Top Tips to Protect Yourself Online
By Space Coast Daily // June 14, 2022
The creation of the internet is one of the most important technologies in the history of time. In fact, some might say it’s changed our world entirely! Most people these days have access to an internet connection and use it regularly to do everything from socialising, working to banking, shopping and so much more.
But the more we utilise the internet, the more important it becomes to ensure we’re using it safely.
We’ve put together a guide of the top tips you should take into account in order to protect yourself while online.
Visit secure websites
Not all websites are secure, so it’s really important for your safety online that you only visit the ones that are. There’s actually some really simple ways to ensure that you’re visiting a secure website, the first being that it’s URL begins with “HTTPS” insteaid of “HTTP”. The S refers to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, which secures data that is passed from browser to server.
If a site has a modern theme it’s also more likely to be secure than those that are older themes which can be more vulnerable.
Check online reviews
If you’re going to be enjoying entertainment online, like playing online slots for example at an online casino, it’s always a good idea to check reviews first to ensure you’re visiting a reputable website.
The best websites will have multiple reviews from trusted sources, so be sure to give your chosen website a bit of a Google search before you start to enjoy your favourite games.
Install antivirus software
Antivirus software is a great way to keep you safe while online from all kinds of online cyber attacks like ransomware, trojan horse programs, bots and more. If you have antivirus software installed it will often do scheduled checks in the background and let you know if it finds (and removes) anything to worry about.
It’s important to make sure that your antivirus software is updated to ensure you’re getting the best protection available – as things do change over time!
Pay with your smartphone
Having your bank cards set up on smartphone apps like Apple Pay is a great way to keep yourself safe while shopping. Despite many reservations when it first launched, it’s actually much more safe to use a smartphone for payment than it is to use old fashioned cards.
And as Apple Pay (or equivalent) users will know – much more convenient too! Setup usually only takes a few minutes, and you’re good to go with the peace of mind that you’re making transactions securely.
Don’t be fooled by scams
Have you ever received a text or email with a link from a brand, company or even loved one you know – that just didn’t seem quite right?
It’s likely it was a scam known as phishing links. These links pretend to be real websites in the hopes that you’ll offer them your credentials and personal information. Never click on a link in an email or text message unless they come from a reputable source. And even still, take caution when doing so. It’s important to stay savvy, even if it’s come from a close friend — who may have fallen for a phishing link themselves and passed it on!
Go private
Social media has been one of the great side-products of the online world, connecting us to people around the world more than ever before. But you still need to be careful while you’re using social media as it can be a place that scammers look to steal your information.
When it doubt, go private on your social media platforms so not everyone can see what you’re sharing. And only accept followers and friend requests from people that you know!
Change passwords regularly
We all have a go-to password that helps us remember when we’re logging into accounts. But it’s still important to change your passwords regularly! This also means having different passwords across multiple websites, so if one happens to be compromised you won’t have problems with another account.
Always make sure that your passwords don’t relate to any personal information you may have, like family names, birthdays and job-related words. And never share your passwords or information with anyone else. If you haven’t changed your password in a while, now is the time!
