🧭 Cyber Security 103: How to Browse Safely Without Getting Scammed
Phishing, Safe Browsing Habits, Ad-blockers and VPNs
Quick Summary:
🎣 Spot phishing emails
🛡️ Avoid shady websites
🚫 Block harmful ads
🌐 Use a VPN for safer public browsing
✅ Stay protected with simple, smart habits
🎣 1. How to Identify Phishing Emails and Scam Websites
Phishing is when scammers pretend to be a trusted source—like your bank or Amazon—to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
How to Spot a Phishing Email:
✔️ Poor spelling and grammar – Legit emails are proofread.
✔️ Urgency or threats – "Act now!" or "Account locked!" are big red flags.
✔️ Weird links or senders – Hover over links before clicking. Check if the email address is suspicious (e.g.,
security@paypal1234.com).✔️ Unexpected attachments – Could be malware.
✔️ Requests for personal info – No real company asks for passwords or credit cards via email.
🚨 What to Do if You Get a Suspicious Email:
❌ Don’t click anything.
❌ Don’t reply.
✅ Report it.
🗑️ Delete and move on!
🧭 2. Safe Browsing Habits: Avoiding Dangerous Websites
✅ Look for “HTTPS”
A secure site will start with https://—the “S” stands for secure. If it’s missing, don’t enter personal info.
🚫 Avoid Sketchy Downloads
"Free" games, movies, or software from random sites? They often hide viruses.
🔍 Check URLs Carefully
Scammers copy legit sites with subtle misspellings:
Real:
www.amazon.comFake:
www.amaz0n-secure.com
If it feels off, trust your gut.
🛑 3. Use Ad Blockers & Privacy-Focused Browsers
Online ads can trick you into downloading malware. Ad blockers are your first line of defence.
🔧 Recommended Ad Blockers:
uBlock Origin
AdGuard
Privacy Badger
🔐 Privacy-Focused Browsers:
Brave – Built-in ad and tracker blocking
Firefox – Great privacy controls
DuckDuckGo Browser – Keeps your searches private
🔁 Use an ad blocker + a private browser = safer, faster browsing.
🌐 4. How to Use a VPN for Online Security
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your data—especially on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, hotels, airports).
🔓 Why Use a VPN?
🔐 Encrypts your connection
🌍 Hides your location
🚫 Stops advertisers and hackers from tracking you
🌍 How to Set Up a VPN (In 3 Easy Steps):
1️⃣ Choose a VPN: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN
2️⃣ Install the App on your phone or computer
3️⃣ Click Connect – That’s it. You’re protected.
✅ Final Safety Tips for Browsing
🔑 Use a passphrase, not a weak password
🔄 Update your browser and antivirus software
🚫 Be careful with links—if in doubt, don’t click
🔐 Use 2FA on all your accounts
Need help? Check out Cyber Security 102: How to Set Up 2FA →
📬 The Compass Brief
Your weekly digital safety digest.
🎣 Scam alerts
🧰 Practical how-tos
💬 No jargon. No fear. Just clarity.
✒️ Until next time,
Heather Roache
Founder of The Cyber Compass
Cybersecurity with heart, clarity, and bite.
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