In today’s digital world, it’s easy to fall victim to phishing scams and fake news—I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.

But then there are those people, the ones who seem to glide through the online chaos without ever getting fooled.

They’re like digital ninjas, sidestepping every scam with ease.

What’s their secret? It’s not advanced tech skills or some magic anti-phishing trick.

It comes down to habits—specific behaviors that make them more aware and less vulnerable to digital trickery.

Here are 9 key behaviors these savvy users practice to steer clear of phishing and fake news:

1) They’re always on guard

In the world of digital communication, staying safe isn’t about having the latest antivirus software or an unbreakable password.

It’s about being vigilant.

Those who never fall for phishing emails or fake news are always on their toes. They’re not paranoid, but they maintain a healthy level of suspicion when it comes to online interactions.

You see, these digital ninjas understand that the online world is rife with tricksters. They know that every email, every news article, and every social media post could potentially harbor malicious intent.

And this understanding fuels their vigilance. They don’t take things at face value. Instead, they scrutinize the information presented to them, questioning its credibility and source before accepting it as truth.

In essence, their constant vigilance serves as their first line of defense against phishing emails and fake news.

2) They’re well-acquainted with the concept of “confirmation bias”

Ever heard of confirmation bias?

Well, if you haven’t, allow me to simplify it for you.

It’s a psychological phenomenon where people tend to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs or values, while ignoring or downplaying information that contradicts them.

Now, why is this important? Well, it’s simple.

Those who never fall for phishing emails or fake news are usually aware of this concept and consciously counteract it.

You see, the cunning creators of fake news and phishing emails often exploit confirmation bias.

They present false information in a way that aligns with people’s pre-existing beliefs and thus, makes it easier for them to accept it as true.

But the digital ninjas? They don’t let confirmation bias cloud their judgment. They critically assess every piece of information they encounter, even if it aligns with their beliefs.

They’re not afraid to question what they know or believe in the pursuit of truth. And this constant questioning helps them steer clear of the traps set by digital tricksters.

3) They’re open to being wrong

Linking to our previous point about confirmation bias, there’s another critical trait that people who never fall for phishing emails or fake news tend to exhibit—they’re open to the possibility of being wrong.

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive. After all, being wrong isn’t something we generally aspire to. But hear me out.

In the context of digital safety, being open to the possibility of being wrong means you’re willing to question the information you come across, even if it seems plausible or aligns with your existing beliefs.

This openness allows these digital ninjas to maintain a healthy skepticism towards all information they encounter online.

They’re not swayed by well-packaged lies or cunningly crafted emails because they’re always ready to consider that they might be wrong.

In short, their openness to being wrong serves as a protective shield against phishing emails and fake news.

It keeps them from accepting false information as truth and helps them stay safe in the treacherous landscape of the internet.

4) They’re not easily swayed by emotions

Ever found yourself sharing a news article on social media just because it triggered a strong emotional response in you?

Well, this is something that those who never fall for phishing emails or fake news tend to avoid.

You see, these digital ninjas understand that emotions can often cloud judgments and impede rational thinking, and the creators of fake news and phishing emails know this too.

They often craft their content in a way that triggers strong emotional responses, hoping that the readers will share or act on the information without questioning its authenticity.

But those who are immune to such tactics don’t let their emotions get the better of them. They don’t impulsively share or act on information just because it made them feel a certain way.

Instead, they take a step back, cool down, and then critically assess the information. They ask questions like: “Is this credible? Is this source trustworthy?”

By not allowing emotions to dictate their actions, these individuals significantly reduce their likelihood of falling for fake news or phishing emails.

So, the next time you find yourself reacting strongly to a piece of online content, take a moment to reflect.

Are you allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment? If not, then you’re displaying another key behavior of those who never fall for digital scams.

5) They’re constantly updating their digital literacy

Digital literacy is not a one-time-learned, life-long skill. It’s an ongoing process.

Especially in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, those who never fall for phishing emails or fake news understand the importance of staying up-to-date.

They’re always learning, always adapting by: 

• Regularly educating themselves about the latest online scams
• Staying informed about the new tactics used by digital tricksters
• Continually updating their knowledge on how to identify credible sources

That’s why they’re always one step ahead of those who would try to deceive them.

6) They’re patient

Patience—it’s not just a virtue in life, but also a crucial trait for navigating the tricky digital landscape.

I’ve noticed that those who never fall for phishing emails or fake news tend to exhibit a high level of patience.

They don’t rush through emails or skim through news articles.

Instead, they take their time.

They read through content carefully, they double-check the sources, and they think before they act.

Because let’s face it, in the online world, haste often leads to mistakes, and these mistakes can be costly.

7) They’re not influenced by the crowd

Picture this: You log onto your social media account and see a news article being shared by multiple friends.

The headline is shocking, and everyone seems to be talking about it. Do you instantly believe it because everyone else does?

Those who never fall for phishing emails or fake news don’t.

They understand that just because information is widespread doesn’t make it true. They’re not swayed by the majority. They don’t fall into the trap of “if everyone believes it, it must be true”.

Instead, they take the time to independently verify the information.

They don’t let the number of shares or likes influence their judgment.

8) They’re cautious with their personal information

Being cautious with personal information is paramount in the digital world. I learned this the hard way.

A few years ago, I received an email that seemed to be from my bank, asking me to update my personal details due to a security breach.

Without thinking, I clicked on the link and entered my information.

A day later, I discovered it was a phishing scam. Luckily, I was able to rectify the situation quickly, but the experience was a wake-up call.

People who never fall for phishing emails or fake news are incredibly cautious with their personal information. They understand that in the digital world, information is currency.

They don’t casually click on links in emails or fill out forms with sensitive information without verifying the credibility of the source.

They know that it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to their personal information.

9) They understand the reality of the digital world

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, people who never fall for phishing emails or fake news have a grounded understanding of the digital world.

They know that not everything they see online is true. They understand that the digital landscape is filled with both credible information and deceitful traps.

They’re aware that there are individuals and organizations out there that profit from spreading false information or stealing personal data.

This understanding shapes their interaction with the digital world. It makes them more cautious, more critical, and less likely to fall for scams.

Are you ready to become a digital ninja?

By now, you’ve likely recognized some of your own habits in these nine traits.

But are you ready to take it further?

Becoming a true digital ninja, immune to phishing emails and fake news, takes time—practice, patience, and persistence.

To boost your digital safety, try these extra steps:

• Attend online safety workshops or webinars.
• Bookmark trustworthy news sources.
• Use browser extensions to spot phishing emails and fake news.

The digital world is full of both opportunities and risks. With the right habits, you can navigate it confidently.

So, ask yourself: Are you ready to embrace these behaviors and become a digital ninja?

The choice is yours!