Everything and everyone is connected. The internet and being online has opened many doors for people worldwide and has given us access to people, communities, and information. While there are thousands of benefits to the internet, it also comes with many risks. Not many people know these risks, but use the internet for everything anyway. Not only are there things in the small print of all the services that you use and sign up for, but there are also big risks to do with safety and security online.
Cybercrime is a huge issue and can cause you a lot of harm. When you use the internet you are opening yourself up to a variety of threats online. As technology and the internet grow, so do how you can be harmed via the internet. This does not necessarily mean physical harm, but it means being targeted by a criminal. If you are targeted, you may be a victim of anything from identity theft to a virus. Some of the most common online security issues are:
- Data breaches
- Online scams
- Fake websites or phishing links
- Cyberbullying
- Malware
- And much more.
All of this can lead to your identity being stolen, your money or assets being taken, and much more. All of which will be very unpleasant and stressful. Some may be less severe than others. The more severe ones, for example, that involve your identity and finances, can lead to your well-being and life being impacted.
It has never been more important to consider how you use the internet and take preventative security measures to help keep you safe. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips to stay safe online.
#1 Have a secure internet connection
The connection you use to do anything is one of the most important things that you should consider first. Make sure you source your internet through a trusted and reliable source. Your best bet is to use a company that is well-known and has a good reputation. Do your research and consider their online reviews. You may also ask friends and colleagues who they use and would recommend. This way you are getting a recommendation from people you know and trust. You can use security software to regularly run scans on your WiFi to ensure it is safe and secure.
#2 Use different numbers and passwords
It is getting increasingly common to have to set up accounts when you want to do something, like make a purchase. This can be great if you are a repeat customer and great for the business to obtain your details for marketing, but it also means there are lots of passwords that you have to remember, and it means your details have to be permanently on an account. This can put you at risk for several reasons. Firstly, there are often data breaches within companies and it is you that will suffer the consequences. Secondly, if you have used your number or used the same password for another account, you put yourself at more risk. It can therefore be helpful to use virtual online numbers to set up accounts online. It is also best practice to create unique passwords for every account you have.
#3 Use multi-factor authentication where possible
Multi-factor authentication is a great new initiative that you can now get with most online services. You likely have to opt in to set this up, it will not happen automatically. It enables you to use more than one verification method when accessing an online account. For example, you will have to provide a password and a fingerprint. This is an excellent way to make your accounts more secure.
#4 Educate yourself and your family
Education can go a long way when it comes to your online safety, especially if you have children or elderly people living in your house. When it comes to children or grandparents, they are not going to have as much awareness around safety online and may not be able to spot scams or malware. It is really important that you regularly educate yourself on online safety and what to look out for, as well as share that knowledge with your family.
These are all great things that can help keep you safe online.