The Internet Your Gateway to the World But Also to Potential Cyber Threats
It is hard to depict how the internet has changed the face of the world in nowadays society in the areas of living, working, learning, and even socializing.
Boasting the incredible ability to connect with relatives in another country, work with employees and bosses, study and shop online, and receive groceries within minutes, all through the use of the Internet.
However, the Internet is a blessing that presents unparalleled chance and comfort, it is a portal that introduces complex risks that are likely to put at risk an individual’s important information and money inclusive of an individual’s identity.
However, the Internet offers a wide variety of advantages, if you perform key techniques of protection against hackers and scammers to save yourself from online threats.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Arguably the simplest but very effective precautions that must have to be taken while using the Internet is always to try and remember to use the different passwords for different accounts.
It is also wise to stay away from combining birthday dates or pet names to generate passwords because they are very much predictable.
Work firmly in creating passwords that harder to crack down by using combination of both capital and small cases, numbers, and symbols.
I suggest using the services of a password manager so you can generate strong passwords, and do not use the same password for every service.
Besides using long and complex passwords, the second measure that can be implemented is two-factor authentication if it is available.
In essence, 2FA as the name depicts entails the use of a second factor such as a code that has been sent to your phone before one can be allowed to access their account even if you are in possession of the password and the hacker.
Yes, this additional layer of security can prevent most of the attempts to penetrate your Internet accounts.
Be Cautious About What You Click On and Download
This leads me to my next piece of advice – when surfing the Internet, ensure you are very selective with the sites you visit and the links you click, as well as the files or attachments you download.
In most cases their aims are to get a directed victim to click on a link or download a file that comes from a malicious website for example via a phishing link in an email or text message disguising from a genuine company such as your bank or retailer you trust.
Such messages may include a statement: “Click the link to verify your account, track your shipment or collect your prize.”
But if you click, you might end up on a look alike website created with the intention of ripping you off your personal details or with the purpose of provoking your computer to redirect you to other malicious sites.
As a precaution, do not spam messages or open links that you have been forwarded or download any attachments from such messages.
However, the recommended course of action is going to the webpage of the company by entering the address into the browser.
Remember that you should avoid getting carried away easily, especially with exciting offers that you stumble upon online.
Roll your mouse over the link before you actually click on it to see the real URL of the site you are being led to, and look for signs of site security – “https” in the address line is a good sign.
Keep Your Software and Operating System Updated
Internet safety is another useful method that should be explained to students and parents: installing fresh security updates on all of your programs, applications, and operating systems.
Sometimes, when intending to breach gadgets and get to sensitive information, cybercriminals employ diverse gaps in the many software applications.
Every software company makes sure to provide updates and enhanced editions whereby those vulnerabilities will be isolated from their customers.
It is a rather crucial factor; however, one has to understand that those updates must be installed on the devices.
You should also ensure that your operating system, internet browser, and some most essential apps installed have the functionality of auto-update so as to receive instant notification for the new security patch available.
If a program does not update on its own right, visit the program’s website and check for the updates available for the program in question, this will be particularly helpful if Microsoft issues a security notice on a new possible vulnerability of your program.
Back-Up Your Data Regularly
Of course, even if a person uses the Internet safely there is always a risk that the data wanted to be received might be intercepted by viruses or sometimes hacker attacks.
Indeed, ransomware may perhaps be one of the most widespread types of malware that denies the owner of a device or system, their own files, locking them and only agreeing to free these files in exchange for a form of payment from the owner.
It is recommended to regularly sync your data so as to prevent such damages as those caused by ransomware or any other tool that removes your files and this can be done using an external hard disk drive or cloud space.
If you have the current backup copy, you will be able to restore all your files – and maybe not pay the criminals the money they demanded.
Choose automatic backup software that runs in the background and follow the 3-2-1 rule: Data must be backed up and it must not be stored in one place, and next the second storage place should be recorded offline.
Be Smart About What You Post and Share Online
Remember that the Internet is available for all to see, so you must be very careful about what details about yourself you post and how.
Sharing too much information about yourself on such social networks and other websites exposes one to other related dangers such as identity theft, stalking as well as harassment.
The privacy icon will allow you to change the settings for your friends list only, to enable this you will have to click on ‘edit’ then ‘ok,’ and never give out sensitive information such as your address, Social Security number, or when you won’t be at home.
Also, make sure to explain to your children some rules concerning Internet safety such as for instance they should not talk to anybody they know online and they should not send or post any obscene photos.
Each time you go to share something that’s happened or a picture, always bear in mind that whatever is posted can easily go viral and, therefore, can be very hard to delete.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks such as those found in coffee shops, airports, or hotels are very convenient, however, they are also a matter of choice for hackers worth their salt who are interested in stealing sensitive data.
Due to poor security in public networks, other people using the same network can intercept your internet traffic and observe your online activities.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) to safe-keep your data while on a public Wi-Fi network.
A VPN makes it difficult for hackers as well as other users on the network to know what you do online by creating an encrypted secure tunnel around your internet traffic.
Online, you will find both free and paid services regarding VPNs; select a well-known company that offers reliable services and then set up a VPN on each device you have so that you can browse with confidence when moving.
Be Careful About Who You Meet and Trust Online
Thanks to the Internet, it’s never been easier to make new friends and romantic connections with people all around the globe – but unfortunately, not all online acquaintances turn out to be who they seem. Sites and social media can also be flooded with fake profiles that might seem convincing, but that are created by scammers to elicit money transfers or personal details from you. If you are talking and interacting with someone you haven’t met in real life and who tells you she adores you and you’re ‘perfect’ for each other, watch out! Hello, the classic line. Hello, someone who is probably acting. Just do your homework and look out for red flags like someone who is always too busy to meet in person or who requests money from you. If you decide to meet one of these online friends, choose a public location and make sure a friend knows where to find you. Never send nude photographs or videos of yourself to someone you’ve never met, as they can use those images as a tool for blackmail or harassment.
Educate Yourself About the Latest Cyber Threats
The cybersecurity world is full of marvels because the world of hacking is full of marvels. New tools and methods of hacking are constantly being developed. When you access the Internet, there are several ways you can protect yourself – go one step further and learn about the newest cyber threats and what you can do to prevent them. Read tech news sites and blogs, and definitely subscribe to a respected newsletter on Internet security, which you should check out regularly. Parents should stay involved with their children’s internet use and discuss online safety. Many of these suggestions turn up on free online resources such as those offered by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Federal Trade Commission, including proactive steps to avoid scams and risks in our digital lives.
