Ways to Stay Secure Online

There are some internet users who try to use the internet to do harm or to commit crimes.

They may spread viruses or other harmful programs to other networks or steal sensitive personal information like passwords.

Several types of harmful programs: Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses sometimes cause the kind of widespread inconvenience or even damage.

Ways to Stay Secure Online

1. You should periodically receive and install updates for your operating and other software you use. Installing updates on time helps ensure that your computer and data remain protected.

It’s important to let your OS install these updates, because they are often related to computer security.

Companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google, along with the developers of various apps and programs, are always working to identify places where their products might be open to attack by viruses or other online hacking attempts. When they find a vulnerability, they create an update to address it.

Note: Before you install these updates certify their origin. This is because hackers are also able to send updates to gain access to individuals and organisations data and systems. We shall look on this on cyber physical security lessons.

2. Secure habits for email and social media messages will help you be much less vulnerable to harmful software programs like viruses.

• Be cautious about what you click on as you’re reading your emails or searching on internet.

• Click to open attached files only when you know exactly what they contain.

• Click hyperlinks in emails only if necessary, and before you click, hover over the link with your cursor. Check the URL that’s revealed, and make sure it’s where you would expect the link to send you.

• Since many viruses are spread through email attachments, being particularly cautious when clicking to open attached files will help to protect your computer from viruses.

3. Be careful about what information you share.

• Email scams called “phishing” are attempts to trick you into revealing secure information like passwords.

• In a phishing scam, you might receive an email claiming to be from your bank, or a company you’ve made purchases from, or even your employer. The email may claim that you need to update your information, pay money you supposedly owe, or click on a link to receive a coupon or prize.

• Avoid sharing personal information, such as your identity card numbers, mobile number or address, that you may not want all your online connections to have access to.

• Adjust your online privacy settings to the level of privacy that fits your situation.

Note: This advice also goes for social media messaging platforms, such as Facebook Messenger. Sometimes you may receive messages that seem suspicious.

4. Strong passwords is an important part of defending your online accounts, including social media and email.

A strong password should be;

1) At least 8 characters long;

2) a combination of letters (mix of uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters;

3) unique to each website or application you log in to;

4) Easy to remember.

Note: Always avoid saving your password online.