Online Safety for Everyone – M Starr

Online Safety for Everyone

Having an online presence is a necessity these days. We all use the internet to search for jobs. And to connect with family and friends. We even make purchases. However, while the online world has a lot to offer, it can also be a dangerous place.

How to Stay Safe Online:

1. Don’t Give Out Personal Information.

This is one of the most essential safety tips for online users. When you are on social media, on unknown websites, or anywhere else online, you want to limit how much personal information you provide. You can’t get that back once you post something online or share information with someone you don’t know.

It’s better to stay safe and keep private information private. This includes your address, banking details, and other personal info.

2. Be Careful with Online Purchases.

Sometimes, you will have to provide banking information to buy something online. However, when you share these details, make sure you purchase something on a reputable site you trust. And make sure the site is secure. Websites with HTTP: are preferred.

3. Keep Privacy Settings On.

Another way you can stay safe online is by keeping privacy settings on. Many people don’t think about this, but websites collect all sorts of data from you. Companies and even hackers can use this data. So, you want to keep privacy settings on, especially on your web browser and any social media you use.

4. Don’t Visit Dangerous Websites.

Dangerous websites can infect your computer, leading hackers to your personal information. So, you want to stay away from unknown sites and browse safely while you are online. In other words. don’t click on weird flashing ads or go on websites that are not secure.

5. Use Secure Internet Connections.

You might want to use your local cafe’s Wi-Fi, but tech experts recommend using only secure internet connections you trust. Anyone can get access to their computer through local internet connections.

However, if you have to use local Wi-Fi, use VPN to make your browsing safe and secure. This way, no one can access passwords or other personal data.

6. Be Cautious About Downloads

Don’t download files that you are unfamiliar with. And only download things from websites that are safe and reputable. If you download something from a shady website, you could invite malware and viruses onto your computer.

7. Make Sure to Have Strong Passwords

This tip is a given, but you want to create strong passwords for any website you use. Especially if you have private information. We recommend using numbers, symbols, and both lower-case and upper-case letters to create a secure password.

8. Clear Your History.

Finally, you want to clear your internet history every now and then. When you do this, you can delete cache, cookies, and other tracking data. This makes your online browsing more secure and safe. Every computer does it differently, so check online for Mac or PC. Clearing the cache makes your computer run smoothly too.

In addition, you can also hit the escape button twice, and this will help clear your search field. Really, the less information you have online, including browsing data, the harder it will be for hackers and companies to target you.

9. Use incognito. Your search and websites are not kept.

From Google: Incognito mode can help keep your browsing private from others using your device.

Finally, think of what you put online. Almost everything can be saved. Strangers can see your post and images. Be safe.