9
Seconds
for a
Safer
World
Cyber threats are everywhere. And getting sneakier. What can you do to protect yourself, your community and our nation? Take a 9 second pause and think before you click, download, share. A short pause goes a long way.
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If something seems off or too good to be true, it usually is. Trust your cyber senses. Protect yourself and others. Just Take9—pause for 9 seconds.
Science says: In stressful situations, wait 10 seconds before responding.
Marketing says: 9 seconds sounds more doable than 10 seconds, just like 99¢ sounds a whole lot cheaper than $1.00.
We believe 9 seconds ought to do it—not too long, not too hard, but time enough to make a better decision.
Check out a few other useful ways to avoid online scams. Just some things to think about while you’re taking that 9-second pause!
Use the same rules online as you would in the real world and do your shopping where it’s safe. If something seems too good to be true or feels shady, it probably is. Always check that the site’s URL is encrypted. Beware especially of phishing emails posing to be from trusted retailers.
When using public Wi-Fi, try to avoid shopping or typing sensitive information or logins. Bad actors could mimic a trusted source to capture your data. General web browsing is low risk, but anything sensitive sent over public Wi-Fi should wait until you get to a trusted network.
Keep an eye on what you buy. Check your bank statements and credit reports after buying items online. If you see something sketchy, report it immediately.
Debit? Forget it. Be a “credit” to your online security. Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards.
Worried your information is compromised? Consider a credit freeze. This prevents others from opening new credit accounts in your name. When in doubt, ice them out!
You can learn more about freezing your credit at any of these trusted sites: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.
Share this website with friends and family, especially those who aren’t so tech-savvy. Help them safely ring in the new year this holiday season.
Check out a few other useful ways to avoid online scams. Just some things to think about while you’re taking that 9-second pause!
Use the same rules online as you would in the real world and do your shopping where it’s safe. If something seems too good to be true or feels shady, it probably is. Always check that the site’s URL is encrypted. Beware especially of phishing emails posing to be from trusted retailers.
When using public Wi-Fi, try to avoid shopping or typing sensitive information or logins. Bad actors could mimic a trusted source to capture your data. General web browsing is low risk, but anything sensitive sent over public Wi-Fi should wait until you get to a trusted network.
Keep an eye on what you buy. Check your bank statements and credit reports after buying items online. If you see something sketchy, report it immediately.
Debit? Forget it. Be a “credit” to your online security. Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards.
Worried your information is compromised? Consider a credit freeze. This prevents others from opening new credit accounts in your name. When in doubt, ice them out!
You can learn more about freezing your credit at any of these trusted sites: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.
Share this website with friends and family, especially those who aren’t so tech-savvy. Help them safely ring in the new year this holiday season.
Take9 is partnering with groups to focus on citizen cyber education and literacy, the development of cyber tools, and cybersecurity workforce programs to protect America and safeguard our democracy.
Our partners include:Stay up to date to keep yourself, your community, and your country safe.
(Just remember to pause for 9 seconds—and Take9 before you sign!)
We take care so you can safely share.
