Published on: 2026-09-03
Source: Moscow Government – Правительство Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Internet users face attacks by scammers, malware, and account hacking attempts every day. Experts of the project “Call me back yourself” remind that using protection in the digital space is not a privilege, but a basic necessity.
“As practice shows, most cyberattacks can be prevented by following simple digital hygiene rules: using unique complex passwords and two-factor authentication, being careful about which links you click on, checking website addresses, and not opening suspicious attachments. These simple actions reduce the risks of financial and reputational losses. We also recommend paying attention to security certificates. Domestic certificates are created with consideration of working on Russian infrastructure, so they not only correctly encrypt data but also guarantee that you are on the original site, not its phishing duplicate. This is especially relevant for online banking and government portals: using a Russian certificate minimizes the risk of both data interception and incorrect page display, which can be caused by technical limitations of foreign counterparts,” said Valentina Shilina, project manager of “Call Yourself Back” in the capital Department of Information Technology.
The foundation of security is reliable authentication. It is necessary to create unique and complex passwords for each service — at least 12 characters long, including letters, digits, and special symbols. Two-factor authentication, for example, in the form of a code from an SMS or an authenticator app, can stop attackers even if the password has become known to them.
Regularly updating the operating system and software on every device is a matter not only of functionality but also of security. Developers constantly release patches to close discovered vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. Installing antivirus software is a mandatory protection measure, as it warns of access to phishing pages and prevents the download of malicious files.
Experts from the “Call Back Yourself” project remind that user cybersecurity largely depends on their vigilance. For instance, before entering personal data, one should always check the address bar. A secure connection is indicated by the https protocol and a lock icon. Fraudsters often create duplicate websites that may differ from the original by just one letter.
An important element of digital hygiene when working with online banks and government services is the use of Russian security certificates. They encrypt transmitted data and confirm that the person is connecting to an official resource. For a secure connection, it is enough to use the “Yandex browser” or install the certificates of the Russian Ministry of Digital Development on your device. A detailed instruction, as well as links to download the certificates and the browser, are available at special page portal mos.ru.
Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders in emails, messages, and social networks — this is a classic method for spreading viruses and phishing attacks. You should only install programs and applications from official stores or developers’ websites.
Extra caution should be exercised when making online payments. Experts from the “Call Back Yourself” project recommend avoiding the use of debit cards on the internet, preferring virtual wallets or credit cards that provide additional protection against direct access to the user’s accounts. Furthermore, card data should not be saved on websites.
Information project “Call me back yourself” created in 2022 by the Government of Moscow together with the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation for the city of Moscow. It helps residents of the capital protect themselves and their loved ones from telephone and internet fraud. The project’s website contains memos and expert recommendations, a schedule of in-person and online events, recordings past webinars, which are also available on the social network page “VKontakte” and on Rutube channel.
The main components of the “Call Back Yourself” project are simple and clear expert advice, relevant case studies, and a convenient format. Events analyze real stories of victims, highlight scammers’ tactics, and also explain how to behave correctly in such situations.
In addition, a law has come into effect providing criminal liability for droppers — individuals who provide their bank cards or electronic wallets for transferring illegal funds.
A new season of the all-Russian educational project is being implemented “Digital Literacy Campaign”, dedicated to the topic of telephone fraud. Participants will learn how to recognize the manipulations of scammers, properly respond to alarming calls, and protect personal data.
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 details about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
Get the latest main news promptly through the official Moscow city channels on messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.