How to Protect Yourself Online

Because the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, figuring out a way to keep safe from the many potential dangers it poses is crucial. If you’re worried about internet safety, here are a few tips on how to protect yourself online: 

Use strong passwords 

Your password is the first line of defence to secure your online accounts. It’s why several online banking, social media, and other online platforms require users’ passwords to be at least eight characters long and include a special character, and/or a number. 

Avoid passwords that contain commonly used phrases like ‘password’ or ‘qwerty’. Predictable ones that contain your birthday or a variation of your name are also not advised. Other passwords to avoid are ones with consecutive numbers or the same numbers repeated. 

Avoid using the same password for everything 

It’s a good idea to use different passwords for every online account. If you’re using the same password on everything and one of your accounts is compromised, your other accounts may be hacked, as well. 

Changing your password periodically can also help secure your accounts. Doing so can protect you from data breaches and prevent frequent access from hackers. 

Activate multi-factor authentication 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that protects your account from unauthorised login attempts. When you activate MFA for your account, you’re required to verify your identity through an authentication app on your phone, a one-time key sent to your SMS or email, or a fingerprint or facial scan, a security key, or the like. 

Having MFA activated makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your online accounts. Even if they manage to get your password and email, the additional verification will make your account harder to crack into. 

Don’t share your password, PIN, or OTP 

Sharing your password, PIN, or OTP (one-time password) with anyone is generally not a good idea. It increases the risk of unauthorised access and could put your account and personal information in jeopardy. 

A common red flag when it comes to online scams is when someone asks for your password, PIN, or OTP. If this happens, it’s best to contact the platform directly through their advertised customer care hotline or email. 

Review the sender’s information 

Phishing emails have become more sophisticated nowadays. Often, they will look identical to the real article, with one key difference being the sender information. To protect yourself from phishing scams, always pay attention to the sender’s email address. See if it matches previous correspondence with that company or organisation. 

If you’re suspicious about an email, it’s best not to engage. Avoid clicking any links or replying to the email itself. Looking up the sender’s email address may also help you figure out if it’s legitimate. 

Avoid sharing personal information online 

Be careful about what you put online. If you have a public social media account, consider changing it to private so only the people you know can see your profile. Cybercriminals may use the information gathered from your social media to gain access to your online accounts or even steal your identity. 

Be vigilant 

Cybercriminals have come up with a plethora of ways to scam people. The best way to avoid falling victim is to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour online and keep your guard up. If you think someone is trying to scam you, report them immediately to Scamwatch. This not only protects you but also those around you from being scammed.