Protect yourself online

It is very important to protect yourself from cybercriminals in order to avoid your sensitive or confidential information from being stolen and used for the wrong reasons.

Microsoft have provided a few tips on how you can protect yourself online:

Password

Why are passwords so important? Passwords are there to protect your confidential information, however, your information can be easily accessed if your password is easy to guess. A password that is easy for you to remember will most likely be easy for cybercriminals to guess.

If you use the same, simple password for multiple accounts, then cybercriminals can – and will – be able to access all your sensitive personal information.

According to Microsoft, to avoid cybercriminals guessing your password, you should use complex unique passwords for different accounts. “At least 10 characters and a mixture of numbers, letters, capitalisation and special characters.”

Be wary of strangers online

Cybercriminals will most likely create a fake social media profile to foster a relationship with an unwary user. Don’t accept invites from strangers on social media and don’t share sensitive or private information with a stranger.

Online and offline consequences

Be careful of what you post online. Ask yourself: ‘Would I want my employer, customer or relative to know this?’ Even things like your relationship status or home address, which might seem harmless, can be misused if the wrong person sees it.

“The internet is a public space, where anyone can see or share anything you publish, irrespective of whether it’s meant for them or if you’ve given permission.”

Personal information

Protect sensitive and personal information. Cybercriminals can trick you into downloading malware that allows them to steal your personal information. From a popular game to an email offering tech support, malware can be disguised in a variety of ways.

“Any image, comment or photo you post online is likely to remain there forever. Don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t want others to see.”

Be careful where you click

“Avoid downloading apps that look odd or come from an unknown site. Does the sender have a bizarre email address? Is there a strange sense of urgency?”

Privacy settings

If you don’t update your defences, cybercriminals will eventually come up with a way to overcome them.

“Make sure your operating system’s updates are up to date and make an effort to check the privacy settings on your applications and browsers.”

Secure connections

When using a public internet connection, such as Wi-Fi in a shopping centre, remember you have no direct control over its security.

“If you are unable to use a secure connection or ensure your device is protected, don’t share sensitive information. It’s safer to wait until you are at home and use a secure Wi-Fi network.”

Think before you click

Never feel rushed to click on a link or publish a post. There is nothing more urgent than our online safety. Navigating online threats can be stressful, but there are plenty of resources to help you out.

“Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure or suspicious, always defer to the expertise of those you trust – whether a friend, parent, teacher or even a technology partner.”

Related article: 

https://fourwaysreview.co.za/292086/e-mail-jail-cybercrime-bill-whether-worry/