Top 7 Internet Safety Tips for Everyone

Around 30,000 Facebook accounts are hacked daily, and 8 million passwords are pilfered every day. There’s a cyberattack occurring every 44 seconds. With these alarming statistics, it’s crystal clear why safeguarding against online threats is more crucial than ever. So, read on as we explore seven internet safety rules to help keep you secure online.

Update, Update, Update

Those little pop-ups asking you to update your software? Don’t ignore them! Updates often include security patches that seal up digital cracks’ hackers love to exploit.

Here’s a real-life example of why these matters: In 2017, there was a cyberattack called WannaCry ransomware, targeting outdated operating systems like Windows XP. Microsoft had fixed the security hole months before the attack. However, those who didn’t update got hit – around 230,000 computers worldwide.  The attackers demanded $300 in Bitcoins per person, later raising it to $600. They threatened to delete files permanently if the ransom wasn’t paid.

No one retrieved their files, even those who paid the ransom.

Keep Personal Info Personal

The Internet is not your diary; always remember that anything you post online remains there indefinitely. Therefore, be cautious about sharing personal information on online platforms. We’re living in the information age, where algorithms often understand us better than we understand ourselves. While it might seem harmless when used for suggesting Netflix shows, sharing details like your name, address, and phone number is akin to giving gold bars to identity thieves.

Identity protection is one of the biggest reasons for cybersecurity. Hackers exploit personal info for identity theft, activism, extortion, or further account breaches. Additionally, they may sell your valuable data to other criminals on the Dark Web. Guard your personal info like the treasure it is.

Use Airtight Passwords

We understand the temptation to use “password123” everywhere, but that’s like leaving your wallet on the sidewalk for someone to snatch. Strengthen your password by incorporating numbers, symbols, and uppercase letters to increase entropy, thereby expanding the number of possible combinations.

Similarly, opt for longer passwords. A 12-character password takes 62,000,000,000,000 times longer to crack than a 6-character password.

Avoid simple letter substitutions like changing ‘password’ to ‘p@ssw0rd’; modern password-cracking algorithms easily bypass this trick. Instead, create random combinations. For instance, combine unrelated words like Batman and donuts, and mix in special characters and numbers – resulting in a hack-proof password like ‘bAtm3nDoN*tz’.

Remember the cardinal rule: avoid using the same password everywhere. Having multiple passwords might be challenging to remember but aim for at least 3 to 5 different ones for various websites. Consider using a password manager if your memory needs a boost.

Don’t Share Your Passwords

This might seem obvious, yet many people have shared their passwords. According to a Google poll, almost half of the respondents admitted to sharing a password at some point. Although 57% shared it with a significant other, only 11% changed their password after a breakup. In California, one in ten survey participants still retained passwords of ex-partners, former roommates, or colleagues, which is unsettling.

Additionally, one-fifth admitted sharing their email passwords, and similar percentages shared passwords for streaming sites, online shopping accounts, and social media platforms.

Regardless of trust, sharing your password relinquishes control. Keep your passwords to yourself.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA offers an added layer of security for your online accounts. With 2FA enabled, a verification code is sent to your account’s phone number or email address whenever someone logs in. This way, even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t progress without the second code. Furthermore, 2FA notifies you of login attempts, even if unsuccessful.

Be Wary of Phishing and Farming Tactics

Have you received an unexpected DM promising Instagram ambassadorship in exchange for your address or shipping payment? Chances are, it’s a phishing attempt. Stay vigilant when dealing with unsolicited emails or messages, particularly those requesting personal information or sharing suspicious links.

In January 2016, an employee at aerospace manufacturer FACC received an email that seemed to be from the CEO, asking for a €42 million transfer for an “acquisition project.” It turned out to be a scam, resulting in the company losing a substantial amount of money due to the employee falling for the con.

Pharming involves redirecting individuals to counterfeit websites to steal their information. During Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis in 2019, hackers took over a website meant for volunteers to register and provide aid, diverting all the well-intentioned donations to their pockets.

Always remain cautious of dubious websites. Verify the URL and ensure legitimacy. Reputable e-commerce platforms employ secure payment gateways such as credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal. If a site requests alternative digital money transfers, consider it a major warning sign.

Adhere to a golden rule: never input your financial details on a website lacking a padlock symbol or “https://” in the address bar.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi, while a convenient offering, also poses risks. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking, when connected to public networks. The digital shadows may harbor lurking threats ready to seize your data.

Airports, notably, serve as a hotspot for public Wi-Fi attacks. Hackers find it surprisingly easy to establish a counterfeit Access Point, known as the ‘Evil Twin’ attack. Using devices with internet capabilities, like smartphones, they create a deceptive network mimicking a genuine hotspot. When you connect to this false network, all transmitted data lands directly in the hands of the hacker.

When using public Wi-Fi, employing a VPN becomes essential. It conceals your IP address and encrypts your data. For frequent torrent users, a VPN is a crucial tool to maintain privacy regarding your digital activities.

Conclusion

In a world where our lives are intricately connected through the digital sphere, prioritizing internet safety is not merely an option but a vital necessity. The seven internet safety tips delineated in this blog serve as a fundamental compass for navigating online spaces securely. By adopting proactive measures, individuals can protect their personal information and shield themselves from potential online threats.

Developing a healthy skepticism towards suspicious links, emails, or requests acts as a shield against phishing attempts and malware incursions. Adhering to privacy settings and routinely updating software further bolsters digital safety, erecting barriers against cyber threats.

Implementing these practices allows individuals to navigate the digital landscape confidently, harnessing its advantages while mitigating potential risks. Internet safety is a collective responsibility, and by following these tips, we contribute to cultivating a safer online environment for all.