Week 2: Cyber resolutions for 2025

14.01.2025 - Now that you have made your New Year's resolutions for 2025, we are happy to add a few tips to help you get through the year in good shape from a cybersecurity perspective. In many cases, following a few basic principles will protect you from phishing attempts and other forms of fraud.

Keeping your devices in shape

In your home or business, you probably have a lot of electronic devices – PCs, laptops, mobile phones, tablets – that all run some kind of operating system. What you might not realise is that other devices such as internet routers, smart TVs, security cameras and more also have operating systems.

Operating system updates for PCs, laptops and mobile devices are usually downloaded and installed automatically. To be on the safe side, check that your settings are configured to automatically download updates for your operating systems and any applications and programs you have installed.

If you cannot or do not want to run automatic updates, you should make it a habit to run updates manually on a regular basis. Microsoft Windows, for example, calls this Patch Tuesday. For more information, see our Weekly Review 20/2024.

Updating your router is often a bit more complicated. If your router is managed by your provider (which is usually the case), they are responsible for updating it. If you are responsible for keeping it up to date, it is worth checking the management interface for updates.

IP cameras and other devices also need to be kept up to date, especially if they can be accessed via the internet. If you do not need to access the device over the internet, disable internet access or protect yourself with a VPN.

Dos and don'ts

Cybersecurity is not just about using the right technology. You can avoid a lot of trouble by being careful. Based on the most common scam reports we receive, we recommend the following:

Do not click on links in unsolicited or suspicious-looking emails or text messages. This is especially important if the message is threatening or claims to be urgent;
Be careful when buying or selling through classifieds websites. As a general rule, always exchange goods for money.
Never give your credit card details to a buyer. They do not need them to send you money;
Never enter a TWINT code or your TWINT login details, or scan a QR code to receive money. If someone wants to TWINT you money, all they need is your phone number;
Use two-factor authentication or passwords for services and websites that offer them;
Use different passwords for different services. Ideally, you should use a password manager;
Take extra care to protect your email account. Read why this is important in our Weekly Review 11/2024.
The police will not call you in English or send you emails accusing you of crimes. The same applies to other authorities. If you get this type of call or message, ignore it;
You can safely ignore emails demanding that you transfer bitcoins because compromising footage of you has allegedly been captured by your webcam: Weekly Review 23/2024;
You will not win an iPhone or similar prize by entering supposed online competitions run on behalf of well-known companies. They usually lead to subscription traps instead;
Investment adverts that promise unrealistically high returns are usually scams. Weekly Review 27/2023.

What to do if something happens

Sometimes it is already too late – the damage has been done. What can you do now?

If you accidentally enter your password on a phishing site, make sure you change it immediately everywhere else you use it. Report the phishing URL to the NCSC's www.antiphishing.ch platform (if you would like a response to your report, please use the NCSC online reporting form instead);
If you have given credit card details, contact your bank immediately to block the card;
If you have been the victim of fraud and have suffered financial loss, or if you have been threatened or blackmailed, file a complaint with your cantonal police. In many cantons you can do this online. To find your nearest police station, visit the Suisse ePolice portal (available in German, French and Italian);
If you are not sure what to do, we can help you assess the situation and give you advice on how to proceed.

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