Only download from trusted sources
- Get apps only from your device's official app store (App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store)
- Download software only from the company's real, official website
- Be extra cautious with "free" versions of paid software, movies, or games — these are common malware traps
Watch out for fake pop-ups
A pop-up claiming "Your Flash Player is out of date" or "Update your browser now" is almost always fake — and clicking it can install malware, including ransomware. Real software updates come from within the app itself or your device's settings, not a random pop-up while browsing.
⚠️ Never click:
- "You've won a prize!" pop-ups
- "Virus detected — click here to remove" banner ads
- Countdown timers pressuring you to act immediately
Public Wi-Fi caution
Public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, airport, or library isn't always secure. Avoid entering passwords or financial information while connected to public Wi-Fi unless you trust the network, or use your phone's cellular data instead for anything sensitive.
Check before you click "sensitive"
Before entering a password or credit card number, check that the website address starts with https:// (not just http://) and look for a small lock icon in your browser's address bar. This means the connection is encrypted — though it doesn't guarantee the site itself is trustworthy, so it's still worth double-checking the web address is spelled correctly.
✅ Quick tips
- Download apps and software only from official sources
- Never click "update now" pop-ups that appear while browsing
- Avoid entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi
- Double check web addresses before entering passwords or payment details