You may be familiar with the common adage, “There’s no such thing as privacy anymore.” A closer examination reveals that this may not be entirely true. Your privacy is all up to you!
Online privacy became complex due to the vast array of identity thieves and scammers that lurk in the digital world. Of course, we’ve all heard of big data breaches and government surveillance, but how do we prevent ourselves from being victims of these privacy breaches?
This post will provide you with seven of the most essential tips to help you stay safe online. Read on and start learning!
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1. Watch What You Share
Most social media platforms have privacy settings that allow you to control who sees your posts. Regardless, always be aware of what you are sharing online.
If you don’t want your boss or your parents to see it, then don’t share it. Once something is online, it can be very difficult to take it back.
Even if you delete a post or a tweet, there’s a possibility that someone has taken a screenshot or saved it in some other way. So, always be cautious about what you post on social media and think about how others could use it.
2. Be Careful With Emails and Links
If you receive an email from an unknown sender, be careful before clicking on any links or opening any attachments. The email could contain malware that could infect your computer.
If you’re not sure whether an email or a download link is from a trusted source, you can always contact the company directly to check. When you’re browsing the Internet, be careful with clicking on links from unknown sources as these could also contain malware.
3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
When it comes to software, always make sure you have the latest updates installed. Software updates not only improve performance but also patch up any recently discovered security loopholes.
If you can, set your software to update automatically so you don’t have to worry about it. In addition to updating your software, also be sure to install a reputable security suite to help protect your data and computer from any potential threats.
4. Use Strong, One-Time Passwords
One basic online privacy tip you should always practice is using strong, one-time passwords. This means that you should never use the same password more than once and that you should make sure your passwords are long, complex, and unique.
You can also use a password manager to help you keep track of your passwords and make sure they’re all different. Finally, be sure to log out of your accounts and never leave your computer or device unattended while logged in.
5. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi networks
If you’re using public Wi-Fi, be aware that there are risks. Hackers can set up fake networks, which may look like the real thing but are actually created to steal your information.
For your online safety, make sure the WiFi network you’re connecting to is legitimate. If you’re not sure, ask a staff member or another customer. Don’t use public WiFi to access sensitive information, like banking or email accounts.
If possible, use the best VPN available to you. It will encrypt your data and make it more difficult for hackers to access.
Lastly, be aware of your surroundings. If you’re in a busy cafe or airport, there are likely to be people nearby who could see what you’re doing on your screen.
6. Avoid Shopping or Banking Online
There are many types of basic Internet safety advice that you may get, but one of the most important concerns is shopping and banking online. First off, make sure the website you are using is secure. You can tell if a website is secure if the URL starts with HTTPS://.
If it doesn’t, that means the website is not secure and your information could be at risk. Also, use a credit card instead of a debit card when possible. This way, if someone steals your information, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company.
Again, always log out of your account and close the browser window when you are finished. This will help ensure that no one else can access your account.
The risk of identity theft is real, especially for those who shop or bank online. The best thing to do is to avoid both activities altogether, but if you can’t help it, at least, be constantly on the lookout for new cybersecurity tips that can protect you.
7. Pay Attention to Website URLs
We already know that websites starting with HTTPS:// are often secure and that you should be wary of transacting with those that don’t start with the same string of characters. However, there are other things to watch out for as well.
For example, if a URL is composed entirely of numbers or if you are given a URL but you see a totally different one when you hover your mouse above that given URL, that’s a sure sign of a scam.
Another thing is when you see hyphens in the URL. Remember that legitimate sites don’t have them, so if you see a URL with a hyphen, it’s usually an attempt to trick you.
For example, a scammer might create www.unicef-find.org to make you think that the URL is actually owned by Unicef, but www.unicef-find.com is hardly the same as www.unicef.org.
Stay Safe Online Starting Today
Remember to never give out personal information online, even to people who seem like they can be trusted. Additionally, be aware of phishing scams and only click on links from credible sources.
Always remember to install trusted security software to protect yourself from malware and other online threats. By following these and the rest of the steps detailed above, you can help yourself stay safe online.
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