Passwords are the first line of defense against breaches. They must be strong and difficult to guess.
When selecting passwords, please consider the following points:
Length: Passwords should be at least 12 characters long.
Character mix: Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid personal information: Do not use names or birthdates
Unique passwords: Each account should have its own unique password.
Regular changes: Change passwords every three months.
2. Checking Phishing Links
Phishing links are used to deceive users into revealing their information.
To verify any link, consider the following:
Check the link: Hover your cursor over the link to preview the URL.
Spelling errors: Look for typos or slight alterations.
Avoid unfamiliar links: Do not click links from unknown senders.
Verification tools: Use online link scanning services.One easy-to-use link scanning tool is https://www.virustotal.com.
You can scan links and files by uploading them to the site, where they are checked by multiple antivirus engines and a report is provided.
A tutorial on how to use the site is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_BV_3_9NCQ
3. Spam Emails
Spam emails aim to steal information or spread viruses.
Handle spam emails using the following guidelines:
Sender address: Verify the sender’s email address.
Domain: Check that the domain exists and belongs to the claimed company or individual.
Links and attachments: Do not open unexpected links or attachments.
Protection software: Use email filtering tools.
Direct confirmation: Contact the institution to confirm the legitimacy of messages.
If you have verified all this information but still suspect the attachment, you can upload it to
https://www.virustotal.com for scanning.