Internet can be a wonderful place, but also dangerous. Cybercriminals, scammers, and hackers are always on the lookout for new ways to steal your personal information. You must protect yourself online to stay safe. This article will show you 6 Ways to Protect Yourself on the Internet!.
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Create strong and unique passwords
Many people use the exact same password everywhere. It’s dangerous! A hacker can gain access to all of your accounts if they get your password.
- How to create strong passwords:
- Use a minimum of 12 characters (a mix of letters, numbers and symbols).
- Avoid words such as “password123”, “admin” and similar phrases.
- Use a password management program to create and store strong passwords.
An example of a secure password
D$8hT#kLm@3Pq!Xy
Turn on Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA is an additional layer of protection. Even if hackers steal your password, they cannot access your account without a second step.
What is 2FA?
- You enter your password.
- You will receive a code of security via SMS, an email or through a mobile authentication app.
- Enter the code to login.
Best authentication apps: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy.
Take Care with Public Wi Fi
Hackers can intercept data on public Wi-Fi. Hackers can steal passwords, emails and even banking information.
Stay safe when using public Wi-Fi
- Use public Wi-Fi to avoid using apps for banking or online shopping.
- Encrypt your data using a VPN.
- Use your mobile data instead if possible.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are designed to trick you into divulging your personal details. Scammers pose as banks, social networking sites, or other companies in order to steal credit card numbers and passwords.
How to identify phishing emails
- Emails that ask for sensitive information such as passwords, PINs or personal details.
- The sender’s email address looks strange (e.g., support@paypal-security.com instead of support@paypal.com).
- The message contains threats that are urgent (e.g. “Your account will close in 24 hours !”).
- Check the email address of the sender before clicking on any links.
- Never open attachments in emails from unknown senders.
Update your software regularly
Security vulnerabilities exist in outdated software. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers to attack your device.
What you should update regularly
- Operating System (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
- Browsers (Chrome Firefox Edge Safari)
- Antivirus software and security programs
- Apps and plug-ins
Set up automatic updates to ensure you never forget.
You can control your privacy on social media
Sharing too much personal data on social media can be risky. Cybercriminals may use your information to steal your identity, or hack into your account.
What to do?
- Avoid posting your full name, address or phone number.
- Set your privacy settings to the maximum (limit who sees your posts).
- Do not accept friend requests sent by people you do not know.
- An example: A hacker can guess your security question by seeing your Facebook birthdate.
Final Thoughts
You can stay safe on the Internet by following a few simple steps. Be sure to use strong passwords and enable two-factor verification. Also, be on the lookout for scams. Keep your software up-to-date and take care with what you post online.
