Skip to Main Content

February 2026

Seven Cyber Sins to Avoid: Stay Safe from Scams and Traps

Click, scroll, and navigate the digital world confidently by recognizing the seven cyber sins and learning how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Summary

  • Safer Internet Day 2026, observed in February, promotes digital safety and offers an opportunity to explore common cyber risks we all face.
  • This year, our team is seeing seven cyber sins: cryptocurrency scams, subscription traps, IoT device vulnerabilities, fake tech support, social media scams, account takeover attempts, and employment scams as pitfalls to avoid.
  • Implementing practical cybersecurity tips like verifying offers, using strong passwords, monitoring accounts, limiting data sharing, and educating vulnerable populations like kids, teens, and seniors is crucial to your digital security.

Together for a better internet”

February 10 marks Safer Internet Day 2026. This impactful global initiative is dedicated to creating a safer internet and ensuring that everyone—from kids to seniors—has the tools they need to use online technology responsibly and navigate it safely. Risks posed by emerging technologies like generative AI and increasingly sophisticated online scams are unfortunately part of our digital world. But nobody’s suggesting becoming a Luddite and turning off your computer for good. Instead, Safer Internet Day is an opportunity to equip yourself and your family with the right knowledge, tools, and insurance to confidently navigate the digital world.

The theme of this year’s Safer Internet Day, "Together for a Better Internet," emphasizes how we can all work together to create a safer, more secure internet. Let’s “scroll down” and “click through” common risks you might encounter in your daily life online.

Our team is paying close attention to these “seven cyber sins”:

1. Cryptocurrency scams:

As interest in cryptocurrencies grows, scams involving fake investment opportunities, fraudulent exchanges, and counterfeit wallet apps have become more prevalent.

A common crypto scam involves scammers contacting the target, posing as a “fraud investigator,” and asking them to withdraw funds from a specific “crypto kiosk.” This particular scheme has resulted in more than $333 million in reported losses in 2025 alone.

How to protect yourself: Always be cautious of unsolicited cryptocurrency offers or requests for private keys, guarantees of overly optimistic results or returns, and online dates recommending crypto investments, according to the FBI. Additionally, be wary of any demands for upfront funds. No legitimate business is going to demand a payment of cryptocurrency up front.

2. Subscription traps:

Fake free trials or low-cost subscriptions that automatically renew at high rates without clear disclosure are increasingly common.

How to protect yourself: Always read the terms of an agreement carefully before signing up. If you don’t understand them or if the offer sounds too good to be true, don’t sign up at all. Also, regularly check your credit card statements for any recurring charges.

3. Secure use of smart devices and IoT:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is all around us—from wearable devices like smart watches to your smart fridge. While these devices may offer greater ease and broader technology integration, they could also pose risks.

How to protect yourself: Protect your connected home devices, such as smart speakers and cameras, from hacking and privacy breaches by:

  • Using strong passwords
  • Keeping firmware and software updated
  • Enabling encryption
  • Segmenting your networks and connecting IoT devices only to a specific named network
  • Limiting data collection by IoT devices to protect your information
  • Monitoring your devices’ activities
  • Securely disposing of devices by resetting them to factory settings before discarding

4. Fake tech support:

Scammers often impersonate tech companies or even the FTC, claiming that your device is infected or compromised, and then try to charge you for unnecessary or fake services.

How to protect yourself: Do not withdraw, deposit, or transfer money to “protect it.” Always call a company directly rather than relying on an email message about updating your tech support. And avoid giving out your cell phone number.

5. Social media scams:

Fraudsters use social media platforms to impersonate friends or trusted brands, send malicious links, or promote fake giveaways and contests.

How to protect yourself: Limit who can see your posts on social media to your friends and family. If a social media contact asks for funding, call them rather than replying on social media. Proceed cautiously in online relationships and when purchasing from unknown or new social media brands.

6. Account takeover attempts:

Scammers try to gain control of your online accounts by stealing passwords or using personal information. They may then use those accounts to commit fraud or spread more scams.

How to protect yourself: Be aware of what you are sharing online—things like your school or pet’s name should stay private. Regularly monitor your bank accounts, use strong passwords, bookmark bank login sites to avoid mistakenly visiting a “fake” site, and opt to call banks and companies directly rather than responding to calls you receive.

7. Employment scams (fake job interviews):

Scammers pose as recruiters or companies offering job opportunities and often conduct fake interviews to collect personal information or request upfront payments for training or equipment.

How to protect yourself: Verify the legitimacy of the employer, research typical salary ranges, never pay any fees for a potential job, and share minimal personal or sensitive information during the interview process.


From chatting with tech support to using social media, there are ways you may better secure your devices and protect yourself and your loved ones. And there’s no better time to do so than right now.
 

Cyber safety tips

  • Kids, teens, and seniors are often more vulnerable to scams and risks found online today.
  • Help your family and loved ones stay safe by making sure they understand basic digital hygiene—like what information is safe to share about their life online and how to create strong passwords.
  • Use privacy controls for kids and teens as an added layer of protection—think of them as “online training wheels.”
  • Most importantly, create a family culture where everyone feels comfortable asking for help or trusting their gut if something seems too good to be true or just feels off.
  • Explore more tips tailored to kids, teens and seniors to keep them safer online.

Your cybersecurity crew

As we’ve covered, there are many potential risks—from scams to account takeover attempts—online. However, with awareness and proactive security measures, you may navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence and ease. If you’d like help creating a proactive plan, our team is here to help. We are dedicated to helping you safeguard your online presence by providing guidance and resources tailored to your unique cybersecurity concerns.

Whether you have questions or want to learn more about how our services could protect you from cyber threats, scams, and emerging risks—including those related to generative AI—we are here to help you build a secure digital world. “Together for a better internet.”

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime. Your cybersecurity is our priority.

Request an insurance review with an experienced Personal Risk Advisor to ensure you're adequately insured for whatever life may bring.

Contributor

Placeholder Image

Tammy M Stephens

Cyber Risk Specialist and Client Relationship Management