The internet has revolutionised the way we live our lives – enabling us to read the news, enjoy entertainment, carry out research, book our holidays, buy and sell, shop, network, learn, bank and carry out many other everyday tasks.
However, there are several risks associated with going online. These result from either visiting malicious websites or inadvertent disclosure of personal information. On the occasion of #SaferInternetDay2020, we list down the internet safety tips you must follow while surfing the internet.
- Keep your privacy settings on: To ensure digital wellbeing, take charge of your information that is put out on the various platforms. Our web browsers and mobile operating systems have settings available to protect our privacy settings. Make sure you have enabled these privacy safeguards, and keep them enabled at all times.
- Ensure a secure Internet connection/ Use a secure VPN connection: Using a public WiFi connection can be dangerous. Make sure your device is secure, and when in doubt, wait for a better time (i.e., until you’re able to connect to a secure Wi-Fi network) before providing information such as your bank account number. To further improve your internet experience, use a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN enables you to have a secure connection between your device and an Internet server that no one can monitor or access the data that you’re exchanging.
- Use strong passwords: The simplest internet safety tip of all is to use a strong, alphanumeric password. Make sure you select strong passwords that are harder for cybercriminals to demystify. A password manager software can help you to manage multiple passwords so that you don’t forget them.
- Ensure antivirus software is up to date: Internet security software cannot protect against every threat, but it will detect and remove most malware—though you should make sure it’s to date. Be sure to stay updated with your operating system’s updates and updates to applications you use. They provide a vital layer of security.
- Do online purchases from secure sites: E-commerce websites require us to enter credit/ debit card details. So, make sure you do shopping from trustworthy, secure websites. Make sure the e-commerce website’s URL starts from https (the S stands for secure) rather than simply Http. They may also be marked by a padlock icon next to the address bar.
- Be careful of what stuff is being downloaded: The primary aim of cybercriminals is to trick the normal audience into downloading malware- that can be used to steal personal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather. P.S. Don’t download apps that look suspicious or come from a site you don’t trust.
- Be cautious of the people you meet online: People you meet online are not always who they claim to be. Indeed, they may not even be real. Be as cautious and careful in your online social life as you are in your in-person social life.
We hope our internet safety tips will help you in your digital journey and make it a smooth, safe experience.