The world is now a global village. Without the Internet, life can hardly be imagined. However, what happens if you realize that your most trusted technological invention, the Internet, may infringe on the privacy of your loved ones in a matter of nanoseconds?
Imagine that you need to transfer cash to Nigeria via Nigeria, the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, or any other nation. The web browser is opened for the transaction online via your bank. Enter all the details of your bank account on an identical-looking fake site. After a few seconds, you receive an email from your bank that states the balance on your account is negative. The receiver then confirms that they have yet to receive any cash. Scary! Right?
Hacking attacks and frauds expose users to losing valuable financial information, data, and more. However, you don’t have to fret; you’ll be secure if you are aware of and take certain precautions online.
Why is it important to consider your internet habits?
While leaving behind traces of your web browsing activity and sharing your data may appear harmless, they can be risky. The digital footprint you leave could:
Open yourself up to phishing, social engineering, and other attacks
Compromise your privacy
In the future, this could cause problems for employment
Let yourself be stalked
This can lead to identity theft
Be aware of the sites you browse and the data you provide to apps and websites.
Make sure you use a strong password.
“Strong passwords must contain at minimum 12 symbolsincluding numbers, letters, and other special characters.”
A strong password that is unique and secure provides good protection online. Secure passwords must contain at minimum 12 characters and include a combination of alphabets (upper and lower cases), numbers, and other special symbols. An investigation into cybersecurity recently showed that passwords with less than ten characters could be hacked in less than one hour. But passwords with more than 12 characters should take around a year or more to crack (and fifteen-character passwords can withstand millennia of brute force attacks).
If you cannot create a set of symbols for your password, consider using one of these generators.
Pro tip: If you want to determine the possibility of leaks in your passwords, you can use the Clarion data breach monitory need to input your email address, and we’ll review every associated account for breach.
You can enable multifactor authentication in the places where you can
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security process requiring users to submit at least two verification methods to gain access to the online account. As an example, instead of just asking for user name or password, it is more thorough by asking for more information such as:
Another one-time password, which websites’ authentication servers transmit to the user’s mobile and email addresses.
Security questions for personal use.
Fingerprints or any other biometric data like facial or voice recognition.
Multifactor authentication reduces the chance of being a victim of cyberattacks. To secure your accounts on the Internet, it’s best practice to use multifactor authentication wherever feasible. Using an authenticator application from a third party, like Google Authenticator or Authy, is also possible for security enhancements on your Internet.
Beware of WiFi in public areas.
The WiFi networks available to public users are usually less safe than you imagine. As much as possible, do not use the networks to log in to sensitive accounts or provide your details.
If you must use WiFi in public areas, be sure you’re using a VPN to secure your data and safeguard your personal information.
Take care when downloading anything.
Be cautious about the files you download off the web, specifically from a source that is not trustworthy. Hackers can embed malware within programs or files, which may infect your computer with malware.
Make sure you’ve got a reliable antivirus program that is up-to-date. Make sure you scan any file downloaded before even opening the files.
Stop accounts you do not use
Accounts that are not used can become an excellent supply of personal data for cybercriminals. Some kids set up accounts with their name, first name, and birthday within the username.
Cybercriminals can combine these data points and steal data on other websites that individuals use. If you don’t think you’ll return to the website, It is best to stop using your account.
Enjoy time together online.
How can you make your house more secure? Keep all household members accountable for their online safety habits and help each other out in the event of a risky online scenario. As parents, it’s about watching your children’s behavior and demonstrating curiosity about the websites they visit and the games they’re playing so you can educate them about the safety of their online activities. Ensure you keep computer monitors and desktops within a shared space and prevent children from using tablets only in their rooms.
Backup your data
Have you heard that every month, 1 out of 10 computers have a virus and every year, 70 million mobile phones get destroyed? Do not be one of the 30% who has lost all their information because they are reliant solely on one kind of internet-based (or offline) storage for data. Please keep a copy of every necessary file to you, and keep them in two secure locations. Using external hard drives, other removable media, and cloud storage is possible. It all depends on the type and size of data you’ve got.
Set FileVault’s permissions to allow it.
FileVault is a highly secure encryption program that is built into Mac computers. Using it, the user can include an additional security layer for all documents containing essential details. Whatever the need is – whether for work or personal reasons or professional- FileVault ensures that the documents are secure and protected from data breaches. Additionally, it is functional even when your device is not powered on, which can be extremely useful during times of misery like theft or loss. The result is that enabling FileVault gives you greater control over who can access the critical data on the hard drive!
Online Only
Online Only. Never be with an online friend in the flesh. They might not be the person you believe they are. They may even be threatening you with harm. While they might claim they’re kids, they may appear friendly or nice; however, adult criminals pretend to be kids. Be aware of this, and if you think there’s anyone you should meet and your parents agree to go, ensure they are along with you. Make sure to hold the appointment in an open space.
Photos
Photos:
- Don’t post pictures of you with someone you do not know.
- Avoid sharing provocative images of your friends or yourself. Once they’re out and about, you can’t control who is viewing the photos.
- If anyone makes you uncomfortable when they ask for pictures, ask what your appearance is like, ask questions about your personal life, inform your parents or the police, or call CyberTipline.com.
Bullying
The Bullying Report to your parents if you are at ease or are being bullied by someone online. Remember – you do not have to reply to messages that seem rude or cause you to feel uneasy. You can report anything that you think may be offensive or arousing. It would help if you didn’t take action that hurts others or violates the law.
READ UP ON THE PERSONAL GAMES YOU PLAY
Mobile gaming accounts for nearly 50 percent of the gaming market! Simply because the game is in a reputable app store does not mean you can download it. Before installing any game app for your mobile, ensure that the app is authentic. Please read the user reviews and then search it in a search engine before installing.
FLIP on MFA
Multifactor authentication (MFA), or 2-factor authentication, provides another degree of security to your accounts. Now, specific gaming games support MFA. MFA is biometrics (think facial ID scans, as well as fingerprint authentication) and security keys or applications that provide unique codes that are only used once when you need to sign in to your account. We suggest using MFA when it is offered. It’s as if you build a castle on the crate; you keep your loot!
Create a time limit for using the Internet.
Establish a time-bound cut-off to limit your kids’ online activity. It’s better to restrict kids’ online activities, regardless of whether it is for educational or leisure reasons. Discuss this issue with your kids and set a daily collection cut-off time.
If we’re comfortable with it and whether or not we want it, smartphones, applications, game games, and media have become significant in many kids’ lives. What are age limits; many kids use social media even before turning thirteen. Online time can bring potential and inspiration, but it also poses a danger.
Be cautious when you meet people online.
Anyone you encounter online may not always be who they say they are. There are times when they might not be accurate, given the rise of nifty social media sites on the increase by the minute. Take care and note how you conduct your online activities like you would in person.