Introduction
Internet safety is an important consideration for anyone who uses the internet. It is essential to protect yourself, your personal information, and your devices from potential threats that could compromise your security and privacy. This article will provide an overview of key topics related to internet safety, including using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, avoiding clicking on links or attachments in emails from unknown sources, ensuring anti-virus software is up to date, keeping operating systems, applications and browsers up to date with the latest security patches, avoiding using public Wi-Fi networks for confidential information, regularly monitoring online activity and account statements for suspicious activity, and being aware of potential phishing scams and other malicious activities.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication to Protect Accounts
Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication are important steps to take when it comes to protecting your accounts from potential threats. It is essential to have a strong password for all of your accounts as this will help to protect them from being compromised. According to a study by Microsoft, “the most common passwords used in 2019 were 123456, followed by 123456789, qwerty, password, 111111, 12345678, abc123, 1234567, password1, and 12345.” 1 These passwords are easy to guess and can be easily compromised, so it is important to choose a strong, unique password that is not easily guessed.
Two-factor authentication is another important step to take when it comes to protecting your accounts. This involves requiring an additional form of authentication beyond just a username and password. This could include a code sent to your phone or email, or a fingerprint scan. According to a study by Google, “two-step verification helps block hackers from accessing your account even if they know your password.” 2 By taking the extra step of two-factor authentication, you can help protect your accounts from potential threats.
Don’t Click on Links or Attachments in Emails from Unknown Sources
It is important to be aware of potential risks associated with clicking on links or attachments in emails from unknown sources. It is possible for malicious links or attachments to contain viruses, spyware, or other malicious software that can compromise your security and privacy. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when opening emails from unknown sources.
When it comes to identifying emails from unknown sources, there are a few things to look out for. First, look at the sender’s email address. If the email address looks suspicious or unfamiliar, it is best to avoid opening the email. Additionally, look out for emails that contain spelling or grammar mistakes, as this could be a sign that the email is not legitimate. Finally, look out for emails that promise something too good to be true, such as free products or services, as this could also be a sign of a scam. 3
Ensure Anti-Virus Software is Up to Date
It is important to ensure that your anti-virus software is up to date. Anti-virus software can help protect your computer and devices from malicious software and viruses that can compromise your security and privacy. According to a study by McAfee, “nearly half of all cyber attacks are caused by outdated software.” 4 Therefore, it is essential to keep your anti-virus software up to date in order to protect your devices from potential threats.
To ensure that your anti-virus software is up to date, it is important to check for updates regularly. Most anti-virus programs will automatically update themselves, but it is still important to check periodically to make sure that your software is up to date. Additionally, it is important to set your anti-virus software to run regular scans of your computer and devices in order to identify any potential threats.
Ensure Operating Systems, Applications and Browsers are Kept Up to Date with the Latest Security Patches
It is important to ensure that your operating systems, applications and browsers are kept up to date with the latest security patches. Outdated software can contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. According to a study by Symantec, “over 99% of exploits target known vulnerabilities for which a patch had already been released.” 5 Therefore, it is essential to keep your software up to date in order to protect your devices from potential threats.
To ensure that your software is kept up to date, it is important to check for updates regularly. Most software will automatically update itself, but it is still important to check periodically to make sure that your software is up to date. Additionally, it is important to enable automatic updating on your devices in order to ensure that all of your software is always up to date with the latest security patches.
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi Networks for Confidential Information
It is important to be aware of potential risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can be easily accessed by malicious actors. According to a study by Symantec, “public Wi-Fi networks are five times more likely to be targeted by hackers than private networks.” 6 Therefore, it is important to be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks, especially when sending or receiving confidential information.
When it comes to avoiding using public Wi-Fi networks for confidential information, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to use a virtual private network (VPN) whenever possible when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN will help to encrypt your data and protect it from potential threats. Additionally, it is important to avoid websites that require entering sensitive information, such as banking sites or shopping sites. Finally, it is important to be aware of potential spoofed networks, as these can be used by malicious actors to gain access to your data. 7
Regularly Monitor Online Activity and Account Statements for Suspicious Activity
It is important to regularly monitor your online activity and account statements for suspicious activity. Malicious actors can use stolen information to gain access to your accounts and commit fraud. According to a study by Javelin Strategy & Research, “fraud losses due to identity theft reached an all-time high in 2018, with 16.7 million victims experiencing $14.8 billion in total fraud losses.” 8 Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor your online activity and account statements in order to identify any potential fraudulent activity.
When it comes to monitoring your online activity and account statements, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to review your accounts regularly and check for any suspicious activity. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any changes in your credit score or reports, as this could indicate potential fraudulent activity. Finally, it is important to report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately. 9
Be Aware of Potential Phishing Scams and Other Malicious Activities
It is important to be aware of potential phishing scams and other malicious activities. Phishing scams are attempts by malicious actors to gain access to your personal information by posing as a legitimate organization. According to a study by Microsoft, “phishing attempts increased by 250% during the first three months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.” 10 Therefore, it is important to be aware of potential phishing scams and other malicious activities in order to protect yourself from potential threats.
When it comes to identifying and avoiding phishing scams and other malicious activities, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to be aware of any emails or messages that seem suspicious or unfamiliar, as these could be phishing scams. Additionally, it is important to be wary of any requests for personal or financial information, as this could also be a sign of a phishing scam. Finally, it is important to never click on links or attachments in emails from unknown sources, as these could contain malicious software. 11
Conclusion
Internet safety is an important consideration for anyone who uses the internet. Taking steps to protect yourself, your personal information, and your devices from potential threats is essential in order to maintain your security and privacy. In this article, we explored key topics related to internet safety, including using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, avoiding clicking on links or attachments in emails from unknown sources, ensuring anti-virus software is up to date, keeping operating systems, applications and browsers up to date with the latest security patches, avoiding using public Wi-Fi networks for confidential information, regularly monitoring online activity and account statements for suspicious activity, and being aware of potential phishing scams and other malicious activities. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from potential threats when using the internet.
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