Learn how to protect yourself from Tech Support and Online Scams

Oct 17, 2018

We look at how to protect yourself from Tech Support and Online Scams as we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness month

Tech Support and Online Scams

A recent Microsoft study from 16 countries shows that less people are now susceptible to tech support and online scams. Another reveals millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 are exposed to the highest levels of online risks.
This we can say will be attributed to millennials spending the most time online. And the increasing education and awareness of these scams.

But it doesn’t mean the threat or its realism doesn’t still persist. Athima shares that people have become savvy to such scams.

Consumers have developed a healthy skepticism about unsolicited contact from technology and software companies. They’ve become savvy to flagging such contact as a potential scam. – Athima Chansanchai

But how is Microsoft helping in this fight? Microsoft says through advanced analytics at its Digital Crimes Unit, they identify the players. Collaborating with appropriate security agencies to disrupt fraudulent enterprises. 

The month of October is denoted a month to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. We look at how you can further protect yourself from tech support or other online scams. You can also read a previous post talking about how to Protect yourself from Email and Web Scams

What can you do to stay safe from Tech Support and Online Scams

Buy Genuine Software
I know how and why most people don’t buy genuine softwares. Instead collect them from friends or download pirated versions. The reasons are debatable and i really hope this can be addressed to encourage consumers do the right thing. From costs of software, availability, file sizes etc.
Being a victim of viruses, malwares, etc. will be too much and painful, so best avoid it if you can.

Remain in Control
If you ever have to give control of your computer to a third party remain in control. You can terminate the session if you see any thing suspicious. Also confirm that, it is the legitimate rep of a support team if you didn’t initiate the service. 

Don’t just click links
When you receive an email that says click to view, etc. don’t just click even if sender is in your contact list. Sometimes they might have been hacked because they were careless and you details were exposed. Confirm email addresses and names, speak to them about that email, it might draw their attention to the situation.
In a haste to move on to certain pages we just accept and click okay without checking what we are accepting or clicking. Check and read before clicking.

A few other things 
– Microsoft says it will not send you unsolicited email messages or phone calls to request personal or financial information. Or to provide technical support to fix your computer. Any communication with Microsoft has to be initiated by you.
– Download softwares only from official websites.
– Keep your antiviruses up to date. (Windows 10 comes with an antivirus, just keep it up to date you’ll be fine. Or just use the one you prefer but keep it up to date).

 

There’s also an extensive lot of information covering types and tricks of scammers etc. read more to protect yourself from tech support scams.