Take care of your online security, take care of your Everyday Cyber

From the moment we get up to the moment we go to bed, a large part of our activity takes place online. We socialize, study, work, shop and use our devices for all kinds of tasks. However, sometimes we go so fast that we don't realize the possible risks that we can face in our daily lives.

That is why at Santander, year after year, we are committed to help customers, employees and society in general to have a safer online life and enjoy all the opportunities of the digital world.

If there is one thing we all have in common, even with a world-class tennis player like Rafa Nadal, it is our online life. Find out what habits you can practice on daily basis to protect yourself from online fraud.

Rafa’s everyday Cyber
Julia’s everyday cyber, a designer in good company


Be suspicious of emails that try to get your information


Phishing emails that try to trick you happen every day. Many of them have spelling mistakes, logos in a different color or messages that are difficult to understand... but many others are so well done that they require more attention. Follow these tips to detect them. Did you receive a suspicious email, SMS or message pretending to be from Banco Santander? Forward it to reportphishing@gruposantander.com and we will investigate it.


Also pay attention to suspicious SMS and instant messages


Smishing is a type of phishing via malicious SMS and instant messages that is being used by cybercriminals very frequently. These messages are often short and with an urgent tone. As with phishing, pay close attention and when in doubt, do not click on any links and contact immediately the person or company they claim to be. In the case of Santander, these messages can also be reported at reportphishing@gruposantander.com


Be cautious of unsolicited calls


Vishing is a tactic used by fraudsters to trick their victims through a phone call impersonating another person or company to get sensitive information or persuade them do something such as sharing a confirmation code (OTP) or making a payment. Cybercriminals can use urgency to get you to act faster and without thinking.

Pay special attention to unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, if you find it suspicious do not hesitate to hang up and contact the person (or company they say they are) directly by a trusted number.


Never share confirmation codes


These codes are the ones you usually receive when you are finalizing an online purchase or transaction, or in other words, when a system needs to verify your identity.

They normally consist in an SMS code that you must enter to continue the transaction. Never share confirmation codes, pins or passwords with anyone. At Santander, we will never ask you for them.


Be discreet online


Be aware of what you share on your social networks. Your information could be used by cybercriminals to gain your trust and make it easier for you to fall into their traps. Check the privacy and security settings of your platforms and apps to have control of who you are sharing your content with. 


Shop on trusted sites


Shopping online is already very common but doing it safely is key. The first thing you should do is verify that the website you are buying from is trustworthy, make sure it starts with HTTPS and has a closed padlock. This means that your data is encrypted before being sent. Also be vigilant of bargains and offers that are too good to be true. 


Always create strong and unique passwords


Passwords are part of our day-to-day lives and we need them constantly to access our profiles and accounts. The longer the password, the better. Use passphrases (password made of several words) as they’re easier to remember and harder to guess. Don’t forget to use unique passwords for each of your profiles or accounts.


Be suspicious of emails that try to get your information


Phishing emails that try to trick you happen every day. Many of them have spelling mistakes, logos in a different color or messages that are difficult to understand... but many others are so well done that they require more attention. Follow these tips to detect them. Did you receive a suspicious email, SMS or message pretending to be from Banco Santander? Forward it to reportphishing@gruposantander.com and we will investigate it.


Also pay attention to suspicious SMS and instant messages


Smishing is a type of phishing via malicious SMS and instant messages that is being used by cybercriminals very frequently. These messages are often short and with an urgent tone. As with phishing, pay close attention and when in doubt, do not click on any links and contact immediately the person or company they claim to be. In the case of Santander, these messages can also be reported at reportphishing@gruposantander.com


Be cautious of unsolicited calls


Vishing is a tactic used by fraudsters to trick their victims through a phone call impersonating another person or company to get sensitive information or persuade them do something such as sharing a confirmation code (OTP) or making a payment. Cybercriminals can use urgency to get you to act faster and without thinking.

Pay special attention to unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, if you find it suspicious do not hesitate to hang up and contact the person (or company they say they are) directly by a trusted number.


Never share confirmation codes


These codes are the ones you usually receive when you are finalizing an online purchase or transaction, or in other words, when a system needs to verify your identity.

They normally consist in an SMS code that you must enter to continue the transaction. Never share confirmation codes, pins or passwords with anyone. At Santander, we will never ask you for them.


Be discreet online


Be aware of what you share on your social networks. Your information could be used by cybercriminals to gain your trust and make it easier for you to fall into their traps. Check the privacy and security settings of your platforms and apps to have control of who you are sharing your content with. 


Shop on trusted sites


Shopping online is already very common but doing it safely is key. The first thing you should do is verify that the website you are buying from is trustworthy, make sure it starts with HTTPS and has a closed padlock. This means that your data is encrypted before being sent. Also be vigilant of bargains and offers that are too good to be true. 


Always create strong and unique passwords


Passwords are part of our day-to-day lives and we need them constantly to access our profiles and accounts. The longer the password, the better. Use passphrases (password made of several words) as they’re easier to remember and harder to guess. Don’t forget to use unique passwords for each of your profiles or accounts.

Listen to our podcast with Lisette Guittard, Global Head of Secure UX at Santander, to see how some simple habits can make your digital life more secure. Learn about phishing, passwords, biometrics, device protection and how to help children and teenagers to stay safe, especially with video games.