The Internet - A Safe Place To Be?
What are the security risks associated with the use of the internet? What is Safer Internet Day? Let's find out more about The Internet - A Safe Place To Be?.

Use HTTPS: Ensure the website has a lock symbol and "https" in the URL to secure personal information.
Ensuring a website has "https" in the URL indicates that the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted, securing your personal information. However, the lock icon, which previously indicated this security, will be phased out in Google Chrome starting September 2023, as HTTPS has become the norm and the icon's meaning is often misunderstood.
Update Your Browser: Regularly update your browser to protect against new viruses and malware.
Regularly updating your browser is crucial to protect against new viruses and malware, as browsers often notify users when updates are available. These updates can eliminate software flaws that hackers exploit. For more information on enhancing your internet safety, consider visiting the detailed guide on Browser's Security Features provided by GCFGlobal, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to secure your online activities.
Enable Multifactor Authentication: Use additional verification methods like one-time passwords, security questions, or biometric data to secure online accounts.
Enabling Multifactor Authentication (MFA) significantly enhances online security by requiring users to provide more than one verification factor, such as a password, a one-time code sent via text or email, an authenticator app, or biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. This makes it much harder for malicious actors to access accounts even if they have compromised one factor. For more detailed information, you can visit the website for Secure Our World.
Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and strong passwords, and consider using a password manager.
To ensure online safety, it is crucial to create strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and incorporate a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols, while avoiding obvious guesses. One effective approach is to consider using a password manager, which can help generate and store unique, complex passwords for each account. For more detailed guidance on creating secure passwords, visit the Password Tips page, which provides valuable insights into maintaining robust online security.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Use secure networks, especially for banking or shopping online, and consider a VPN for public Wi-Fi.
Using public Wi-Fi poses significant risks, especially for sensitive activities like banking or shopping. To stay safe, it is recommended to use secure networks and consider employing a VPN to encrypt your data and protect against common threats such as packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. For more detailed information on securing yourself online, visit the Public Wi-Fi Safety page on Norton's website. Ensuring your data stays protected while using unsecured networks is crucial in maintaining your privacy and security.
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Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links that could lead to viruses or malicious websites.
To stay safe online, it is crucial to be cautious with links by verifying the domain, watching for hyphens and symbols, avoiding IP addresses and shortened URLs, and comparing the visible URL with the one that appears when you hover over it. Never click on links from unsolicited emails, texts, or social media posts, and ensure the URL starts with "https://" for an extra layer of security. For more tips on identifying suspicious links, visit the 5 URL Warning Signs page provided by the University of Denver. Implementing these practices can significantly enhance your online safety.
Use Firewalls: Activate firewalls to block unwanted traffic and malicious software.
Firewalls are pivotal in blocking unwanted traffic and malicious software by monitoring and controlling network traffic based on predefined security rules. They play a significant role in preventing unauthorized access and mitigating threats such as DoS attacks, malware, and other cyber threats. A firewall evaluates incoming traffic against set security criteria to ensure smooth and secure communication, thereby protecting systems against hackers and malware. For a more in-depth understanding of firewall functionalities, refer to this Firewall Security guide, which elaborates on their critical role in safeguarding network infrastructures.
Set Up Alerts: Configure alerts on financial accounts to monitor transactions and detect unauthorized activity.
Setting up alerts on your financial accounts is crucial for monitoring transactions and detecting unauthorized activity, allowing you to receive immediate notifications for fraudulent transactions, low or high balance alerts, Transaction Alerts, Visa purchase alerts, and changes to your account profile or password.
Verify Website Addresses: Double-check the domain name to avoid deceptive web addresses.
In the digital landscape, safeguarding your online interactions is paramount, particularly in the face of increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks. One fundamental practice is verifying website addresses to ensure legitimacy. It's crucial to scrutinize domain names for subtle typos, unfamiliar Top-Level Domains (TLDs), and any suspicious modifications. Always be prudent and hover over links to verify their actual destination prior to clicking. For more in-depth insights on how to protect yourself from such threats, visiting the comprehensive guide on Understanding Internet Domains is highly recommended. By cultivating these habits, you significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to malicious schemes and enhance your overall digital security posture.
Limit Online Time: Balance online activities with other aspects of life to avoid addiction and maintain overall well-being.
To limit online time and maintain overall well-being, it is crucial to balance online activities with other aspects of life. Effective strategies include educating children on appropriate online behaviors, implementing parenting strategies, engaging in physical activities, and using counseling to shift focus from online to real-world activities, thereby preventing Internet Addiction.
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Avoid Talking to Strangers: Be cautious when interacting with unknown individuals online.
When interacting with strangers online, it is crucial to avoid sharing personal or financial information, refrain from meeting in person, and be cautious of suspicious behavior, reporting and blocking any harmful interactions immediately. To stay safe, avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address, phone number, or financial details with unknown individuals online. Additionally, be wary of emails or messages that ask for personal information or prompt urgent actions. More tips and guidelines can be found on the BetterHelp website, emphasizing the importance of online safety. Maintaining vigilance is essential to protect oneself in the digital world.
