Published on: 2026-09-14
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The number of cyber threats is growing, scammers are actively devising new deception schemes, so it is important not to forget the basic but critically important rules of digital hygiene. Experts from the project “Call me back yourself” They told about simple habits that will help users. In particular, to ensure secure access to important internet resources, it is necessary to use domestic security certificates or turn to the “Yandex Browser,” where certificates work automatically.
“Modern scammers collect information about users from open sources and social networks, analyze their fears and what they react to most strongly. Scammers build a scenario that will look absolutely plausible. That is why we always emphasize: no matter how new the deception schemes are, the simplest and most reliable rule remains unchanged — verify information yourself, call back official organization numbers. It is important to remember that for safe work with government resources, domestic certificates must be used. They encrypt traffic, protect personal data, and prevent access to phishing sites. Such certificates guarantee a stable connection to Russian portals. The simplest way to protect yourself is to install the ‘Yandex browser’ (all settings are configured automatically) or manually download the Ministry of Digital Development’s certificates,” noted Valentina Shilina, head of the ‘Call Back Yourself’ project in the capital
One of the main expert recommendations is to regularly update software not only on the computer but also on the phone, router, and other devices. This even applies to gadgets that a person has not used for a long time: they can be vulnerable to attacks. Updates almost always help to solve this problem. It is necessary to remember that they must only be installed from trusted sources — built-in systems or official app stores.
Domestic security certificates create an encrypted communication channel between the user and the server, protecting data and helping to distinguish a genuine site from a fraudulent one. They also ensure a stable and correct encrypted connection, reducing the risk of transitioning to a dangerous resource. Detailed instructions, as well as links to download the certificates and the “Yandex Browser,” are available at on the special page of the mos.ru portal.
Experts pay special attention to the need to always check the website address in the browser’s address bar before entering personal or payment information. Fraudsters increasingly create duplicate pages of well-known brands, banks, and marketplaces, which are visually almost indistinguishable from the real ones. A secure connection should start with the protocol https://, and the domain name must exactly match the official website of the organization. Any, even minor, distortion in the name is a clear sign of fraud. The padlock icon (HTTPS protocol) in the address bar indicates a secure connection. It is also important not to follow links from suspicious messages, social networks, or advertisements.
A popular method of paying for goods and services through QR codes has also become a new target for scammers. First, you need to assess the placement of the code and make sure it is not stuck over another one — this is a common trick. It is better to use a reliable app from an official store for scanning, which shows the URL before proceeding. Then carefully examine the address in the pop-up notification: the domain must correspond to the company’s website. If the link seems suspicious or leads to an unfamiliar resource, it’s better not to take the risk. When paying this way, experts recommend using only official banking apps with built-in scanners that verify the recipient’s details and provide a secure connection.
One of the key elements of account protection is also the use of unique complex passwords for each resource and enabling two-factor authentication. Gaining access to accounts in messengers, social networks, and official resources often becomes the starting point for fraudulent schemes. To avoid remembering dozens of combinations, experts recommend using password managers — programs that securely store data protected by a single master key.
Learn more about methods of personal data protection on the internet in the material on the website of the “Call Back Yourself” project.
Information online project “Call me back yourself” created in 2022 by the Moscow Government together with the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow. It helps the residents of the capital protect themselves and their loved ones from phone and internet fraud. The project’s website contains information about upcoming in-person and online events, expert memos and recommendations are available, as well as recordings of past events webinars and other useful materials. For user convenience, lecture recordings can be watched on the project website, as well as on the social network page VK and in on the Rutube channel.
The main components of the “Call Back Yourself” project are simple and clear expert advice, relevant stories, and a convenient format. The events analyze real stories of victims, draw attention to the techniques of scammers, and also explain how to behave correctly in such situations.
The creation and maintenance of information security tools, as well as combating cyber fraud, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. More information about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
The mos.ru portal is the core of the capital’s digital ecosystem. Today, it hosts over 460 services and tools that help solve almost any issue online. In a convenient digital format, you can pay bills, check your child’s grades and schedule at school, submit meter readings, book a vet appointment for your pet, buy tickets for performances and concerts, and much more. To have reliable access to important digital services, experts recommend using the “Yandex Browser” or installing it on your device. certificates of the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia.
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Please note; This information is raw content received directly from the information source. It represents an accurate account of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.