11 Internet Safety Tips for Your Online Security

Summary

Kaspersky's top internet safety tips emphasize limiting personal information, using privacy settings, avoiding suspicious links, downloading apps cautiously, securing internet connections, choosing strong passwords, shopping on encrypted sites, thinking before posting, socializing safely, updating antivirus protection, and regularly backing up data to protect your wallet and reputation online.

Takeaways

• 🔒 Limit personal information shared online, as you would in real life.
• 🔒 Turn on privacy settings to protect your social media presence and browsing habits.
• 🔒 Always close your social media and retail accounts when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
• 🚫 Be cautious with links and ads online, especially if they ask for personal information.
• 🚫 Avoid downloading apps from suspicious sources to prevent malware infections.
• 🔒 Ensure your internet connection is secure, especially when using public Wi-Fi, by using a VPN.
• 🔒 Use strong, complex passwords and consider using a password manager for better security.
• 🔒 Shop only on secure sites, identified by a URL starting with 'https'.
• 🤔 Think before posting online, as content can remain permanently and be seen by unintended audiences.
• 🤔 Be wary of fake social profiles, which can be used to gain access to your personal information.
• 🔒 Keep your antivirus software up to date to protect against evolving cyber threats.
• 🔒 Regularly back up your data to safeguard against online scams or ransomware attacks.

Q & A

What is the primary concern when it comes to online activity according to the script?

The primary concern is staying safe online, which includes protecting your wallet and reputation from potential cyber threats.

Why is it important to limit personal information shared online?

Limiting personal information online is crucial as you wouldn't share your address or phone number with strangers in real life, and the same principle applies to the digital world to avoid unwanted intrusion or identity theft.

What are the benefits of turning on privacy settings on social media and retail accounts?

Turning on privacy settings helps limit the access of hackers and marketers to your personal information, thus safeguarding your privacy and preventing misuse of your data.

Why should you close your social media and retail accounts profiles and emails when not in use?

Closing accounts when not in use reduces the chances of hackers gaining unauthorized access to your personal and financial information.

What should you do when encountering a link that looks explicit or shocking while browsing?

Avoid clicking on such links as they might be traps designed to gather personal information or infect your device with malware.

Why is it advised to check twice before downloading an app?

Malware is often disguised as an app, so it's important to ensure the app is from a trusted source and not suspicious to avoid compromising your device's security.

What precautions should be taken when using public Wi-Fi networks?

Using a VPN when connected to public Wi-Fi is recommended to secure your internet connection and protect sensitive information from cybercriminals.

Why is it crucial to select strong passwords for online accounts?

Strong passwords, at least 16 characters long and including numbers and special characters, help protect your accounts from data breaches and unauthorized access.

What does it mean when a website's address starts with HTTPS, and why is it important?

HTTPS indicates that the site is encrypted and secure, protecting your data from being intercepted during transmission. Shopping on secure sites is essential to safeguard your personal and financial information.

Why should you think before posting online?

Content posted online may be permanent, and even if deleted, copies may have been shared. Posting regrettable remarks or embarrassing photos could have long-lasting consequences on your reputation.

How can fake social profiles be a risk, and what should you do to socialize safely online?

Fake social profiles can be used by hackers to gain access to your personal information. To socialize safely, verify the authenticity of new connections and be cautious about sharing personal details.

Why is it necessary to update antivirus protection regularly?

Cyber criminals continually develop new threats, so keeping your antivirus software up to date is essential for protecting your computer from malware.

What is the importance of backing up your data regularly?

Regular data backups ensure that you have access to your information even if you fall victim to an online scam or ransomware, thus minimizing potential losses.