Not only bullets and bullets are killed. A smartphone or computer hacked by Russian hackers is also a murder weapon with only a delayed effect. Usually on the eve of Russian hackers, and on holidays – exacerbation. They use these periods to intensify cyber attacks. Not only government agencies and critical infrastructure are at risk.

Many cyber attacks target ordinary users. They are also targets of Russian hackers, because during the war any Ukrainian could potentially be an entry point for hackers in the country’s information infrastructure. Also, during the holidays, ordinary cybercriminals become more active whose purpose is to steal money, gain access to accounts and blackmail users.

The State Special Communications Service has prepared a list of measures to be taken as soon as possible to protect against cyber attacks.

1. Change the password for all important services – in mail, messaging, on your smartphone. Do it now. There must be a separate password to log into each service and mailbox
2. Check your browser security settings (Google Chrome is Privacy & Security Settings) to see if your passwords have been compromised. Replace endangered ones immediately. Also change passwords identified as weak
3. Use a password generator. For example, cyberpolice.gov.ua/generate-password is available on the Cyberpolice website.
4. Get a separate email to leave for “for mails” and other messages. Do not use this email to register accounts on social networks and other sensitive services that contain private information.
5. Remove all hacked programs, especially from Russian sites, torrents, etc. If downloaded, uninstall it.
6. Set up two-factor authentication in messengers, mail and other services to know when someone will try to log into your account
7. Do not open messages from strangers, do not follow links, do not send links with calls to action from strangers (follow the link, download the file, provide a card number, phone, enter a password from the mail, etc.). )
8. Trust only verified sources – official websites of government agencies, local authorities, media and verified social media accounts (verified ones have a special blue tick next to the account name)
9. Do not open letters in the mail about sweepstakes, prizes, government assistance and other promises of something free.
10. The password on your accounts, phone, SIM card or bank card code is your personal secret. Don’t trust anyone, don’t store it on your smartphone (if you can’t remember – write it down on a piece of paper)
11. If possible, use physical account protection tools – qualified electronic signature (QES), passwordless authorization, etc. with safe environment. Ukrainian developers also have such solutions
12. Check on which devices your social networks, mail, messenger are working. This can be done in the security and privacy settings.
13. Install antivirus on your smartphone and computer. Scan the device. Right now. Don’t forget to update when asked
14. If possible, download the software update to your smartphone or computer as soon as it becomes available.
15. Close the loopholes for the enemy: remove the Russian software immediately. Download in ukrainian. This is not a whim, but a security issue, because Russian services collect information about Ukrainian users. What to replace: https://replace-ru-with-ua.com
16. Make a backup copy of the information that is important to you: documents on external media, photos, etc. Also, don’t forget to back up your smartphones.
17. Send this message to your family and friends
18. If you are attacked, report a cyberattack immediately:

• Cyberpolis – callcenter@cyberpolice.gov.ua
• CERT-UA Government Emergency Response Team – cert@cert.gov.ua