Cybersecurity: scam filter and cyberscore, new measures for 2023

In order to better protect Internet users from the dangers of the Internet, the Minister for Digital Affairs announced the implementation of several devices during 2023. An anti-scam filter to warn users when they are directed to a potentially fraudulent site and a cyberscore, modeled on the nutriscore, will be developed shortly.

In recent years, digital insecurity has been on the rise. In 2022, 15% of French people confessed to being the victim of a scam (UFC-Que Choisir Barometer).

Scamming filter

The purpose of this scam filter is to warn the user, on a computer or smartphone, when they go to a website that is considered fraudulent or dangerous. The user will then decide whether he still wants to continue on the site or reverse. The filter should work with a blacklist system that includes addresses known to be malicious sites (phishing, virus, ransomware, scam...). This list will be updated regularly, in particular with reports from Internet users.

This filter will be optional, the user can choose whether or not to activate it. If enabled, it will only work if the search leads to a blacklisted site.

The scam filter is being developed. It will be available in beta (test version) between September and October 2023, before being rolled out to the general public in 2024.

Cyberscore on the nutriscore model

The Minister for Digital Affairs also announced the launch of the cyberscore, on the same model as the nutriscore system for food products, for the 1^er October 2023. Websites and social networks will need to display a

official cyberscore

. It should take the form of a color-coded note (green to red) indicating to users the degree of security of the data hosted by the sites visited.

This cyberscore is provided for by the law of 3 March 2022 for the establishment of a cybersecurity certification of digital platforms intended for the general public.

Avoid common scams

To protect yourself from attacks and scams, here are some simple steps to take: 

• Password — To prevent hacking, consider creating complex passwords that contain uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Update your antivirus software and configure your computer's firewall.
• Only download apps from official publisher sites or stores.
• Never open links or e-mail attachments that you think are suspicious or from an unknown sender.
• Before making a purchase on the Internet, check that the site is reliable, look closely at the url address, consult the reviews and check the credibility of the offer.
• Never divulge your bank details.
• Never share sensitive information by email or phone.

In case of doubt, you can consult the website cyber malware.gouv.fr, Digital Threat Information Platform.