Episode 17: Cybersecurity Myth #7 — “If a message looks like it’s from a contact, it’s safe”
Welcome to another episode of FamilyCyber.ie — where we share simple digital safety habits and online privacy tips for those of us who want to make life harder for the digital Voldemorts out there.
🟢 This episode is based on the original Spanish version of CiberseguridadParaFamilias.com. It’s been translated using AI so more people can access these tips in English.
We continue our Cybersecurity Myths series, and today we’re tackling a dangerous misconception:
❌ Myth #7: “If a message looks like it’s from a contact, it’s safe.”
Many people trust emails, WhatsApp messages, or SMS texts simply because they appear to come from someone they know. But today, cybercriminals can easily impersonate others.
🔎 Why is this a myth?
Thanks to techniques like phishing and spoofing, attackers can fake email addresses, phone numbers, or even social media accounts to make messages look like they’re from someone you trust.
📌 Real-life example
You receive an email from what looks like your bank, asking you to update your password. But in reality, it’s a fake link designed to steal your information.
Or worse: Someone pretends to be a family member on WhatsApp, claiming they have an emergency and urgently need money.
💡 Lesson: Don’t trust the sender alone. Always verify before acting.
🔒 How to protect yourself
✔ Don’t click on suspicious links. If a message claims to be from your bank or a service, go directly to the official website instead of using the link in the message.
✔ Confirm through another channel. If a friend or family member asks for something unusual, call them before responding.
✔ Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts to reduce the risk of account takeovers.
📌 Practical analogy
Imagine someone knocks on your door claiming to be from the electric company. Before letting them in, you’d ask for an ID — maybe even call the company to confirm.
Apply the same caution in the digital world.
💡 Conclusion
Just because a message looks like it’s from someone you know doesn’t mean it’s safe.
✅ Think before you click. Verify before you trust.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with your family and friends. Together, we can stop the tricks of cybercriminals.
🚀 Don’t miss the next episode in our Cybersecurity Myths series!
📌 This has been another episode of FamilyCyber.ie — where we share simple digital safety habits and online privacy tips for those of us who want to make life harder for the digital Voldemorts out there.