Anyone who spends any amount of time online needs to know how to use the internet safely. While the world enjoys much stronger connection than ever before, the development has has created an environment where cybercriminals can thrive, stealing personal information, launching phishing scams, and committing fraud.
If you’re spending a lot of time online, whether for work or pleasure, you need to know the safety habits below.
Use Strong Passwords
Using the same password, or variations of it, for all your accounts can be very convenient, but this convenience comes at a cost. Using easy-to-remember passwords, like “1234”, “admin” or your name, is a massive security risk, as hackers will easily be able to get access to your accounts after just a couple of guesses.
Strong passwords will be at least 12 characters long and contain a mixture of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. It is best to avoid using your name or surname, birthday, address, or even the name of your pet. You should also never share your passwords with anyone, not even your family members.
Internet users should also endeavour to change their passwords regularly. Immediately change your password if you think it has been compromised or if you receive a notification that someone is trying to log into one of your accounts.
Some platforms allow you to create password hints in case you forget your password. Don’t make the hint too obvious so that anyone can guess it.
Managing various complicated passwords can be a challenge, which is why a password manager is a good idea. This software stores all your passwords in one secure place and can also help you create new, randomised passwords for all your accounts.
Protect Personal Information
Protecting your personal information is easy if you’re only accessing secure and encrypted sites. When loading a website, check the URL to make sure there’s a small padlock icon and “https://” in the URL (and not just “http://”). The “s” shows that the site is encrypted and that your data is protected.
You must also be aware of which personal information you’re sharing online. When you’re playing video games, use an alias and avoid sharing your name or location, even when you’re playing with a trusted team.
Stick To Secure And Trusted Payment Methods
When you’re shopping or gambling online, it is important to double-check that the platform is using a secure and trusted payment method. This reduces the risk of your financial information being stolen.
Stick to reputable services like credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers or trustworthy payment providers. If you’re gaming online, then Canadian casinos accepting Interac payments are good options. The platforms ensure fast and protected transfers between your bank account and the casino.
It’s also important that you never share your banking details over email or through unsecured websites. It’s your responsibility to keep an eye on your accounts to ensure there’s no unauthorised activity.
If you’re not sure about whether a platform is legit or not, first read reviews before you add any personal information.
Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication For Accounts
Most online accounts are set up to allow multi-factor authentication (MFA). This is an added layer of security when you log in, requiring both your password and either a one-time PIN sent to your phone or biometric information (like your fingerprint) to log you into your account.
If someone else gets access to your password, they still won’t be able to access your account without the second step of the login process.
Use A VPN When On Public WiFi
Public WiFi should never be trusted, as many people are using the same unsecured network to browse online. If you are in a situation where you have to use a public network, it is best to do so via a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN encrypts your data so that hackers can’t access it. It also hides your real IP address. It acts like an impenetrable tunnel through which your data flows, hiding it from eager eyes.
Use Updated Antivirus Software
Installing antivirus software on your devices is the first step, but once you have it installed, you can’t just sit back and relax. Software providers are constantly updating their products, fixing bugs and strengthening protection. If you get a pop-up from your antivirus software that says an update is ready to be installed, don’t select “Remind me later”. The update will only take a couple of minutes to complete, whereafter you will know that your computer is protected.
Antivirus software should be installed across all your devices, from your personal devices to those of your company. Many people store their bank card details on their phones or smartwatches, and these are all vulnerabilities which can be exploited. Keep all your software updated, from your phone’s operating system to your smartwatch’s apps, to make sure you always have the latest security features.
Back Up Data Regularly
Losing your data can be devastating. Data loss can happen because of a cyber attack, hardware glitch, or when you accidentally hit “Delete”. To protect your data and your files, always create a backup and make sure to back up your information regularly.
Using a hard drive is one way to do it manually, but these devices can be stolen or broken. Cloud storage services allow you to access your data from anywhere, and can be set to automatically sync as you work. Just make sure to use a strong password for your cloud storage account.
Set Social Media Privacy Settings
You probably use at least one social media platform. Even though social media is a part of daily life, these platforms also expose you to scammers and hackers. You can adjust your social media account settings to limit what the public can see and who can follow your accounts with your permission.
