mObywatel will help. But without these 3 rules it won’t be easy
Almost everyone knows how vulnerable we are to cyber attacks. The Ministry of Digitization provides 3 universal rules, the application of which will prevent fraudsters from attacking our savings.
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Who among us hasn’t experienced at least one of the following scenarios: a phone call asking for an urgent transfer? A message about winning a competition? Or maybe an SMS requesting payment? In 2024 alone, CERT Polska served 500,000. reports of cyber threats and blocked as many as 75 million attempts to enter dangerous websites. It is therefore more than certain that everyone will encounter an attempted cybercrime sooner or later.
The mObywatel application will always help
Internet criminals are constantly inventing new ways to extort our data or steal money. They take advantage of Internet users’ ignorance and, above all, their emotions. So if such an attempt occurs, it is worth knowing how to behave and, equally important, what not to do. It is also best to report a dangerous incident to cybersecurity experts immediately. This can be done quickly and easily in the mObywatel application thanks to the Safely on the Internet service.
– says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski
As cybercriminals use more and more new methods to extort data and money, one course of action in a suspicious situation is not obvious.
The Ministry of Digitization provides the most important tips on what to remember on a daily basis to avoid problems or at least make the task of cyber fraudsters more difficult.
Rule number 1: Don’t help a criminal!
When the phone rings:
- Please check the numberfrom which the call comes. If it is unusual, especially foreign, it is best to abandon the conversation. If you receive a call, you should verify the interlocutor, e.g. by hanging up and calling the institution or company that the person claims to be an employee of. If the caller claims to be a friend or family member, you should independently contact your loved one at their current phone number to confirm the incident.
- Don’t advise scammers. It is best to conduct the conversation in such a way that the interlocutor must provide key information, e.g. his name, circumstances of the case, details of the institution represented. Many people, under the influence of emotions, instinctively help criminals by giving them ready-made answers, such as the names of the companies whose services they use. Names, facts or other information provided help fraudsters create a credible and even more convincing story to manipulate the victim.
- Do not provide important data to peoplewhich may impersonate employees of institutions, companies, offices or someone close to you. In particular, you should not provide online banking logins and passwords, payment verification codes or payment card details. You should also not follow the instructions of the calling person, including making transfers or downloading applications or programs.
Rule No. 2: Cool down and gain knowledge
It’s always worth giving yourself time to think and let your emotions subside. The worst advisor is fear, panic or, on the contrary, euphoria. If suddenly there is information about winning the lottery, inheritance or granting a benefit ex officio, the matter may have a second meaning. So, when you receive an unusual text, email, call or instant message, it’s best to:
- Don’t give in to pressure – take a deep breath and refrain from taking any actions until the most important facts and events can be confirmed.
- Seek advice. Sometimes the advice of a loved one is enough to avoid serious problems. It is worth sharing information about the incident and your doubts. Perhaps someone around you has experienced a similar situation or knows about the risks involved and can help in advance.
- Learn how to deal with cyber threats. Articles on reliable government websites, including the CERT Polska website, may be particularly helpful. You can also use the Knowledge Base in the Safely on the Internet service in the mObywatel application. It contains important messages, current articles and warnings.
Rule No. 3: It’s worth reporting!
If a suspicious situation occurs, it is worth reporting it. The easiest way to do this is by Safely on the Internet service in the mObywatel application.
In the service you can:
- report a malicious website, fraud (e.g. fake store) or other incident,
- find tips on how to forward a suspicious text or e-mail to experts,
- report illegal internet content, e.g. showing disturbing behavior towards children,
- use the Knowledge Base, which includes articles on cybersecurity and important warnings prepared by CERT Polska experts.
The service also enables launching PUSH notificationsthanks to which the user automatically receives important cybersecurity messages in the application.
🔒 3 rules to help you avoid cyber threats:
1️. Don’t help a criminal – Check the caller’s number and do not provide details without verification. 2️. Cool down and gain knowledge – Before you make a decision, check the facts. 3️. Report a matter – If something is bothering you, report it to… pic.twitter.com/PTEL4NaP4K— Ministry of Digitization (@CYFRA_GOV_PL) December 12, 2024
More information can be found on the website Safely on the Internet – mObywatel and in the instructional video on the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Digitization. Safely on the Internet in the mObywatel 2.0 application (youtube.com).
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