Digital security: using online platforms consciously

One of the most widespread attacks consists of stealing usernames and passwords through emails, text messages, or seemingly trustworthy communications.

Once access to an account is gained, cybercriminals may also attempt to log into other services using the same credentials, compromising the victim's entire digital identity.

To reduce this risk, it is essential to:

• Use different passwords for every service;
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA);
• Never share credentials or temporary security codes;
• Use reliable password managers.

Digital scams often exploit urgency, fear, or financial convenience to prompt people into making impulsive decisions.

A very common example involves online bookings: fake listings, payment requests off-platform, or communications mimicking official services can lead to financial losses and the theft of banking details.

Warning signs to pay attention to include:

• Offers that seem too good to be true;
• Urgent payment requests;
• Unsolicited links received via email or text;
• Grammatical errors or suspicious web addresses;
• Requests to re-enter payment information.

Before proceeding with any transaction, it is always best to carefully verify the source and ensure that the site uses secure HTTPS connections.

Many online services allow you to automatically save credit cards and payment methods. While convenient, this can increase risk if an account is compromised.

Best practices include using:

• Virtual or prepaid cards dedicated exclusively to online purchases;
• Limited balances on cards used for digital payments;
• Real-time banking notification alerts;
• Regular reviews of account transactions.

The majority of cyber attacks do not exploit highly sophisticated technical vulnerabilities, but rather distracted or impulsive behavior.

Cybercriminals primarily rely on user trust by impersonating official communications to trick individuals into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.

For this reason, it is important to:

• Pause for a few seconds before clicking;
• Always verify the sender and URL;
• Be suspicious of communications that create a sense of urgency;
• Report any suspicious messages to the university IT desk or cybersecurity services.

Protecting digital services and data depends not only on the security technology deployed, but also on the everyday actions of each individual.

Exercising greater caution when using online platforms helps safeguard not only your personal accounts, but also the entire university community.

Adopting more conscious digital habits makes the online environment safer, more reliable, and more resilient for everyone.