The amount of bunk out there that can trip up consumers can be overwhelming.
At work we must participate in frequent cybersecurity training. It has been helpful.
At work, we use a series of cybersecurity online videos with quizzes that my employer pays for.
There are FREE cybersecurity training options out there. Try Googling "free cybersecurity training". There are options available from Google, also Coursera, that are free of charge.
Just to pass along some tips (not a comprehensive list, but a good start):
1. If you get a text or e-mail that you are not expecting, don't immediately follow links, use phone numbers or other contact information provided in that message. Even if the sender is someone you do business with. Instead, if the business is known to you, use information that you currently have to inquire whether the message is legitimate (example, if the message is from your phone provider, contact them through information on your recent bill, or a saved phone number or bookmarked website that you trust).
2. Sometimes a link in an e-mail or text message that appears to be valid is in fact fake. Use your computer mouse cursor to hover over links or e-mail addresses; this will often reveal if the link goes to to somewhere suspicious. When in doubt, don't click.
3. Treat any message asking for payment as suspicious, if you are not expecting such a message. Even then, you are better off making payments through an already trusted method (routine billing for example, or use trusted contact information to get in touch with the business requesting payment).
4. The same applies for contacts indicating that you have won something, or a package is waiting for you, etc., if you are not expecting this type of contact.
5. Be especially wary of e-mails, telephone calls, texts, or regular mail, demanding immediate payment or threatening a risk to you (termination of services, etc.). These high-pressure tactics are often used in scams. Again, contact the business (if you deal with them) using trusted information.
