The majority of us rely on the internet for social media, online schooling, remote work, and a variety of other activities. However, extensive use does not imply general comprehension.
The good news is that there are numerous methods for being safe while online. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best pieces of advice.
Let’s have a look at the top 15 internet safety tips for both kids and adults.
 1. Keep your data safe onlineÂ
Store your sensitive information on a computer that is not connected to the internet.
If your information isn’t available online, cybercriminals won’t be able to access it. This is why backing up essential papers is the best approach to keep them safe.
Certain information, such as your Social Security Number, should never be shared online. If you really must share it, make sure to send it as an email attachment. You may also encrypt the file before emailing it.
2. Verify the legitimacy of a website
- It is excellent practise to only register with reputable websites. But how can you tell if a website is trustworthy? First, check the address line for a small padlock at the start, which indicates that the connection is encrypted.
- Second, have a look at how a website looks and feels. The following are some criteria for determining whether or not a website is safe to use:
- The pages appear to be clean and error-free.
- The grammar in the body text and the address line are both correct.
- All of the images are proportional to the width of the screen.
- Advertisements appear natural and do not detract from the main material.
- If the website passes all of these requirements, it is probably safe to use.
3. Make a secure password.
Using strong, unique passwords is a wonderful way to secure yourself online. Strong passwords should have a mix of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters, with at least 12 symbols.
You can use one of the online password generators if you don’t want to think of a combination of symbols for your password.
4. Make use of a two-factor authentication system.
Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is a method of adding extra security to your account. When you sign in to your account with 2FA, you must not only enter your password correctly but also a separate code that was generated or delivered to your device beforehand. If someone merely has your account password, they won’t be able to access your profile without this extra code.
5. Avoid clicking on any dodgy online links.
You should avoid the following types of online content: questionable links from unknown sources and spam emails, clickbait, online quizzes, tabloid headers, “free” offers, and unsolicited advertisements. They’re easy to see because they all want you to click or open them.
The text will not mention the file if it is a malicious email attachment. Instead, the message will simply state, “read the attached file and tell me what you think.”
Make sure that the text and links on a website are all about the same thing. It’s best to leave the page fast if you click a link to learn more about polar bears and instead of seeing the Arctic, you get a “success storey” about a celebrity who lost weight or quit smoking overnight.
6. Make sure your computer is up to date
It’s critical that you keep your operating systems and apps up to date. Especially if your payment, health, or other critical information is stored in these apps. Developers are always striving to make things safer, keeping track of the latest threats and releasing security fixes in the event of flaws. Accept their efforts, maintain your software up to date, and do your part to protect yourself.
7. Free Wi-Fi and downloads should be avoided.
The most prevalent causes of online security issues are free downloads, online services, and Wi-Fi networks. If you choose a free solution, make sure it has a good reputation: look up the name of the service or software and you’ll almost certainly discover some user reviews.
Using free Wi-Fi isn’t always safe, but we need to get online quickly occasionally. Remember to avoid using free Wi-Fi to access your bank accounts or make transactions. If you must do so, utilise VPN software to ensure that the data you communicate over the unsecured network is protected. Any significant transactions should be postponed until you come home if they are not urgent.
8. Double-check facts found on the internet.
It’s easy to get lost in the avalanche of online information we’re bombarded with on a daily basis. If you come across something suspicious, conduct your own investigation to learn the truth or, at the very least, form your own opinion on the subject. Reputable websites should include links to the original source of information. Suspicious pages will not provide any references.
9. Use a VPN to protect your internet connection.
By masking your IP address, a VPN keeps your internet connection secret. It also hides critical data you pass across, such as bank account numbers while purchasing online and other personally identifiable information that could be compromised.
10. Make use of antivirus software.
Clario offers additional privacy features to assist you avoid being tracked. Your information is likewise protected from being leaked or shared. Clario will notify you immediately if your personal information becomes public, allowing you to rapidly re-secure it and protect yourself from identity theft.
Now that you know how to stay safe online, it’s time to teach your child the essentials (s). Other family members who may be less familiar with the internet will benefit from these security lectures (such as elderly relatives). So there you have it.
11. Internet safety principles to educate your children
Explain what a digital footprint is to your youngster. Search for facts about yourself or a favourite actor with your youngster and discuss the results. Discuss what others might learn about you as a result of these findings, as well as how we all leave a digital footprint on the internet, whether we realise it or not.
Make guidelines for shared content in your family. Define what stuff should and should not e shared online for the entire family. Photos and personal data, such as your home location and phone number, should be at the top of your priority list.
Assist your child in recognising phishing. Explain to your youngster how to recognise and avoid messages, links, or emails from strangers requesting account information or containing an unusual attachment.
Instruct your child in the use of secure passwords. You can explain to your child that a strong password must include a variety of characters and that it should not be shared with anybody.
Encourage positive online communication. Explain to your youngster the significance of online courtesy and treating people as you would like to be treated. In the same way as it is in the physical, offline world.
12. Bonus: a safety checklist for using the internet.
In today’s society, we should strive to be as safe as possible when using the internet.
Let’s go through our top internet safety tips again in case something goes wrong while you’re surfing the web:
- Offline storage is recommended for sensitive data.
- Examine a website’s trustworthiness.
- Protect your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Clicking on questionable links or attachments should be avoided.
- Unknown senders’ attachments should not be opened.
- Make sure your device and apps are up to current.
- Wi-Fi in public places should be used with caution.
- Double-check the accuracy of information found on the internet.
- Teach your children how to keep their online accounts safe.
- Discuss online etiquette.
13. Pro tip:
By utilising the Clario security app on several platforms and according to the basic internet safety standards outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding many of the unpleasant shocks that can occur online. Best of luck, and be careful out there!
