Today, we live in a digital era where our lives revolve around the internet – from talking with our friends to education and work; we use the internet for almost everything. In such a case, we should be mindful about what information we should share and with whom we are interacting to keep our personal data and hard-earned money safe from scammers. The good news is that staying safe online is not hard! All you need to do is take the below-mentioned online safety measures.

1.     The Website You Visit Must Have an SSL Certificate

Whenever you access any website, look for SSL certificates and HTTPS – security protocols. The secure website’s URL starts with HTTPS, not HTTP. It will help you be safe from the scams like spoofing. However, having the padlock symbol and the HTTPS does not always mean the specific website is secure. So, before making any transactions or engaging with the website in any way, ensure it is not a scam website.

2.     Keep Your Digital Footprints Minimum

Digital footprints mean information that is shared by you and collected by other people or companies. You can reduce it by:

•   Deleting your old email accounts
•   Thinking twice before clicking on anything
•   Deactivate the social media accounts that you don’t use
•   Using private browsing and installing a browser privacy extension
•   Providing minimum information which is necessary to set up an online account,
•   Skipping online surveys.

3.     Backup Your Data Regularly

You must back up important information on external hard drives and create new backups. So you can protect yourself from ransomware. Sign up for the cloud backup service, which will automatically save your data offsite. So, a cybersecurity breach cannot disrupt your workflow.

4.     Use the Secure Internet Connection

Avoid using public Wi-Fi, and if there is a situation where you have to use public Wi-Fi, do not carry out any personal transactions like internet banking or online shopping. If you want to do it, use a VPN, as it will protect your data through encryption. It will make sure your identity remains anonymous by hiding your IP address and activity.

5.     Your Password Should Be Strong

Passwords play a vital role in protecting your online identity. Therefore, choose a strong password that hackers cannot easily crack. Keep the following tips in mind while choosing the password.

•   Do not use the same password for multiple sites.
•   Use a long password that is at least 12 or more characters long.
•   Your password should include uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers.
•   Do not use passwords that are easy to remember or guess, like your birthdate or name.
•   Do not use the memorable keyboard paths.
•   Make use of password managers.

6.     Apply Multi-Factor Authentication

Use the MFA to log into an account. It will decrease the possibility of successful cyberattacks. You can use third-party authentication apps like Google Authentication, which will help you protect your personal information. MFA adds an extra security layer so no one can hack your account.  

7.     Ensure You Have Updated Software and OS

Make sure you update your software and OS regularly. It will benefit you from the latest security patches. Besides, keep your system protected using a good antivirus. Do not download from the unknown sources. While downloading apps, use trusted websites and official application stores because they usually follow the top security measures in place. Never click any suspicious attachments or links, even if they were sent from your friend or relative. 

8.     Be Mindful About What You Post on the Internet

Once you have shared anything online, it will be there forever. So, be mindful about what you are posting on the internet because it might cause you regret, embarrassment, or difficulty in the future. There will be a chance that it could provide strangers with too much information. If you send someone videos or photos and they try to blackmail you, you can report it to NCRP – National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.  

9.     Use Privacy Settings on Social Media

Remember, the more information you share online, the more risk of cyber-attacks there is if you use social media like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter; use the privacy settings and ensure you are comfortable with the information you share. If you find any content improper, you can report it as inappropriate.

To Wrap Up

In summary, when you use the internet, you often unknowingly expose yourself to potential cyber threats. As the digital landscape constantly evolves, cybercriminals also find new ways to target internet users. The biggest internet dangers that you/your family must look for are cyberbullying, data breaches, online scams, identity theft, phishing, scam emails, faulty privacy settings, and so on. So, to keep you and your loved one safe from these dangers, follow the above-discussed internet safety tips.