As we come to the end of Get Safe Online Week, and with the announcement of Justice Secretary Chris Grayling’s tougher measures for cyber-bullies and online hackers (of up to two years in prison), The Linc has some handy tips to keep you safe online.
1. Get some antivirus software
Make sure your computer not only has antivirus software, but that it is up-to-date. Not having antivirus software in the first place can mean your computer could be infected by worms, trojans, malware, and adware; all of which can be used to divulge your personal information.
Having the latest version of antivirus software is also terribly important because viruses evolve, meaning they get more and more immune to older versions of antivirus software like Norton, McAfee, BullGuard, and Kasperky. Therefore, it is essential to get the updated version of your antivirus software to make sure you face the best chance of not getting attacked by hackers.
2. Never tell anyone your password or PIN
However much you may trust family and friends, it is never a good idea to reveal your password or PIN to anyone, especially if you used this for any other personal account you may have. It makes it easy for people to hack into your accounts and find out your personal information for example your banking details.
3. Only connect to the internet via secure wireless networks
By accessing the internet through a insecure wireless network you make it super easy for people to target the network and gain any sensitive, personal information you may be using to access a site or sharing with somebody with in a conversation online.
4. Remember, your phone/tablets can also be vulnerable
As mobile phones and tablets get more advanced, it means they are more susceptible to attack, as systems are easier to break into and retrieve information from. Look at the recent controversies with Apple’s iCloud being attacked by anonymous hackers who posted compromising photos of celebrities. So to ensure you do not get attacked, make sure your devices have suitable protection on them too.
5. Backup your computer and phone data
Hopefully you will not be hacked, but it does not hurt to be cautious and well prepared, so back up your data so none of it can be corrupted or lost in case your devices do receive an unexpected visit from any spyware or viruses.