This digital age calls for different measures to be put in place, with the boom of online payments, e-commerce solutions and other digital platforms that requires user data, there is also a need to set up security measures to safeguard what you hold dear to you.
The risk that comes with online engagement can be threatening but being aware of it and building a defense towards it makes you free and secure.
We share steps you can take to protect yourself when using the Internet:
INSTALL AN ANTIVIRUS
Safeguard your computer by installing antivirus and anti-spyware software and ensure that you update it regularly or better still set it to automatically update.
USE SECURE BROWSERS
Make use of a trusted and tested browser, to get more tips on this, you can check out for reviews from people who have used it before. Based on these, you can make your judgment on what you want to use. Notable browsers are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
FIREWALLS
Ensure your firewall is on and active, a firewall is a part of your computer system or network that blocks unauthorized access while permitting outward communication. You can access and manage the Windows Firewall through the Control Panel or for Mac you can access and manage the firewall through System Preferences.
SET STRONG PASSWORDS
If you are using a home wireless network, make sure security is enabled for it and if you are setting one ensure you create a strong and unique password. Now that your login is safe, make sure that your connections are secure. When at home or work, you probably use a password-protected router that encrypts your data. But, when you’re on the road, you might be tempted to use free, public Wi-Fi. The problem with public Wi-Fi is that it is often unsecured. This means it’s relatively easy for a hacker to access your device or information. That’s why you should consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN is a piece of software that creates a secure connection over the internet, so you can safely connect from anywhere. You can also check our previous blog post for tips on how to secure your password for you need help with that.
AVOID PHISHING
Beware of online forms or applications that require you to put in sensitive information, many of today’s online threats are based on phishing or social engineering. This is when you are tricked into revealing personal or sensitive information for fraudulent purposes, spam emails, free offers, click bait, online quizzes and more all use these tactics to entice you to click on dangerous links or give up your personal information. Always be wary of offers that sound too good to be true, or ask for too much information. Notable examples are hackers disguised as banks sending you emails to get your information.
PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
Even with the age of social media be careful of what you share online, just be cautious about what you share, particularly when it comes to your personal information. This can potentially be used to impersonate you or guess your passwords and login details. Also, our mobile devices can be just as vulnerable to online threats as our laptops. Mobile devices face new risks, such as fraudulent apps and dangerous links sent by text message. Be careful where you click, don’t respond to messages from strangers, and only download apps from official app stores after reading user reviews.
transact only on https websites
Surf and Shop Safely, when shopping online or visiting websites for online banking or other sensitive transactions, always make sure that the site’s address starts with “https”, instead of just “http”, and has a padlock icon in the URL field. This indicates that the website is secure and uses encryption to scramble your data so it cannot be intercepted by others.
Keep your guard up. Always be cautious about what you do online, which sites you visit, and what you share. Use comprehensive security software, and make sure to back up your data on a regular basis in case something goes wrong. By taking preventative measures, you can save yourself from headaches later on.
As we round up our Web Security Week Series, we all at OneNet Servers say a big thank you and hope you stay safe out there.
