With the use of internet all over the world, a lot has changed. Most people both young and old are all using the internet in one way or another. Currently, the internet is used on most of our devices such as mobile phones, tablets, iPad, laptop, computers etc.
By using the internet, we are able to connect to people faster by use of social media, find things faster by online shopping of search, transfer data faster by use of emails and communicate to people by use of video calls.
9th February every year is the safe internet day where people are encouraged to learn more about the internet both pros and cons. Even though we have so many positive things brought about by internet there also a lot of risks. However, this doesn’t mean we need to it turn off.
Below are tips on how to stay safe online:
- Set strong passwords
When setting your passwords, ensure they are as complex as you can. Let your password be strong and unique by mixing numbers, special characters, lower and uppercase letters.
2. Keep your computers and mobile phones up to date
Updated versions of software are constantly being launched. This is done in order to improve user experience. When a new version is launched, the feature of the software is enhanced making it easy for your device to pick any security update. Ensure you always update your software’s to the newest version by turning on automatic updates or do it manually.
3. Secure your Network connection
Ensure you protect you home wireless network with a password. If possible when hand lining sensitive data or information, ensure you have a VPN. A VPN is a virtual private network which securely connects your device to an internet server so that no one can monitor what you are doing on the net.
4. Use secure public Wi-Fi
If you really have to use public internet, ensure you do so in a secure place. A trusted and safe place since nowadays hackers have become wiser and set up WI-FI hotspots trapping innocent surfers and then monitoring everything they are doing online. Never use unsecured public Wi-Fi and in case you really want to use it ensure you don’t log in to your sensitive data.
5. Shop carefully
During online shopping, ensure the website uses secure technology by verifying the website address starts with https:// where the ‘S’ means secure which ensures the site encrypts your data. In some sites, there is a tiny padlock symbol on the page meaning the site is secured.
6. Don’t share personal information
Sharing personal information like where you were born, birthdays, could be used be used by hackers to figure out answers to your security question and this may even help in guessing of passwords. When on social media accept requests of people you know and don’t be fast to connect with strangers.
7. Be cautious with what you click online
Some of the links sent to our email or social pages are not to be trusted. Therefore, before opening these links make sure you are familiar with them. If you don’t trust the link, move the mouse over it and you will be able to see a preview link that matches the site it’s from. You can also go ahead and company search the company name on Google and compare the two.
In case you get an email requesting you to log in, it’s better not to click it and instead use the company’s official site to sign in
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Author: Nicole Kim
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