So much of our daily life revolves around the internet, from work to education and even talking with friends. A 2021 survey found that the average A7 household had around 25 internet-connected devices, up from 11 in 2019. The more online accounts and devices you have, the greater the scope for cybercriminals to cause you harm. That’s why it’s now ever more essential to understand internet safety rules which protect you and your family from threats that may harm your data and devices. Read on to find out about key internet dangers and the ways to stay safe online.
The Key Dangers of the Internet
When you and your family use the internet, you are (often unknowingly) exposing yourself to a wide range of potential online threats. Digital landscapes as we know them are constantly evolving as cybercriminals devise new ways to target internet users. Here is a list of just some of the biggest internet dangers you and your family need to watch out for:
- Identity theft.
- Data breaches.
- Malware and viruses.
- Phishing and scam emails.
- Fake websites.
- Online scams.
- Romance scams.
- Inappropriate content.
- Cyberbullying.
- Faulty privacy settings.
Essential Internet Safety Tips
To avoid all of these dangers, we recommend following our essential internet safety tips when you or your family are online:
1 Use unique and secure passwords
Create complex passwords: Make use of both capital and lowercase letters, as well as special characters and digits.
Avoid using well-known passwords: Steer clear of easy-to-decipher passwords like “123456” or “password.”
Use a password organizer to help you generate and keep safe passwords for all of your accounts.
2. Make two-factor authentication (2FA) active.
Activate 2FA: In addition to your password, you will need to enter a code that will be sent to your phone or email when you access your accounts.
Use authenticator applications: When it comes to 2FA, apps like Authy or Google Authenticator are more secure than SMS.
3. Install software updates on a regular basis:
Operating systems and applications usually come with security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
To ensure that you never miss important security fixes, enable auto-updates.
4. Use a VPN, or virtual private network.
Make sure your internet connection is encrypted. A VPN helps protect your data when using public Wi-Fi by encrypting it, which makes it harder for hackers to intercept it.
Choose a reliable
5. Use Caution When Clicking on Emails and Links
Avoid clicking on questionable links: Hackers commonly employ phishing emails to steal your personal information. Avoid unsolicited emails, particularly if they ask for confidential information.
Check the sender’s address: Verify the email’s legitimacy before clicking on any links or attachments.
Verify for spelling and grammar mistakes: Many phishing emails include poor writing.
6. Safeguard Your Wireless System
Utilize WPA3 encryption. Encrypt your home network using WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 is not available). This will make it more difficult for hackers to access your network.
Change the default password on the router: Change your password to something more secure because the default one is
7. Use caution when connecting to public wifi
Avoid critical accounts at all costs: Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access your banking or shopping accounts unless you are using a VPN.
Turn off file sharing: To protect your device from unauthorized access, turn off file sharing on open networks.
8. Install antivirus and malware protection software.
Conduct regular scans: Ensure that your devices are free of ransomware, malware, and other dangerous software.
To assist prevent dangerous files from ever being downloaded, turn on real-time protection.
9. Create a backup of your data.
To avoid losing crucial data in the event that your device is compromised, regularly create backups of your most critical files. Use online storage or an external hard drive for backups.
Consider encrypting private backups: For added protection, Be sure to encrypt any important data you are backing up.
10. Be Aware of Social Media
Check the privacy settings: Limit who can see your posts and personal information. Do not share too many personal details.
Be cautious while accepting friend invites: Hackers may use false personas to get in touch with you and steal your information.
11. Pay attention to your accounts
Examine your bank and credit card statements on a regular basis: Pay attention to any illicit transactions.
Activate alerts: Many financial institutions offer account activity alerts, which help in the early detection of any fraud.
12. Recognize the Warning Symptoms of a Hack
Unusual behavior of the apparatus: Slow performance, enigmatic apps, or unexpected pop-ups might all be signs of malware.
Account activity that is unknown: Watch for strange login timings, strange devices, or transactions that you did not authorize.
Being vigilant and taking these steps can greatly reduce your likelihood of becoming a hacker.
