5 Tips to Avoid Online Threats

 

The increasing number of Internet users, along with the advent of social media, cloud technology, and online banking, has significantly increased the risk of losing critical information.

It’s imperative that the Internet users protect themselves, but since the technology itself is constantly evolving, new attack techniques appear all the time.

5 Ways to Stay Safe Online

anti virus program1) Get an Anti-Virus Program

An Internet security suite (anti-virus program) is essential to protect digital assets and vital information.

It is designed to safeguard users’ online activities from viruses, spam, malware, spyware, and other threats.

The rise of cyber crime as a profitable business has enhanced the need of Internet security suites for protection.

Every Internet user should stay technically ahead of online threats by employing a suitable security suite and periodically updating it.

rogue website2) Watch Out for Rogue Websites

Rogue websites are fake sites which represent another big threat to Internet users.

They usually target new users accessing e-commerce and banking websites by directing to fake sites that appear identical to the original sites.

Once personal data is entered into these sites, it’s stolen.

Accounts may be emptied within minutes. Hence, Internet users should check the address bar for a green lock icon and the prefix ‘https://’ at the beginning of the URL when entering credit card and banking details.

It’s always preferable to go to the website directly rather than clicking the links received in emails, as these links can sometimes lead to rogue websites.

information top secret3) Be Careful With Sharing Sensitive Information

Every Internet user should be careful about revealing sensitive information to third parties.

For example, an email claiming to be from a company such as Chase may assert that you’re eligible for an investment of a lifetime and that bank details need to be validated.

Once the login ID and password are inputted, your banking details are stolen.

The subject and method of such emails may differ, but their aim is to obtain your banking details to steal your money.

You should be aware of these threats and avoid sharing banking information with third parties.

protect password4) Tighten up Your Passwords and Limit What You Share On-Line

Online banking passwords should be changed periodically.

People who specialize in cracking passwords may follow a user’s social media activities for clues on banking passwords, like pet names and so on.

Hence, it’s not safe to use passwords that are easy to guess. In addition, different passwords should be used for different accounts to be safe.

Privacy settings on social media sites should restrict all posts to friends only.

external hard rive back up data5) Look Into Backing up Your Important Information

Backing up refers to copying and archiving data.

This can help in restoring information in the event of hacking, accidental deletion, corruption, computer crash, accident, or some other form of data loss.

If you fall prey to threats like ransomware, the backup can retrieve your sensitive data.

It’s better to backup data periodically onto a data storage device or cloud storage.

2 thoughts on “5 Tips to Avoid Online Threats

  1. Damon says:

    Like I have said before, changing your password each year is not something that you “should” do. These days, it is something you “have” to do. There is nothing wrong with forgetting passwords and having them reset. Forgetting the email that you signed up with is another story!

  2. No Identity Theft says:

    Hey Damon, I agree with you. You need to change your password multiple times through the course of a year. I know it’s a pain in the butt and it’s no fun having to remember the changes. That’s why I make a spreadsheet with all my accounts and all the passwords associated with them. That way I will never have that issue.

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