For most of us, the internet is something we have been using for a significant number of years and for many, it is something that they have grown up always having access to. The fact that the internet seems like such a normal part of everyday life means that we tend to get slack when it comes to things like keeping safe online & looking after our internet security. Places like TryHackMe, who have the Red Team Hacker Academy teach you a wide range of skills when it comes to staying safe online and for very good reason – so, here’s a look at ways to stay safe online.
Red Team training teaches cyber security in an offensive security mindset. Learning to think like a hacker enables you to see the routes to attacks, allowing you to mitigate any risk. Staying safe online should be an increasing focus in your life. Learning how hackers and attackers think ensures that you stay safe, whilst also opening up lucrative career opportunities.
Protect Your Passwords
Without a doubt, ensuring that your passwords are secure is a must – and if you can, regularly changing them can help too! Although it can make life easier, using the same password for everything isn’t a good idea either. After all, that just means that when someone has one password of yours they have them all and that’s definitely something to be avoided. Many smart devices have ways for you to log in using your fingerprint which is a good way to keep things safe.
Be Careful What You Share Online
Lots of us are keen social media users which means that we want to share our exciting news with our friends – for example, when we’re jetting off on holiday or where we’re going to be for dinner. If you have a social media platform that is extremely private then this could be okay, but for those that have open accounts or followers that they don’t know then you’re simply telling people when your house will be empty or where you’re going to be for the evening. Sharing things like your date of birth or address should most definitely be avoided.
Upping Your Knowledge
Having knowledge on internet security, what the risks are and how they can be avoided is definitely something that we could all be better at. The internet is forever changing and as such the way we keep ourselves safe now can quickly become outdated. By keeping up to date with the latest methods and information we have peace of mind that we’re always following the best guidance when it comes to being safe. Whether you’re considering how to get into cyber security or you simply want to ensure that you’re safe when using the internet, being up to date with your knowledge can never be a bad thing.
Protecting Your Equipment
The good news is that there are plenty of software choices when it comes to staying safe online. For example, you can use a password generator to ensure that the password you’re using is unique and considered strong. For laptops and computers, anti-virus software is a must, especially one that scans emails and any new software that you are downloading. Scanning these new files that could be coming onto your computer means that you can feel confident that your equipment is well looked after. However, it is super important that any software like this is kept up to date, so make sure you have it automatically checking for updates as regally as possible so that your security system doesn’t become outdated.
Check Your Privacy Settings Often
One thing that has been noted over recent years is that platforms can change their settings with various updates. For example, you could assume that your Facebook profile is private and that others can’t view it, but an update could change this. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of regularly checking that your privacy settings as up to date and as you want them to be. You can also sometimes backdate this and make sure that all of your old posts are covered by the same method.
In general, staying safe online is about taking a sensible approach to how you use the internet. Don’t share your personal details with people that you don’t know & definitely do what you can to keep your passwords safe. If you have children that are starting to use the internet then make sure you have a chat with them about internet safety before they get the privilege of being allowed online. The internet allows us access to a wealth of information and resources but you want to make sure that your children are using this is the right way, so that you can be confident they’re safe when using the internet too.
If you have any hints and tips on how to stay safe online we’d love to hear them
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs. Specialising in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and parenting, Debz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to every guide. Her mission at Stereotude is to simplify the modern world for her readers through expert curation and fiercely honest advice.