11 Hacks To Protect Yourself On The Internet

The internet, while offering numerous benefits, also exposes users to the risks of fraud, identity theft, and various online scams. According to Symantec, 12 adults fall victim to cybercrime every single second. In today’s digital environment, the safety of your online presence is paramount. To safeguard your information and devices, follow these key security practices;

1. Keep Your Devices Updated: 

Prioritize the security of your devices by ensuring your security software, operating system, and internet browser are regularly updated. Turn on automatic updates to stay current with the latest safeguards and activate personal firewalls. Keep your mobile phone software updated as well. This serves as a primary defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats.

2. Utilize Strong Passwords: 

Strengthen the security of your accounts by utilizing strong, unique passwords. Avoid common words and never reuse the same password across multiple accounts. Additionally, consider enabling multi-factor authentication where available to add an extra layer of protection. Construct passwords that are complex and hard to guess, incorporating a blend of numbers, letters (both upper and lower case), punctuation, and special characters. If available, consider using a security token for added protection, providing an additional layer of security for your online accounts.

3. Beware of Phishing Scams: 

A technique for attempting to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a web site, in which the perpetrator masquerades as a legitimate business or reputable person. Be vigilant for phishing attempts where scammers masquerade as familiar organizations, seeking to extract personal information from you. Exercise caution with emails and websites, especially those that seem suspicious. Avoid clicking on unknown links, opening attachments, or responding to pop-up screens from unfamiliar sources. It is advisable to notify the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email. Also be cautious on the kind of sites you visit, check how secure they are.

Typically, a secure website’s Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or link should begin with “https” rather than “http”. Use websites that display a lock in the address bar as the site encrypts website traffic. An open or missing padlock means the website’s data is not secure. Be cautious when browsing on your mobile phone because they display shortened URLs. This can trick you into visiting malicious websites.

4. Safeguard your digital identity:

Your digital identity helps establish who you are online. It protects your privacy by verifying your identity when logging into websites or making purchases. Sharing your digital identity can expose you to risks such as identity theft, fraud, and even cyberstalking. Be cautious about what and where you post online. You can protect your privacy by adjusting social media privacy settings and refraining from divulging sensitive data, such as birthdays, addresses, and family details. Be cautious of unsolicited connection requests from unknown individuals.

5. Secure Your Internet Connection: Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network: 

Protect your wireless network by encrypting it, changing default passwords, and ensuring it is up to date. You should also exercise care when using public Wi-Fi networks or internet connections to transmit personal information. Your network serves as the gateway to your devices, making its security critical in safeguarding your online interactions.

6. Shop Prudently: 

Prior to making online purchases, ensure that the website employs secure technology. When at the checkout stage, verify that the web address begins with “https” and look for a locked padlock symbol on the page. When shopping on a social network site, like Facebook or Instagram, investigate the individual or vendor to see if they are verified by the platform and read reviews from other buyers. Also check your credit card statements frequently. When assessing the trustworthiness of a website, watch out for these warning signs:

– Poorly Designed Website: A site that looks unprofessional or poorly designed may not be reliable.
– Broken Links and Buttons: Be wary if links or the back button don’t function properly.
– Lack of Contact Information: If a website fails to provide contact details, it could be a red flag.
– Unclear Policies: Ensure that return and privacy policies are clearly outlined or easily accessible.
– Inappropriate Requests for Credit Card Information: Your credit card details should only be required for completing a purchase. Be cautious if additional information is requested.
– Unbelievably Low Prices: If prices seem too good to be true, exercise caution as they might be a scam.
– Suspicious Shipping Charges: Watch out for extremely low shipping costs or abnormal duties and extra charges that seem unrealistic.

7. Review Privacy Policies: 

Although often extensive, privacy policies outline how a site safeguards the personal information it gathers. If a site’s privacy policy is either absent or complex, consider conducting transactions elsewhere. When examining a company’s privacy policy, it is important to focus on discerning the following critical aspects:

– Data Collection:
Understand what types of information the website collects, including both voluntarily provided data and electronic data