Staying safe online is an important part of getting the most out of the internet. Even though it may seem like it’s an innocent place, the truth is that you can get into plenty of trouble. There are all sorts of risks involved which is why you need to protect your data. From your daily interactions, to your passwords, here are some of the most practical tips for staying safe on the Internet.
Don’t Share too Many Personal Details
If you’re just getting started using social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, they may ask you for all sorts of questions. From where you went to school, to the city you live in, to your phone number— don’t fall into this trap.
The less information you share about yourself the better. You never know when a potential job could search for your name and find out all sorts of information about you that you don’t necessarily need them to know.
The same goes for your personal life. People who don’t know you don’t need to know your address or where you were born. Keep the information you share about yourself limited, and you’ll thank yourself for it.
Only Use Reputable Websites
Purchasing items online is a great way to shop without the hassle of having to stand in lines or deal with parking lots. However, that’s not to say there aren’t any risks involved. It’s important that you only shop on reputable sites since they’ll be saving your payment information.
You can think of websites like different parts of town. There are safe neighborhoods and not so safe neighborhoods. Stay away from the places you don’t know, and stick to the streets you’re familiar with.
Be Careful On Public Wifi
Even though it may seem convenient to join the public Wi-Fi internet service at the airport, or at your local cafe, there are hackers specifically seeking out victims under these conditions. A public Wi-Fi connection lacks the same security as your own home connection.
So, if you do connect to one of these public Wi-Fi channels, don’t connect to your online bank for example. Otherwise, you could find yourself with a compromised password.
Be Wary of Downloads
It’s important that you’re extremely careful about what you download. Whether it’s something a friend sends you on an email, or a software update for a free program, anything you download can leave your computer susceptible to attack. Therefore, it’s important that you practice extreme caution before clicking the download button.
Get AntiVirus Software
Virus software will help monitor your computer in the event that you are targeted by an unsafe program. You’ll get an alert which will instruct you on what steps to take next. In order to keep your information safe. Some virus software comes free with your computer, while others you’ll need to pay for it. It all depends on your particular needs when choosing the right antivirus software.
