The internet is a scary place. You need to navigate it with care and keep your guard up at all times. Even if you’re browsing in Incognito mode, you never know who could be watching or what their hidden agenda might be.
Some websites are malicious, while others are just trying to get a hold of personal information that they can use against you later on. If you’re an avid user of the internet, it’s important that you know how to stay safe online to avoid cybercrime as much as possible.
This article will give you seven simple ways to protect yourself from cybercrime when using the internet. These tips won’t stop hackers from trying to crack your code, but they will raise your defenses, so they have a harder time getting through to sensitive information like passwords and financial data.
Change Your Passwords Often
Passwords are the first line of defense against cybercrime. If you use the same password across multiple websites, then a breach on one site will most likely lead to a breach on all of them. For this reason, it’s important to change your passwords often.
Every six to 12 months is a good time frame, but it depends on the level of security of the sites you use and their breach protocols. Do not use phrases that are obvious, like your name, birthday, or pet’s name. Instead, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, and/or special characters. Passwords should also be at least 10 characters long.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a great tool for anyone who frequently uses public Wi-Fi. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between your computer and the VPN server, which hides your activity from prying eyes when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi.
Depending on the VPN, you might also be able to change your IP address to another location, like another country. If you’re traveling or living in a foreign country, this could come in handy. A VPN is also a useful tool if you’re concerned about government surveillance.
Don’t Open Emails from Unknown Sources
Always be careful when opening emails from unknown sources. They could be viruses or malware infected, or they could be from scammers trying to get a hold of your personal information. If you receive an email that is urgent and needs to be read right away, but it comes from an unknown source, you should probably ignore it.
If you have to open an email from an unknown source, do so while connected to a secure Wi-Fi network, and don’t click any links or attachments unless you’re sure they’re safe.
Be Careful When Using Free Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it should always be used with caution. It’s easy for hackers to set up false Wi-Fi networks that appear to be the real thing. If you connect to a Wi-Fi network that isn’t secured with a password, anyone can see everything you’re doing online.
That’s because all Wi-Fi networks operate on the same frequency, so you can’t tell who owns a particular network. If you’re not careful, you could end up downloading malware, sharing your personal information with strangers, or getting hacked. To stay safe when using free Wi-Fi, try to only use it when you absolutely have to. If you can, try to use your mobile data instead.
Install Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software will protect you against viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software. If your computer is already infected, it might not be able to completely clean the infection, but it will try to quarantine the infection to stop it from spreading.
Should you find yourself on the receiving end of a malware attack, an antivirus program will scan your computer for harmful files and remove them from your computer. It might not be able to remove everything, so it’s important to also follow the other tips in this article to stay safe online.
Lock Your Computer When You’re Not Using It
It’s easy for someone to hack into your computer if you leave it unlocked and unattended. Even if you have an admin password on your computer, you’re still at risk. One of the easiest ways to stay safe is to lock your computer whenever you leave it unattended.
If you have an Apple computer, you can set a timer to automatically lock your computer after you’ve been away from it for a certain period of time.
The Dangers Lurking in Your Social Media Feeds Every Day
Social media is a technology which has grown at an exponential rate. While it can be extremely useful for keeping in touch with old friends and keeping up with the news, it also comes with its risks.
It is not uncommon to see fake profiles, cyberbullying, and other types of harassment on social media. Social media is nothing more than a digital representation of our true selves, and it can be hard to know who you’re talking to and what their motives might be.
The Best Internet Safety Tips to Keep Your Children Safe Online
Internet safety is a critical issue for all parents. There are many dangers that can be faced while surfing the web. Here are some of the top safety tips to keep your children safe online.
1) Create a family account on every social media site with proper privacy settings so that your children can’t post anything without your approval.
2) Encourage kids to use parental controls on browsers and apps, so they don’t browse without your supervision.
3) Keep an eye out for cyberbullying, predators, and other dangers before it happens by educating yourself about them.
4) Don’t forget to monitor their internet browsing time by setting limits on screen time and internet usage in general.
The internet is an exciting place, but it can also be a dangerous one if you’re not careful. These seven tips will help keep you safe while you’re online. Remember, while you can do your best to protect yourself against cybercrime, you’re never completely safe online. B
e vigilant, and stay informed about new threats as they emerge. Now that you know how to stay safe online, head out there and explore! The internet is full of people and places worth exploring, and now you know how to stay safe while you do it. Stay vigilant, and enjoy your virtual travels!
