Carnival safely online and offline: check out essential tips to protect yourself!
Carnival is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year, bringing together thousands of people on the streets and at events throughout Brazil.
However, while revelers are enjoying the festivities, cybercriminals take advantage of the high level of exposure, both online and offline, to carry out cyber scams.
To enjoy a hassle and headache free Carnival, it's important to be extra cautious in the digital environment. Fraud can occur in a variety of ways, but adopting good security practices lowers the risks and makes sure that the focus remains on having fun.
Would you like to know how to protect yourself and celebrate with peace of mind? Check out our top tips!
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks
Many cybercriminals exploit open internet networks to take advantage of the significant activity during Carnival. Public Wi-Fi networks, for example, are frequent targets of cyberattacks, allowing criminals to intercept transmitted data and access sensitive information.
To avoid this type of scam, choose to use mobile networks or VPNs when you need to access the internet in public places. Also, disable your device's automatic connection setting and avoid conducting financial transactions on unknown networks. Taking simple security measures ensures that you can enjoy the festivities without any mishaps!
Contactless payments: use them safely
With the rise in popularity of contactless payments, scammers have a tendency to exploit this technology, especially during events that attract large crowds like Carnival. For example, criminals may use contactless card readers to improperly charge amounts of money without the victim realizing it.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to disable this feature. If you prefer to continue using the contactless payment option, you should set low limits for transactions that do not require a password, activate card usage notifications, and use secure digital wallets. Also, whenever possible, make sure that there is an additional authentication requirement enabled for any transaction, such as biometrics or password.
Avoid overexposure on social networks
Posting your location in real time and sharing personal records can make it easier to social engineering scams. Criminals can use this information to manipulate victims and obtain sensitive data.
To minimize risks, try not to share details about accommodations, itineraries, and personal documents. Also, set up your profile with privacy restrictions to prevent unauthorized access and reduce exposure to digital scams.
Keep an eye out for suspicious messages and malicious links
With the increase in online interactions during Carnival, criminals take this opportunity to spread scams through fraudulent messages. Malicious links, deceptive offers and fake apps are just a few of the traps used to steal data and access devices.
To avoid falling for any scams, be cautious of promotions that seem too good to be true and always check the origin of communications. Also, keep your messaging app's operating system up-to-date and use 2-factor authentication, as these are effective steps to bolster digital security.
Protect your devices against loss or theft
Losing your cell phone during Carnival can cause difficulties in addition to material loss. Criminals can use your device to access private information, social media networks and even to carry out unauthorized transactions.
To stay safe, activate automatic screen locks after a few seconds of inactivity and invest in anti-theft items such as wrist straps or neck lanyards. Also, use tracking apps that are able to lock your device from a distance and keep an up-to-date backup of your data to make it easier to recover the information.
Beware of fake apps
During Carnival, many revelers download apps to follow the schedule of street parades, buy tickets or even locate friends in the crowd. However, criminals take advantage of this demand to distribute fake versions of popular apps designed to steal personal data.
So before downloading any app, make sure it's official. Check out reviews from other users, and avoid installing files from unknown sources. Also, try to keep your device updated and use an antivirus to lower risks of cyberattacks.
Digital security: an essential precaution for festivities
Digital protection should be taken just as seriously as choosing a costume and planning which street parties to attend. Preventive measures make all the difference to avoid problems and ensure that Carnival is enjoyable and trouble-free.
By just being a bit more careful in the digital environment, you can enjoy every moment of Carnival without worries. Ensuring online security during the festivities prevents the fun from turning into a hassle once the party ends.
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