When you use the internet, you may be connected to thousands of other computers that you exchange information and data with, including personal details. It is important to make sure your device, your information and your privacy are as secure as possible. Some simple precautions will keep you safe online.
Here are the Top 10 Internet safety recommendations to follow to help you avoid getting into trouble online (and offline).
1. Keep Personal Information Professional and Limited
Don’t give out very sensitive information to millions of people online just as you wouldn’t give it out to a single stranger. They don’t need to know about your personal relationship status, home address, expertise and professional background, and how to get in touch with you.
2. Keep Your Privacy Settings On
Both marketers and hackers want to know everything about you. Both can benefit greatly from your online activity and social media use. However, you have control over your information. You may adjust your web browser and mobile settings to protect your privacy online. Popular websites also have privacy-enhancing settings. Because businesses need your personal information for marketing purposes, these settings might occasionally be (intentionally) difficult to locate. Ensure that you have enabled these privacy protections.
3. Practice Safe Browsing
Visit only legitimate and trusted websites for safe and secure browsing. Use discretion and follow safe practices to download files or software from the internet as well as accessing online services using personal information.
4. Make Sure Your Internet Connection is Secure
You must use a secure internet connection to increase your online safety by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), securing your home wireless network, using a cellular network and by protecting yourself on Public WiFi.
5. Be Careful with What You Download
Cybercriminals’ main objective is to mislead you into installing malicious software, which includes apps or programmes that spread malware in an attempt to steal data. This virus might appear to be an app that checks the traffic or the weather, a popular game, or both. Avoid downloading programmes that seem dubious or originate from unreliable websites.
6. Use Strong Passwords
Passwords are one of the biggest weak spots in the whole Internet security structure, but there’s currently no way around them. Choose secure passwords that are challenging for attackers to crack. You may manage several passwords with password manager software so that you don’t forget them. A strong password consists of at least 15 characters, a combination of upper & lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
7. Make Online Purchases From Secure Sites
When shopping online, make sure you only do it on safe sites, which you can identify by checking at the URL. Secure websites will have URLs that begin with https:// (rather than http://). The padlock icon in the address bar of your browser should be closed. You may view the site’s security details by clicking or double-clicking on the lock. You’ll be able to discover, for example, if the site has a valid certificate and who registered it. If there is a warning concerning the site’s certificate, do not buy from it!
8. Be Careful What You Post
There is no delete button on the Internet. Any comment or image you upload online may remain online indefinitely since deleting the original does not erase any copies produced by others. There is no way to “take back” a statement you regret making, or to delete that awkward selfie you snapped at a party.
9. Be Careful Who You Meet Online
People you meet on the internet are not always who they say they are. They might not even be real. Be just as cautious and sensible in your online social life as you are in your offline social life.
10. Keep Your Antivirus Up To Date
Internet security software cannot protect against every threat, but it can detect and remove most of malware. Keep your operating system’s and applications up to date. They provide a vital layer of security.
