Since our physical world has become so integrated with technology, it is not easy to protect it when we have to worry about our computers and laptops. However, in this day and age, that is not the case. The more devices that are out there equal more opportunities for cybercriminals to attack.
Internet safety is the act of staying safe online. It is essential because it keeps us safe from being exposed to unwanted information, risks on the internet that might harm our devices, personal information, or our families. Therefore, it is essential to know about online safety and security.
Here are some of the risks and dangers of the internet:
- Cyberbullying
- Online scams
- Viruses
- Online predators
- Identity theft
- Faulty privacy settings
- Inappropriate content
There are so many cyber safety tips we should know, but internet safety doesn’t stop there. We have listed some of the pointers to help you and your family stay safer online.
#1: Know the dangers of the internet
When it comes to cyber safety, kids are often one of the most affected since they are not informed about this anger. Teach kids about the suspicious activities that happen online and encourage them to ask for help if something seems unusual.
#2: Beware of strangers
There is no easy way to say this, but the internet sometimes is a weird place. There are a lot of strangers that contact us via social media and direct messages, being creepy and, most of all, asking us personal questions such as our phone number, our address, etc. Not all of them are dangerous. However, it is good to keep your personal information private and not share too much information.
#3: Choosing strong passwords
Passwords are the primary defense against hackers. Yet, so many people decide to have an easy password, such as their name or last name, which makes the job easier for those trying to hack your account. It is important to remember that a strong password should contain at least eight characters which can include: numbers, symbols, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters.
#4. Be careful what you post
It’s essential to know how much information is too much information. Sometimes, when we have a personal achievement, for example, if we get our driver’s license, we tend to post it online, forgetting that it contains confidential information. As a result, it would be easier for a thief to get our information. Also, personal or inappropriate photos can attract online predators or could affect future educational or employment opportunities.
