card number this almost certainly represents an attempt at fraud. Someone may even call you, pretending to be an employee of the anti-fraud department of the bank or of a company you are a customer (telephone operator, household, etc.) and, with a professional and reassuring voice, ask you to provide your bank details and codes for a variety of reasons. Don't take the bait and always be on high alert.
Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart
Tuesday 05 October 2021
Live your digital life safely and securely, always!
2:10 min
Whilst social networking and online shopping allow us to both stay connected with our friends and indulge our retail cravings from the comfort our own homes, we must always remember the pitfalls and dangers the web can present.
October is "European Security Month" (ESM), the European Union's annual campaign dedicated to promoting cybersecurity among EU citizens and organisations and providing up-to-date online security information through the raising of awareness and sharing of good practices.
We at UniCredit have joined this important information campaign. Discover together with our cybersecurity experts the good habits required to live safely and securely in the digital world and how keep yourself safe from the dangers of online fraud, data theft and digital identity.
1. Beware of online fraud: phishing, smishing and vishing
2. Social media and identity theft
Social media platforms have many advantages, but the habit of sharing too much about yourself is a big risk. Cyber criminals are constantly working to defraud us, scouring the web for data and information and then setting traps for us – trying to steal our digital identity and compromise our bank accounts. This is why you should always be careful about the information you share, especially on these channels.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication: the double lock for your security
You can make your devices and accounts more secure with multi-factor authentication. It is a two-step system for verifying and confirming an operation or access to a service, which is available on many sites and mandatory under certain conditions. It relies on passwords, smartphone technology and / or fingerprints to make the data and information you enter more secure. Even if not strictly required, always activate multi-factor authentication if possible.
4. Passwords: The more complex, the better…
A secure password should be difficult to guess but easy to remember. For passwords that don't just consist of numbers, aim to have at least eight alphanumeric characters, including both upper and lower case letters as well as special characters. Avoid being trivial when creating a password, otherwise you may give cyber criminals the opportunity to trace your data and use it fraudulently. Never use the names of your children, partner or dog, as fraudsters could easily trace them through your social accounts.
Remember, cyber security of your data is crucial to your well-being in the digital world. To keep it secure and safe from harm, we need your help.