Tips for Internet Safety at home and work
1. Use a Secure Internet Connection
Avoid public Wi-Fi whenever possible. If you must use it, never perform sensitive transactions like banking or online shopping. Instead, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data over untrusted networks.
2. Choose Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak or repeated passwords make you vulnerable. A strong password should be:
At least 12 characters long
Include uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers
Avoid personal info like your birth date
Not follow keyboard patterns (like "qwerty")
Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security. It might ask for:
Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy are great tools to enable MFA.
4. Keep Software & OS Updated
Updates patch known vulnerabilities. Always keep your OS, browsers, apps, and security software current—especially those with personal or payment info.
5. Check Website Trustworthiness
When visiting websites, ensure:
The URL starts with HTTPS (not HTTP)
A padlock icon is in the address bar
Proper grammar and formatting
Trusted payment methods (avoid sketchy transfer options)
6. Manage Privacy Settings & Understand Policies
Regularly review privacy settings on social media, browsers, and devices. Limit data sharing. Also, read privacy policies to understand how your data is used.
7. Avoid Suspicious Links & Attachments
Don’t click on:
Unknown links in emails or messages
“Too good to be true” offers
Unverified ads or pop-ups
If in doubt, go directly to the source, such as your bank’s official website.
8. Secure All Your Devices
Use strong passwords, PINs, fingerprint or face recognition on all devices—smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, etc. Enable auto-lock features.
9. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Use external drives or cloud storage to back up important data. This protects against ransomware, accidental deletion, or hardware failure.
10. Close Old & Unused Accounts
Old accounts may have weak security or expose personal data. Close them and request deletion of your data from those services.
11. Be Careful What You Download
Only download apps and files from official or reputable sources. Watch out for hidden malware or drive-by downloads.
Delete unknown or suspicious files that appear on your system.
12. Think Before You Post
Once online, always online. Avoid posting:
Use a separate email for signups and keep your main ones private.
13. Be Cautious Meeting People Online
Online profiles may be fake. Treat interactions as you would in real life. This is especially critical on dating apps and social media.
14. Double-Check Information
The internet is full of misinformation. Verify facts using:
Trusted news sources
Official websites
Fact-checking services
15. Use a Trusted Antivirus & Keep It Updated
A reputable antivirus program protects against malware, spyware, ransomware, and more. Always keep it up to date to handle evolving threats.
Stay safe, stay aware!