Cybersecurity risks have grown just as rapidly as technology, and online scam artists are always finding new ways to lower a system’s defenses. Ramping up your cybersecurity awareness means learning how to stay safe online, which is the best way to keep your personal information and money safe. Use these 14 helpful internet safety tips to form cyber-safe online habits.
Social Media & Personal Privacy
- Never agree to privately meet anyone face to face: Avoid going with anyone to a secluded location; anyone who respects you wouldn’t ask you to do that anyway.
- Be wary of online requests for money: Keep a sharp lookout for suspicious requests seeking money or private information.
- Protect your personal identity: Avoid giving out details about your identity online. Even if you know the person, their account could get hacked and your information stolen.
- Keep your private life off social media: Do not post everything about your private life online.
- Do not post that you are home alone: Sharing that you are home alone for extended periods makes you vulnerable to anyone who might mean you harm.
- Keep your address private: Don’t share where you live, as providing this to the wrong person can invite an attack or robbery.
- Limit schedule details: Avoid mentioning too much about your day-to-day schedule so the wrong person doesn’t know when and where you are.
- Never post travel plans: Keep your travel itinerary private so the wrong person cannot take advantage of your absence.
Network & Connection Security
- Use a high-quality VPN: A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet to protect your data from snoopers.
- Secure your VPN access: Use the strongest possible authentication method rather than a standard password to make your VPN as difficult to access as possible.
- Disable Bluetooth in public: Don’t leave Bluetooth enabled. Change your settings to “Not Discoverable” to block hackers and be careful to only accept expected pairing requests.
Smart Browsing Habits
- Double-check every website: Entire websites can be set up as scams to steal your data. Look for a padlock symbol, poor spelling, or wonky designs that indicate a fake site.
- Go to websites directly: Never let emotions prompt a rash decision. Navigate to websites directly instead of clicking links within urgent emails or texts, which often lead to fake login pages.
- Watch your bank accounts and credit reports—if something seems off, contact your financial institution and the Federal Trade Commission.
By following all of these tips, you can help ensure that your information, identity, and devices stay safe as you surf the web.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
