Before you do anything online, it is essential to know the risks and to stay safe. When you use the internet, you will need to enter your personal information and passwords, so it is best to know how to keep this information protected by taking extra security measures. For people who aren’t very tech-savvy, these things may seem intimidating. The following are some helpful tips to keep you safe while using the internet.
Shop safely online
People enjoy shopping online because of its convenience. It can be risky as you don’t know if the website you’re ordering from is trustworthy. Some websites may attempt to scam you.
Here are some things to look for:
- The “s” in the URL (“https”)
- Company contact information
- The trust seal (the padlock symbol next to the URL)
- Website privacy policy
Use your bank safely
Bank security is compromised because your data is all stored online. The risk isn’t just passwords and pins, but also cookies. When you visit a website, be sure that it is secure. Enter your banking and account passwords into the “secure” version of most sites. To verify the safety of a website, check to see if it has site security measures such as an encrypted padlock symbol, and if not, chances are that it’s an imitation.
Avoid e-mail scams
There is no doubt that e-mail scams are the most common way for hackers to steal information. You should be very careful when you click on any of the links sent to you, and make sure the source of the link is confirmed before submitting any personal information. This will prevent you from being led to untrusted websites.
Use only a secured network connection
Anyone can access unsecured, public networks. A hacker can create a fake access point or use these networks to steal your information. To avoid hacking, don’t use public or unsecured wireless networks. Always used a secured connection.
Use strong passwords
Passwords protect sensitive data on the internet. Never use the same password across different websites since they can be stolen. Keep passwords complicated, don’t use characters like “password” or “1234.”
- Use strong passwords
- Always create unique passwords
- Don’t recycle them
- Use a password manager
Keep your devices updated
Hackers may use outdated devices to access your system and steal data. To avoid vulnerabilities, make sure your computer software is up-to-date and all your mobile devices have the latest patch installed.
Keep your personal information private
Personal identification numbers (PINs) and Social Security numbers (SSNs) are significant and must be protected:
- Don’t share your SSN and personal information with anyone you don’t trust
- Don’t fill out any form with personal information on untrusted websites
Protect yourself from identity theft
With this information, you can feel more comfortable and confident while shopping online, banking online and using other online services such as social media.
In addition to these tips, consider investing in an identity theft protection service. LifeLock, for instance, will detect and alert you to any threats. With identity theft protection services, you’ll be notified about unusual credit activity and your bank account will be monitored for fraudulent activity. After being the victim of identity theft, these services will help you get reimbursed. For more information, call the LifeLock phone number.
