Don't get robbed

"Social engineering in practice." Same playbook, over and over. First the fix, next time the full story for those who like to read.

1. It really isn't normal for someone to ask you to download something to your PC or phone so they can "help you remotely."
2. Microsoft, a crypto exchange, the tax office, the post office, or anyone else will never ask for that. Really not. Maybe with the exception of your IT person. If anyone does — RAISE YOUR EYEBROWS and pull the handbrake.
3. Forget the other side's "good intentions". The fairy tale about the forgotten crypto-exchange account holding 0.5 Bitcoin sounds great, but hand on heart… Thank them and ask for contact through a different channel — ideally end the call right away. If it really is a legitimate request, someone will reach out again.
4. They'll pressure you. Don't give in, however tempting it gets.
5. ### PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE #### Please share this with your parents, older relatives, and friends so they don't fall for it. Talk to them about it!
6. Doesn't apply to me, I'm not stupid. It applies to all of us. Even my classmates from IT studies have fallen for it.
7. Everyone has a weak moment. If you've already messed up and the attacker is connected, try to shut down the PC as fast as possible (hold the power button for about 3–5 seconds).
8. Expect them to try again. Don't give in.

• Use a different password for each service
• Your phone PIN is not your year of birth
• Don't work under an account with admin privileges
• Update your computers — and a bunch of other basics I've already written about