As with closing your front door, boosting your online security is the best way to safeguard your personal information as well as your money from cybercriminals. We’ve put together a comprehensive internet safety guide, containing cybersecurity best practices and tips to help you build cyber-safe habits.
– Ensure that you secure all of your devices (computers phones, tablets, and devices like smartwatches and TVs) with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication where is available to safeguard your accounts and prevent hackers from gaining access to your personal information, even if they have your password. – Install updates quickly on all your devices, especially when they include important security upgrades. You can set your software to update automatically, to ensure that you don’t miss a security update.
Avoid using public wifi networks for browsing or shopping online. They are generally less secure and can expose you to attacks and data breaches. Make use of a VPN or private wifi to ensure that your connection is secure. Do not share login information or personal details on social media. Also, be cautious about sharing your personal information via email or messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. When downloading files from websites that you aren’t familiar with, look for the padlock or “https”. This is a sign that the site is encrypted.
Make sure you log out of or lock your computer when stepping away from it for a short period of time, especially in the case of computers shared in public places or office spaces. It is also recommended to backup your data in the event that your device is taken or attacked by malware.