Staying secure in 2025: top tips for Safer Internet Day

Here, Alan Stephenson-Brown at managed network solutions specialists, Evolve, shares his top tips for staying safe and secure this Safer Internet Day.

Scammers continue to pose a significant threat in 2025, and the unfortunate truth is that law legal recourse for online scams, even when large sums of money are involved, is limited. We saw last year that phishing threats have become more sophisticated, with cyber criminals leveraging new methods such as ‘quishing’ and multi-channel attacks, leading to a rise in incidents reported to the ICO in the UK. 

The rise of free or low-cost generative AI tools also means scammers are better equipped than ever to carry out sophisticated scams. AI-generated video calls are hard to spot, and with just a few taps on an app, your voice or the voices of people you love can be imitated convincingly.

Protecting yourself and others from online scams in 2025 requires proactive measures:

• Be wary of unsolicited messages: fraudsters often lure victims through random messages or “accidental” texts to spark a conversation. Avoid engaging with unknown contacts and never click on unfamiliar links. Always double-check unexpected messages to ensure they’re legitimate before responding.
• Protect your personal data: share as little personal information as possible online, especially on social media. Regularly review your privacy settings to control who can access your details. Remember, scammers can piece together information to craft targeted attacks, so think twice before sharing.
• Strengthen your defences with unique passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): use robust passwords incorporating letters, numbers, and symbols, and never reuse them across multiple accounts. A trusted password manager can help you stay organised. Activate MFA wherever available to add an extra layer of protection.
• Stay ahead by learning about new and common scams: keeping up-to-date with the latest fraud tactics will sharpen your instincts. Spotting warning signs early is key. Share your knowledge to help others avoid falling prey to these traps.
• Confirm the validity of information or payment requests: be cautious of unsolicited demands for personal details or financial transactions. Scammers often impersonate reputable organisations to trick you. Always reach out to companies through official contact channels to verify the legitimacy of any requests.

By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams and contribute to a safer digital environment for yourself and others.

The first step to mitigating risk, is understanding it.