How to Stay Safe Online: What Are the Best Practices?

Hey!Broadband’s 10 Best Tips for Staying Safe Online

Today, almost everything and everyone is connected to the internet, which means ensuring your that your online presence is safe and secure is more important than ever. From personal information to financial transactions, the world wide web is a treasure trove of valuable data. It’s vital you know how to stay safe online and avoid any unintentional risks. Whether you're an avid internet user or just starting to explore the online world, here are some straightforward and practical tips to help you master information security and stay secure online.

1. Strong and Unique Passwords: The First Line of Defence

Your passwords are the keys to various websites and applications that contain your sensitive data so it's essential to make them strong and unique. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Instead, create a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Make sure to use different passwords for different accounts to prevent a domino effect if one account is compromised, giving you maximum online security. And keep a record of your passwords somewhere safe, you don’t want to make your accounts so impenetrable that even you can’t get in! This could be in a dedicated Password Manager which we’ll go into detail later.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): An Extra Layer of Online Security

Two-factor authentication is like having a second lock on your digital door. It requires you to provide a second piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This extra layer makes it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to access your accounts, for that extra level of online security.

3. Regularly Update Your Software and Apps: A Shield Against Vulnerabilities

Computer and mobile security are in constant flux as new technologies and functionality are frequently applied to our apps and software. To stay one step ahead, always keep your software and apps up to date. Developers release updates not just for new features but also to patch vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates whenever possible, so you don't have to worry about manually staying on top of the latest security patches for online virus protection.

4. Beware of Phishing: Don't Take the Bait!

Think of phishing attempts as a digital fishing trip where you are the fish and cybercriminals are trying to lure you into giving up your sensitive information. If you’re wondering how to avoid these traps: the best way is to flag them as a** spam/phishing email** and then delete as interacting with their contents could cause havoc.

Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that ask for personal information, even when it looks like it’s coming from a friend. Avoid clicking on suspicious links – install an Adblocker on your computer to weed out these dangers. Legitimate organisations will never ask you to provide sensitive information through email. If there is any hesitation or doubt, contact the organisation or sender directly using official contact information to verify the request.

5. Guarding Against Online Threats: Use a Reputable Antivirus Program

Even though all software and applications have built-in security measures, it’s still worth investigating further preventative measures. We mentioned installing an Adblocker, but full antivirus programs will help to detect and eliminate viruses, malware, and other online threats that could compromise your online security.

As always, it’s advisable to read through independent reviews of the options available so that you can find the best antivirus program for your situation.

6. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Locking the Digital Doors

Your home Wi-Fi network is the gateway to your computer security. Set a strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi to stop unauthorised access. Also, consider enabling network encryption; either WPA2 or WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) – this may be enabled already so be sure to check with your broadband provider. This means that even if someone is close to your home, they can’t tap into your internet connection without the correct credentials.

7. Use a Password Manager: Simplifying Security

Remembering multiple complex passwords is challenging and even if you keep a written record of them, it can still be a hassle to find the relevant and correct login details for each different app, website or software. That's where password managers come in handy. These tools securely store your passwords in an encrypted vault, requiring you to remember only one master password. Not only does this make your online activity more convenient, it also enhances your information security by generating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.

When choosing a password manager, always check independent reviews to gauge trustworthiness and security of the service.

8. Regularly Back Up Your Data: A Safety Net for the Digital World

In the event of a cyberattack, having a recent backup of your data can be a lifesaver. Regularly back up your important files to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. This way, even if your device falls victim to a hardware failure or any other malfunction, you won't lose valuable information.

9. Be Mindful of Social Media Settings: Share Wisely

While Social media platforms provide a convenient means to connect with friends and family, they can also be a goldmine of personal information for cybercriminals. Review and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, limiting the exposure of your personal information. Be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers and think twice before sharing sensitive details online, this is one of the best tips we can give you for how to stay safe online.

10. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is Power

The best defence against online threats is good sense. Stay informed about the latest computer security trends, common scams, and best practices to stay safe online. Reliable sources such as government websites, cybersecurity blogs, and reputable news outlets can provide valuable insights to help you navigate the digital landscape securely.

If you're interested in finding seeing what Hey!Broadband has to offer, please use our postcode checker to see if our network is available in your area. Alternatively, give us a call on 0330 822 28 78.