The internet has changed our lives in more ways than one. Whether it’s shopping online, banking, or communication, there is nothing that you cannot do online. However, as it’s easy for you, it’s also easy for cybercriminals to get access to your personal information.
They often use your personal data in such ways that can result in disastrous consequences. Thus, it is crucial to take your security online seriously. It’s essential to have the right knowledge about the steps that you can take to stay secure online.
Apart from a few easy ones such as delete chrome history, choose a strong password, and keep antivirus program updated. There are other effective ways to avoid becoming victims of cybercrimes –
Avoid Using Public Wi-fi to Access Sensitive Data
Most of us get excited when we have access to free internet, especially when we are traveling and have limited internet data available to us. Even though public wi-fi is convenient, it also poses a threat to your personal and financial data.
If you’re connected to public wi-fi, hackers can easily see what you’re doing online and steal your information if they want to. So, when using the Wi-Fi at a restaurant, hotel, public transport, airports, or any other public place, it’s essential that you do not let your guard down.
It’s best to avoid accessing your sensitive information such as your bank details, credit card details, or login credentials when using free internet.
Keep Social Media Privacy Settings On
When you create accounts on social media platforms, they will collect information from your page and share it with third-party or marketers. It’s also where hackers can learn more about you. However, it’s possible to limit the information that you provide to them. There are privacy settings built within the platforms that can enhance your security.
Most of the time, these are difficult to find because social media platforms want to use your personal information as it offers them marketing value. Thus, it’s best to keep the privacy settings on at all times.
Shop from Secure Sites Only
Shopping online is one of the perks of the internet. However, it’s vital that you choose only reputable online stores to buy from. You need to provide your banking details such as your debit card, credit card, or account information to complete the purchases. This is what cybercriminals are looking to get their hands on.
Make sure that the website uses encrypted connections before you share your payment details with them. It’s best not to save your payment details on the site and enter them only when you need to make a payment.
Identify and Avoid Phishing or Spam Emails
Spam and phishing emails are the two top techniques that hackers use to steal your personal information. While phishing emails may be challenging to recognize, spam emails are much easier to avoid falling for.
Hackers have become more sophisticated when creating phishing emails, so it’s essential that you do not engage in emails that are not from recognized people or businesses. It’s best to delete them immediately, or if you’re not sure who it is from, you can contact the original sender to check if they have sent you an email or not.
Do Not Trust People You Meet Online
Always be cautious while talking to people online whom you do not know in real life. Most of the time, people whom you meet online are not always who they claim to be. Hackers often use social media platforms to woo users and steal their personal information.
Be careful when sharing your personal information with people you meet online. Whatever you share can be used by them to crack your logins or password. So, be sensible when you interact with people online and then meet them in-person.
Using the tips above, you can avoid the many surprises that might be lurking online. It’s better to learn how to stay safe online rather than becoming victims of identity theft or cyber-attacks. Even though being vigilant might seem like too much work on your part, once you know how to do it right, it will become your second nature.
