A simple guide to spotting scams and staying safe online.
Phishing is one of the most common ways criminals steal personal or financial information. They pretend to be someone you trust — like your bank, favorite store, or even your insurer — and try to trick you into clicking a bad link, sharing your password, or downloading a fake attachment.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, there were over 1 million phishing attacks reported worldwide (APWG). That’s why it’s so important to know how to recognize and stop them.
Phishing messages often sound urgent or threatening: “your account will be closed,” or “verify your information now.”
What to do:
Phishing usually starts with an email or text. The less your real contact details are exposed online, the fewer scams reach you.
Try this:
Weak or reused passwords make it easy for scammers to break in. Yet only about one-third of Americans use a password manager (Security.org)
What to do:
Updates often include security fixes that block new phishing tricks. Set your phone, computer, and browser to update automatically.
Phishing links often lead to look-alike sites that steal your login info.
Check before you click:
When you’re on public Wi-Fi, it’s easier for criminals to snoop. Use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your connection; MySudo VPN not only provides this capability, but also doesn’t require any personally identifiable information (PII) to sign up.
Scammers sell stolen data on dark-web marketplaces — sometimes for as little as $17 per credit card (Comparitech).
What to do:
If you think you’ve been targeted or clicked a bad link:
Change your passwords right away (especially for email and banking).
Turn on 2FA if it isn’t already.
Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
Report phishing to your email provider and to the FTC
