Working independently, you’re managing a lot of information on your own, which can be daunting. As your trusted partner in freelancing, our team of experts at Malt wanted to go over a few key best practices when it comes to cybersecurity. We're here to help keep our entire community safe, one freelancer at a time.
In this article, we will:
- Review the most common forms of cybersecurity attacks and threats
- Explain how these threats can affect your independent business
- Give you easy pointers in order to better protect yourself and your clients’ data
Phishing attacks
At this point in our digital lives, we have all been the target of an attempted phishing attack at one point or another. You know what this looks like: the most common example is when you receive a strange email from someone whose email address is on "Gooogle" with a link asking you to enter your password. Another frequent technique is an email that looks like it came from your bank, asking you to confirm your credit card details.
Freelancers can be targets of phishing attacks when, after having accepted a project, they're asked to login to a fraudulent website - which then steals their credentials. Double check the URL at the address bar before entering your details and, whenever possible, keep your communication with your clients directly within Malt.
Phishing is linked to all sorts of scams, such as Ransomware, one of the biggest cyber threats in Europe. How can you protect yourself? Be absolutely scrupulous anytime you receive an email with a link to click, and follow these steps:
- Double check the sender's email address: are you sure it's legitimate?
- If the link asks you to confirm sensitive information, can you verify this request via a second channel (like logging into your bank's website in a new window and checking to see if you can find a trace of the request)?
- Hover over any links before clicking and check that the address is indeed what it claims to be
Malware
Malware attacks occur when you're enticed to download a file onto your device, which then immediately infects all of your files and sends the file to all your contacts as well. These kinds of attacks are famous for using an emotional appeal to trick you into clicking download - such as a love letter, chain letter, or other message appealing to your vulnerability.
Freelance developers can be targets of malware attacks, especially when receiving files of code to work with. This is why it's vital to carefully assess any file you receive for a new project, inspecting the client profile and email address scrupulously. If you have any doubt, you can always contact Malt's Customer Care team for any project on Malt that makes you think twice.
How can you protect yourself?
- Only download files from trusted sources
- Double check the email address before you click download - just like you would to verify for ordinary phishing attacks.
CEO Scams and Client impersonations
Have you ever received an urgent message from a major decision maker at one of your clients, asking you to transfer either money or data urgently? The message will usually convey a sense of urgency, asking you to complete an unusual task immediately.
This kind of scam is typically referred to as a CEO Scam, but it doesn't only involve CEOs. Any of your collaborators could be used in an impersonation attack, where the hacker will try to steal funds or data from you by pretending to be someone you trust in need of urgent help.
On certain marketplace platforms, Malt included, scammers will occasionally create fake client accounts in order to trick you. They may send you a link to connect outside the platform - and the link may contain a compromised file to download, or ask you to confirm your bank details outside of Malt. When dealing with a client on Malt, always keep all of your communication within the platform - this is the best way to ensure your details and devices remain secure.
How can you protect yourself against these kinds of scams?
- If you receive an urgent message from a trusted collaborator that seems unusual, verify via a second channel before completing the task
- When dealing on a marketplace platform such as Malt, always keep all communications with the client within the platform
Password breaches
Maintaining a secure and unique password for all of the online services you use can be an incredibly cumbersome task, but it's vital! By using the same password on multiple websites, you're putting yourself at a huge risk, especially for all of those inactive accounts we sign up for once and then forget about. More frequently than you realize, hackers can gain access to databases of username and password matches for various websites. They can then test them around the web to try to collect a significant amount of your data to either steal from you, impersonate you, or utilize resources you may have such as cloud storage accounts, financial services, subscription platforms, or even computing power for cryptomining or launching further cyberattacks.
So how can you play it safe? We recommend using a password manager (like 1Password, Dashlane or Keeper), and abiding by the following guidelines for each and every password you create:
- Minimum of 12 alphanumeric characters
- At least one special character
- Must not contain your name, first name, or date of birth
- Has not been used previously on other accounts or websites.
Secure wi-fi
As a Freelancer, you're often on the move - working from wherever you please. You should know, however, that free wifi in public places is not always a safe way to work, and may put your data at risk.
It is best to connect via a secure wifi network, like in your home or in a trusted co-working space. If you are out and about, the best option to get online for work is usually via a hotspot connection on your phone, or by using a secure VPN - while using a secure password that fits the criteria above.
Wrapping up
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental part of running a successful freelancing business. From phishing attacks to malware, impersonation scams to password breaches, freelancers face numerous digital threats. Falling victim to any of these scams can potentially compromise your work, finances or your reputation. By implementing the best practices outlined above, you can significantly reduce your risk and safeguard your and your clients’ data.
Always verify the legitimacy of emails and requests, use strong and unique passwords with a password manager, and be cautious when working on public Wi-Fi. A few simple habits—like double-checking senders, avoiding suspicious downloads, and enabling multi-factor authentication—can go a long way in keeping you and your clients safe.
At Malt, we’re committed to supporting freelancers not only in finding great projects but also in maintaining a secure and trustworthy digital presence. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and by taking these precautions, you’re helping to build a safer community for all independent professionals.
Keep an eye on our blog for more expert tips and resources to protect your freelance career in 2025 and beyond.
