The internet is a beautiful, innovative place with endless possibilities for work and play. But, as with any other place in the world, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. In this article, we’ll explore five steps you can take today to stay safe on the internet!
Protect Your Password
It’s important to protect your password for two reasons: First so that others can’t access your accounts, and second, so that you don’t accidentally give someone else access to your accounts. Here are some tips for how to protect your password:
- Use a strong password that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Don’t use the same password for all of your accounts – have a unique password for each account.
- Avoid using easily guessed words like your name, birthdate, or pet’s name.
- Keep your passwords confidential – don’t share them with anyone.
- If you think your password may have been compromised, change it immediately.
Don’t Fall for Scams
There are a lot of scams out there, and it can be hard to tell which ones are real and which ones aren’t. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the internet:
- If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, and do your research before giving anyone your personal information or money.
- Be careful of phishing emails and websites. These are designed to look like legitimate websites or emails in order to trick you into giving away your personal information. If you’re not sure if something is legitimate, don’t click on any links or attachments, and instead go directly to the website yourself.
- Never give out your personal information online unless you’re absolutely sure that the website is secure. Look for the https:// at the beginning of the URL, as well as a lock icon next to it. This means that the website is using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption, which will keep your information safe.
Related: How Antivirus Software Can Save Your Business From a Cyber Attack
Be Careful Who You Follow
The internet can be a scary place, and it’s important to be careful who you follow. There are a few things you can do to stay safe on the internet:
- Limit the amount of personal information you share online. This includes things like your address, phone number, and email address.
- Be aware of what you post online. Once something is posted, it’s out there forever. Think twice before posting something that could be used against you.
- Be careful who you friend or follow online. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, block them and report them to the site administrator.
- Never meet up with someone you met online in person. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious harm or even death.
By following these simple tips, you can stay safe while using the internet.
Turn on Two Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that can be used to protect your online accounts. When 2FA is enabled, you will be required to enter an additional code or password when logging in. This code or password is usually generated by an app on your smartphone and is unique to each login attempt.
2FA adds an extra layer of security because even if someone manages to steal your password, they would also need to have access to your smartphone in order to log in. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
If you are not already using 2FA, we recommend that you enable it for all of your online accounts where possible. Many popular online services such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter offer 2FA, so there’s no excuse not to turn it on!
Report Fake Accounts/Pages
If you come across a fake account or page on social media, report it to the platform immediately. By doing so, you can help prevent others from being scammed or fooled by the imposter.
When reporting fake accounts or pages, be sure to include as much information as possible, such as links to the profiles in question and screenshots of any suspicious activity. The more information you can provide, the better equipped the platform will be to take action.
Conclusion
While the internet can be a great place to connect with friends and family and find new information, it’s important to remember that it can also be a dangerous place. Be sure to follow these tips to stay safe on the internet and avoid becoming the victim of a cybercrime.