Like everything good in life, the internet comes with its own set of risks. This article will take a look at some of those risks and ways to mitigate them. If you’re concerned about your own online safety or worried about a loved one when they are gaming or hanging out online, this guide will help put your mind at ease.
Choose strong passwords
It’s never been more important to choose strong passwords. This will prevent anyone from accessing your accounts online, which should protect you from scams and fraud. Pick passwords that have nothing to do with your life and make sure they consist of a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols. Plus, try to have multiple different passwords memorized.
Only purchase from secure sites
If you’re worried about making a purchase online, there’s probably a reason. Aside from the obvious trust signals that websites use to tell us that they are reputable, you need to ensure that the payment system is secure. Look at past reviews and use a secure payment service like PayPal.
Practice safe socializing
One of the best things about the internet is the fact that you can connect with people from all over the world. But, of course, this comes with its own set of dangers. Gamers especially can be targeted by online predators posing as other gamers because of their higher inventory value. To protect yourself against this danger, follow these rules:
- Don’t give out any personal information.
- Never agree to continue a relationship outside of the internet.
- Never give out your bank details.
- Ensure that you have access to your children’s accounts and check their messages regularly.
- Report any suspicious behavior to the police.
Watch your physical health
The dangers of a sedentary lifestyle have been widely reported in the last decade. Office workers are encouraged to stand up at work, and long-distance drivers are encouraged to take regular breaks. The same advice is relevant to heavy internet users too. Sitting in one position for more than one hour at a time is a bad idea. Take breaks away from the screen and incorporate some exercise into your daily routine.
Don’t click on dangerous websites or betting sites
When you click on a website, it can seem completely harmless. But actually, you have no idea what you’re clicking on. With improved algorithms from Google (and other search engines), dangerous sites are featuring less and less in the search engine results pages. However, it’s still important to practice caution.
Always look for signs that a website is reputable. For example, if it’s an online casino, make sure it has a license – like Lucky Nugget. This is especially important if you are signing up with bank details before buying anything.
Be careful what you download
One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to target people is through downloading malware. Whether it’s hidden in a suspicious email or on a webpage, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you could get caught out. It’s important to only download things that you know are safe. If you have any suspicions, just don’t click on it.
