- Be suspicious of all unexpected messages. Even from familiar senders.
- Be extra suspicious if the unexpected message requests information. You should call the sender to verify.
- Be extra suspicious if the unexpected message requests that you click on a link. Go directly to the web site if you need to log in and verify something.
- Be extra suspicious of downloading attachments to an unexpected message. You should contact the sender to verify.
- Keep anti-malware and system patches up to date. The more layers of protection you have, the safer you are.
- Back up your data. Malware can destroy your data by either encrypting or deleting it.
- Use multi-factor authentication which requires the hacker to have something besides your password to access your account.