Online security is an important aspect of modern life. Every transaction and relationship nowadays takes place in the digital world, and the risks are plenty.
Protecting yourself and your digital assets requires a proactive approach and a sound understanding of online threats. You can fortify your online defences by implementing a set of essential security practices.
This article will discuss some of the most common online threats and how you can stay safe with only a few steps. Whether you have previous experience with cybersecurity or feel like you don’t have enough information to navigate the internet safely, these tips will help you make your digital life more secure.
The most common online threats
There are many risks users should be aware of when navigating online, sharing digital information, and dealing with sensitive data.
Here are some of the most common threats people might come across when using the internet:
Malware and viruses
Malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware, can infect your devices and compromise your data or system functionality.
Phishing attacks
Phishing involves deceptive emails, messages, or websites designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data.
Identity theft
Cybercriminals may attempt to steal personal information, bank account details, or login credentials, to commit identity theft or fraud.
Data breaches
Organisations that store user data can experience security breaches, resulting in unauthorised access to sensitive information.
Online scams
Various online scams exist, such as fake online stores, fraudulent auctions, or advance-fee frauds, where users are tricked into making payments for nonexistent goods or services.
Cyberbullying
Online platforms can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying and harassment. Individuals may be subjected to abusive behaviour, threats, or humiliation.
Privacy invasion
Privacy can be compromised through data tracking, surveillance, or unauthorised access to private communications, leading to loss of confidentiality and potential misuse of personal information.
Social engineering
Cybercriminals can manipulate or deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that could compromise their security.
Top tips to stay safe online
With so many threats, it is important that people take action to protect their experience online.
Cybersecurity should always be a concern. These common threats can affect both companies and individuals, and there are simple steps everyone can take to prevent bigger problems.
Here are 11 things you can do to stay safe:
1. Use strong and unique passwords
This is probably the first thing you learn about how to stay safe online. Using a strong password is crucial for maintaining online security.
A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. They should also be unique.
A common practice people should avoid is using the same password for multiple websites. If one account gets compromised, reusing passwords increases the risk of unauthorised access to other accounts.
Passwords should never include personal information such as your name, birth date, or address. This information is easier to guess or obtain through social engineering.
One way to address these concerns is using a password manager. These applications create, store and manage strong passwords, which are automatically filled in whenever necessary.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security to your online accounts. It works by requiring two separate pieces of information to allow login. The first is typically a password, while the second is a code sent via text message, authenticator apps, email, or security keys. Biometric authentication and facial recognition can also be used as the second-factor authentication.
By enabling 2FA, users can make it harder for unauthorised individuals to breach their accounts and protect themselves against phishing attacks.
3. Keep software and devices updated
Updating software and devices is crucial for maintaining online security and overall system health.
Updates usually include security patches that address vulnerabilities discovered by developers or reported by users. Cybercriminals tend to exploit these vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems. If the software is updated, criminals will not come across flaws they can use.
Enable automatic updates, check for what developers have made available, and install new operating systems as soon as possible.
4. Be cautious of links and attachments
You can protect yourself from phishing attempts by exercising extra caution when clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails, messages, or social media posts.
Always verify the authenticity of the sender, be sceptical of unsolicited emails or messages, and be especially careful with urgent or threatening language. Criminals often try to create panic to compel victims to act without thinking. Therefore, paying attention and carefully assessing the necessity of links and attachments is important.
5. Use secure Wi-Fi networks
The safety of Wi-Fi networks should always be a concern.
Secure WI-Fi networks use encryption protocols to ensure your data remains confidential and unreadable to individuals who may be trying to intercept it.
Connect to Wi-Fi networks that you trust and are provided by reputable sources. Avoid connecting to open public networks. If you have control over the network you are using, make it safer with a strong password for your router.
Double-check the Wi-Fi Network name (SSID) when connecting to a network.
You can also use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which encrypts your internet traffic and provide an additional layer of security.
6. Be mindful of social media privacy settings
Review and adjust your social media privacy settings to control who can see your posts, personal information, and contact details.
Social media platforms collect a significant amount of personal information, which can expose you to hackers and cybercriminals. By limiting who can see your posts, you can avoid cyberstalking and harassment and protect your reputation and your personal relationships.
7. Regularly back up data
Regularly backing up data is crucial for safeguarding important files, documents, and personal information. This will protect you against data loss and prevent ransomware attacks.
In ransomware attacks, criminals encrypt your files and demand a ransom for their release. Having recent backups enables you to restore your files without paying the ransom, minimising the impact of such attacks.
To regularly back up data, consider what method suits your needs, establish a schedule and ensure information is properly stored.
8. Install reliable security software
Malware can cause significant harm to your devices and compromise sensitive information. Security software offers real-time scanning and detection, helping prevent infections and providing prompt removal of malicious programs.
Before choosing software to protect you from threats, conduct research to identify reputable providers and only download it from official sources.
Keep your software up to date and perform regular scans to ensure your systems are protected.
9. Be selective with app permissions
Apps may request access to sensitive data such as contacts and location. Granting unnecessary permissions could expose your personal information to potential misuse or compromise your privacy.
When installing new apps, carefully review the permissions requests before granting access. Consider if what the app needs aligns with how it works. You should only grant permissions that are essential for the app’s functionality.
You can avoid risks by reading reviews and seeking information about the companies behind the apps and how they operate.
10. Be wary of downloads
Only download software, files, or apps from trusted sources. Verify the legitimacy of the website or platform before getting data to minimise the risk of malware infections.
11. Educate yourself about online threats
Stay informed about common online threats, scams, and techniques used by criminals. This knowledge can help you recognise and avoid risks.
Understanding how some of the most common attacks happen and what you are most vulnerable to can guide you to take action. Read from reputable sources of cybersecurity news, blogs, and websites to learn about the latest threats.
Conclusion
Online security practices are not optional but essential. The risks posed by cyber threats and malicious actors require users to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to their personal information.
There are many things you can do to improve your online security and address vulnerabilities. Being well-informed about the most common threats, creating strong passwords, and being mindful of privacy settings can significantly contribute to your overall security. Tools such as password managers, security software, and VPNs can make this process easier and offer an extra layer of safety in your digital environment.
It is also important that you share your knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues, encouraging them to also protect their personal information. Online safety is much more efficient when responsibilities are shared, and everyone is committed to making the internet a better place.
