The Internet - How To Use It, and How Not To Be Used by It
What is the difference between the Worldwide Web and the internet? What is its benefits? What are the different types of information that are moved around on the Internet? Let's find out more about The Internet - How To Use It, and How Not To Be Used by It.
Use strong and unique passwords and keep track of all your passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for every account to protect your privacy, and utilize a password manager to help create, remember, and securely store all your passwords. This ensures easy and safe sign-in to your accounts. For more detailed guidance on enhancing online security, visit the Security Tips page provided by Google. It's important to stay informed and proactive in safeguarding your personal information and digital life.
Keep your screen locked when not using your device to prevent unauthorized access.
To prevent unauthorized access, ensure your devices are secure by using passwords or passcodes and other security options like fingerprint readers or face-scanning technology. It is crucial to keep your screen locked when not in use to reduce the likelihood of a cyberattack or data theft. For more detailed guidelines on maintaining online safety and protecting your data, you can visit the Kaspersky Resource Center.
Use secure networks and avoid public or free Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.
To ensure internet security, it is vital to use secure networks and avoid public or free Wi-Fi for sensitive activities such as online banking, shopping, or accessing personal data, as these networks are vulnerable to packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. When using public Wi-Fi, it is best to avoid accessing sensitive information and instead use a private IP service or VPN to maintain a secure connection. Additionally, keeping your software and operating system up to date plays a crucial role in protecting against security vulnerabilities. For further insights, you can explore more about these Best Practices for Internet Security.
Ensure your connection is secure before entering sensitive information, looking for HTTPS in the URL.
To ensure your connection is secure, it is vital to look for a URL that begins with "https" and a lock icon near the browser's location field. This indicates that the site uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate, which encrypts your communication and protects your data. For more detailed guidelines on maintaining online security, consider visiting the Secure Website page to enhance your understanding of web safety practices.
Be cautious of phishing attempts and never click on questionable links or provide personal information.
To protect yourself from phishing, be cautious of emails or messages asking for personal information, never click on questionable links or open suspicious attachments, and use multi-factor authentication and up-to-date security software to safeguard your accounts and devices. For more detailed guidance on identifying these threats, visit the FTC Consumer Website for comprehensive information on recognizing and avoiding phishing scams.
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Watch out for impersonators and verify the authenticity of messages from supposed authoritative sources.
To avoid being used by impersonators, never click on links embedded in emails, even from trusted sources, and verify the authenticity of websites by checking for HTTPS, a padlock icon, and correct spelling in the URL. It's crucial to remain vigilant, as highlighted by BU's Information Security guidelines, which emphasize the importance of looking for signs of legitimacy. These include contact information and maintaining a cautious approach towards offers that seem too good to be true.
Never share personal information such as your name, home address, or telephone number online.
Never share personal information such as your name, home address, telephone number, or other sensitive details online, as this can expose you to risks like identity theft, monetary loss, and safety threats. For more comprehensive guidance on how to safeguard yourself while navigating the digital world, visit the official resource by the U.S. Department of Justice, which offers essential tips and best practices to ensure your online interactions remain secure and private.
Avoid downloading attachments or clicking links from unknown sources to prevent malware and scams.
Avoid downloading attachments or clicking links from unknown sources, as these can infect your computer with viruses, malware, or scams, and potentially steal your personal information or identity. It is important to remain vigilant and never open attachments in spam emails or click on links in spam emails or untrusted websites. These actions are common methods for Cybercrime and malware attacks. By being cautious, you can protect yourself from threats that compromise your digital safety and privacy.
Keep your internet connection secure with hard-to-crack passwords, cybersecurity software, and a VPN.
To keep your Internet connection secure, use hard-to-crack passwords, enable network encryption such as WPA2, and utilize a VPN to create an encrypted tunnel for your data. Additionally, isolate non-essential devices on a guest Wi-Fi network and ensure your firewall is turned on and updated regularly. For more detailed guidance on staying protected, visit the Microsoft Support page.
Close unused accounts to prevent cybercriminals from accessing personal information.
Closing old online accounts is a crucial step to protect your personal data, identity details, and credit card numbers from potential attackers or data breaches. If account deletion is not feasible, it is advisable to remove financial and personal information to minimize the risk of data compromise. For a comprehensive guide on this topic, visit the detailed article on How to Geek to understand why maintaining an updated digital footprint is essential for security. By taking these proactive measures, you not only safeguard your sensitive information but also reduce the chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
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Maintain an open dialogue with family members about internet activities and online safety.
Maintaining open dialogue with children about internet safety is essential for ensuring their well-being in the digital world. Parents and educators should lead by example, demonstrating understanding and keeping communication lines open to make sure children feel comfortable sharing their online experiences and any concerns. Fostering a culture where children can openly talk to trusted adults about questionable online interactions is crucial. Websites like Be Internet Awesome provide valuable resources to help parents and teachers establish a safe and open environment. Regularly checking in and discussing family or classroom rules and expectations around technology use will further strengthen these conversations and equip children with the tools they need to navigate the internet safely.
