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The basics of staying safe online

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Getting online opens up a world of possibilities. But it also poses risks that can be difficult to spot – particularly if you’re not tech-savvy. There are scammers and hackers in the world who may try to take advantage of that.

If you want to use the internet more but aren’t sure about to how to protect yourself, start with these essentials.

Creating safe passwords

Weak passwords make it easier for people to access your accounts without permission. Using simple words, predictable phrases and personal details are common bad habits that people often fall into.

To be safer online, create passwords that are long and unpredictable. Having unique passwords for each account is also recommended. Include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.

An easy way to do this is to use a password generator which can do the thinking for you. There’s no need to download anything – an online tool is quick and simple to use.

Watching out for phishing scams

Scammers often disguise themselves as trusted companies, banks or even friends to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Phishing emails and messages often create a sense of urgency, claiming there’s a problem with your account or offering a too-good-to-be-true reward. Always think first before acting!

Check the sender’s email address carefully. Fraudulent messages often come from addresses that look similar to official ones but include extra characters or misspellings.

Hover over any hyperlinks before clicking to see the true web address. If it doesn’t match the official site, it could be a scam.

Never share personal details or login credentials in response to an email or text. If a company genuinely needs to verify something, contact them directly through their official website or phone number rather than clicking on links in messages.

Using secure internet connections

The Wi-Fi you can access in public places like cafes and shops is usually less secure than home networks. This means it’s easier for hackers to intercept your data and potentially steal passwords and other sensitive information. Keep this in mind when using the internet away from home.

Avoid logging into online banking, email or shopping accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi.

At home, make sure your Wi-Fi router has a strong password rather than the default one it came with. Ask a tech-savvy friend or family member to change this for you if you’re unsure where to start.

 

Taking these simple steps can make it harder for cybercriminals to target you. There is more to learn and apply, but these essential tips are a good starting point if you’re only just getting started.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

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