Smart, Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Online
At KnowBe4, providing these security tips is a natural extension of what we’ve been doing for more than 15 years—helping organizations manage human risk. Along the way, we’ve learned that at the heart of cybersecurity is one simple idea: helping people make better security decisions, both at work and at home. From phishing emails and fake job postings to online “romances” who aren’t who they say they are - cyber scams come in many shapes and sizes. Read on for quick, no-nonsense tips for learning how to keep your personal data, money and peace of mind secure in a digital world.
Romance Scams: Don’t Let Love Blind Your Security
Scammers know that emotions can cloud judgment, which is why romance scams are so effective. They create fake profiles, build trust over weeks or months, and then ask for money or personal information. It’s not about romance at all — it’s about manipulation. Think of it as someone dressing up in a convincing disguise to get past your defenses.
What to watch out for:
- Someone you’ve never met in person professing strong feelings very quickly.
- Requests for money, gift cards or help moving funds — often framed as an emergency.
- Reluctance to meet face-to-face or video chat, with constant excuses.
Quick safety tips:
- Be cautious with anyone who asks for money online, no matter how convincing their story sounds.
- Do a reverse image search of their profile pictures to see if they’ve been stolen from elsewhere.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member if you’re unsure — outside perspective can break the spell.
Scammers prey on trust and emotions. By pausing and verifying before you act, you can protect both your heart and your wallet.
SVP of Security & Compliance eLearning, KnowBe4
Recruiting Scams: Don’t Get Fooled By Fake Job Offers
Scammers know that a promising job offer can grab attention fast. Recruiting scams often show up as emails, LinkedIn messages, or even texts that look like they’re from real companies. The goal? To trick you into sharing personal information, sending money for fake “training” or “equipment,” or clicking on malicious links.
What to watch out for:
- Job offers that come out of the blue—especially if you never applied.
- Recruiters pushing you to move quickly or skip interviews.
- Requests for personal details (like your bank account or Social Security number) early in the process.
- Offers that sound too good to be true—because they usually are.
Quick safety tips:
- Verify the recruiter by checking the company’s official careers page or calling HR directly.
- Be cautious if all communication happens over messaging apps.
- Enable spam filters on your phone to catch common scam texts.
- Never send money or sensitive personal info as part of a job application.
Staying alert can help you spot these red flags before scammers reel you in.
Associate Product Manager, KnowBe4
Text Message Scams: Don’t Tap That Link
Text scams — often called “smishing” — are designed to trick you into clicking malicious links or handing over personal information. They often look urgent: a missed delivery, a bank alert, or even a message that seems to come from your boss. Think of it as a con artist slipping a fake note under your door, hoping you’ll rush to act without checking.
What to watch out for:
- Messages from unknown numbers claiming urgent problems with accounts, deliveries or prizes.
- Links that look odd or shortened (like bit.ly or tinyurl).
- Messages that pressure you to respond immediately or keep things secret.
Quick safety tips:
- Don’t click links or call numbers in unexpected texts — go directly to the official app or website instead.
- Block and report suspicious numbers.
- Enable spam filters on your phone to catch common scam texts.
- Remember: legitimate organisations won’t ask for sensitive info over text.
Pause before you tap — a few seconds of caution can save you from identity theft or financial loss.
Multimedia Designer, KnowBe4
Strong Passwords: Your First Line of Defense
Think of your password like the key to your house—if it’s weak, it’s easy for someone to break in. Cybercriminals use tools that can guess simple passwords in seconds, which is why “123456” or your pet’s name won’t cut it. A strong password makes it much harder for attackers to get in, even if they try.
What to watch out for:
- Short passwords under 12 characters.
- Common words, names, or keyboard patterns (like “qwerty”).
- Reusing the same password across multiple accounts.
Quick safety tips:
- Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Aim for at least 12–16 characters.
- Avoid reusing passwords—consider a password manager to keep track.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
A strong password is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep your accounts safe.
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Empowering smarter security decisions
KnowBe4, trusted by over 70,000 organizations globally, empowers workforces to make smarter security decisions. Our AI-driven 'best-of-suite' Human Risk Management + Platform fortifies user behavior against cyber threats. With modules for training, email security, real-time coaching, and AI Defense Agents, KnowBe4 transforms your workforce from a potential vulnerability into your strongest cybersecurity asset.
