Keep safe online with data becoming the new gold now is the time to make sure you understand cyber security and what steps you can do to stay safe online. The great news is that there are plenty of resources online which can help you find out what you need to know, so staying safe online isn’t something that needs to be too much of stress!
Update your Devices
Setting operating systems and web browsers to automatically update will enable you to know you have got the latest versions with the most up to date fixes or patches for security risks that have been identified by their publishers.
Don’t Open Mail From Unknown Senders
Keep safe online by recognising that Phishing emails have evolved to the point where you no longer need to make a positive agreement to download malware from attachments, but so-called drive-by downloads can be initiated by simply clicking within the email. The simplest way to keep safe online is not to open emails from unknown senders.
In some cases, a drive-by download might disguise itself as a standard system update or another innocuous “yes/no” question, and even the most cyber-savvy among us can be fooled. For this reason, it’s a good idea to refrain from opening any emails from addresses you don’t know.
Use Strong Passwords
Keep safe online by being smart and using strong passwords is important. Don’t use birthdays or names, but instead use passwords with capital letters, numbers and symbols. Consider using a password management app to generate unique and secure passwords for all your various accounts and logins. For the best password security, passwords should be changed at reasonable intervals.
Take Cyber Security Seriously
Keep safe online by making sure that you take cyber security seriously is a must – especially if you’re involved in things like social media for your employer or your own business website. Investing in some cyber security training is highly recommended and making sure you keep up to date with the latest cyber security news via websites such as the TryHackMe blog is a must. They currently have an Advent of Cyber – where they are releasing training hints and tips every day in the lead up to Christmas.
Keep Safe Online Be Mindful Where You Click
Social media is great but with all the opportunities for communicating and interacting with your friends, there can be malicious links that pose as genuine. If you receive an unsolicited link from a friend, message them before clicking it to confirm that they did indeed intend to send it and that it is genuine. Many of the viruses that can cause problems are spread this way, so being careful where you click will help keep you safe.
Keep Safe Online Don’t Use Unsecure Wi-Fi Networks
Public wifi networks can compromise your device security. Stay safe online and don’t use these networks, if you can use mobile data, do so. If you have no choice but to use an unsecured public wifi network, try using a VPN, virtual private network to encrypt your information to prevent interception by unentitled parties.
Be Careful With Information
To navigate and do business online, we need to enter personal information. Details such as credit card numbers and addresses can be misused. Be sure to only enter your details if you are satisfied it’s safe. Make sure the URL for the website you are using begins with “HTTPS://” Don’t save credit card details on sites you use, even if you use them frequently, storing your data on their site can give the opportunity for hackers to gain this valuable information if things go wrong.
Keep Regular Backups
If the worst does come, and your device is corrupted, all is not lost if you have kept a regular backup. This is easy to do with many cloud-based services offering backup facilities. Keep safe online by backing up often.
Don’t Share Unnecessary Personal Information
Don’t share personal information publicly on forums, or send information to individual strangers you may meet online. With many internet sites, little information is needed to become a member, there’s no requirement for personal information. Nicknames can be chosen with anonymity. This is great, however, you never truly know who you are talking to unless you know them in other ways. So be mindful to keep personal information, personal.
Educate Yourself and Your Family
Knowing how to keep safe online only works if those you trust also do their bit. Sharing a home network means everyone needs to be mindful about security. Be smart and educate your children about cyber security.
This may seem like a lot to take in, but in reality, simple steps will keep you safe and let you enjoy all the internet has to offer.
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs, including Wannabe Princess and Under 5s. Specializing in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and early years development,