The more time you spend online, the greater the risk you’ll be targeted by cybercriminals. Their methods are sophisticated and diverse today, ranging from intricate phishing scams to simple password manipulation. Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe online.
Create better passwords
Not sure your passwords are secure enough? Make them better, before it’s too late. Avoid common phrases, the standard ‘password123’ or anything related to personal information that may be easily accessible – things like your birthday, address or middle name.
To create the strongest passwords, use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters such as full stops and exclamation marks. Try to use unique passwords for different accounts, like one for your email, another for your Instagram login and so on. This should help reduce the risk of them all being compromised if one is.
Password managers are your best friend here to help you keep track.
Learn how to spot phishing scams
You’re vulnerable to phishing scams at home, on the go and at work. If you can learn to understand them and how to spot the signs, you’ll instantly make your time online more secure.
Scammers usually send emails or messages that appear official (as if from banks, local councils or companies) but contain malicious links. Always check the sender, their credentials and the address or number they’re sending from. Double-check the official website or contact them through trusted channels if you’re unsure.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments unless you’re 100% sure the sender is legit. The consequences could be devastating.
Look out for dodgy websites
Knowing a safe, secure website from a dodgy one is one of the best ways to protect yourself online. The same goes for apps and other things you use.
Some of the most important trust signals on a website are an SSL certificate (the little padlock by the URL bar), address and contact details, trusted payment methods (such as Apple Pay and Credit/Debit card portals) and existing customer/user reviews.
These security measures are particularly important to keep an eye out for on websites where you’ll be entering personal details such as your address or debit card information- think online shopping or recreational sites like online roulette. Failing to check could lead to this private information being leaked and misused.
If you’re unsure about a website’s credentials, platforms like Trustpilot verify reviews given by users and customers. If things look bad on there, it’s probably best to avoid interacting with the site any further.
Keep your devices updated
To finish, one of the simplest ways to stay safe and secure online is to keep your devices up to date. The manufacturers of your devices, whether it’s Apple, Google or anyone else, do all the hard work to keep you safe through their software.
Failing to download new updates leaves you vulnerable to cyberattacks. Downloading updates only takes a few clicks and should ensure you’re no more vulnerable than anyone else.
