We spend most of our lives online now. From carrying out everyday work tasks to scrolling through social media apps in our downtime, we use digital tech daily.
While there are lots of advantages that come with being more connected, from keeping in touch with friends and family to meeting new people, it’s also important that we know how to stay safe online.
Every time you browse, shop, or communicate online, you expose yourself to potential threats. And when there are so many smart devices in use, cybercriminals have more access than ever to our information.
What do cybercriminals do?
Understanding the ways cybercriminals operate can help you decide how to go about locking down your information. They’re continuously developing more sophisticated techniques to steal information, compromise devices, and exploit vulnerabilities.
While technology evolves to defend against these risks, your best line of defence lies in adopting smart online habits and using the right tools. Here’s a look at how to protect yourself and your data.
Passwords
Using a strong password is essential, but a complex mix of letters, numbers, and symbols is no longer enough. Password entropy — the measure of a password’s unpredictability — plays a key role in resisting attacks. A longer passphrase, such as a random combination of unrelated words, offers significantly better security. Aim for at least 12 characters and avoid predictable phrases or easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
A password manager simplifies this process by generating and securely storing complex passwords. Look out for features like secure vaults, encrypted storage, and automatic password filling when researching the managers available.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security by requiring a secondary method to verify your identity, such as adding a phone number or using a different email address to access a login code. Whenever possible, enable MFA for your accounts to prevent unauthorised access, even if someone obtains your password.
Phishing
Phishing remains one of the most common cyber threats. This is where you receive emails or messages that mimic legitimate organisations to trick you into revealing sensitive information. For example, you might receive an email claiming to be from your bank, telling you to verify your account details immediately. Similarly, SMS phishing (smishing) often impersonates delivery companies with links that lead to malicious websites.
To identify phishing, examine emails and messages carefully. Look for inconsistent branding, grammatical errors, and suspicious sender addresses. Hover over links to preview the URL before clicking, and be wary of requests that demand urgent action.
If you fall victim to phishing, act quickly. Change your compromised passwords, enable MFA if it’s not already active, and report the incident to the relevant service provider or organisation.
Device security
Antivirus and anti-malware software protect your devices by detecting and blocking malicious software.
Malware comes in the form of ransomware that locks your files and spyware that monitors your activity. Invest in antivirus programs for real-time protection and regular scans to keep your system clean.
Also, cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to your system. Enable automatic updates on your operating system, applications, and browser to ensure that security updates are quickly applied.
Encrypt sensitive data on your devices too. This prevents unauthorised access, ensuring that even if someone gains access to your files, they remain unreadable.
Privacy
Most social media platforms and browsers collect extensive amounts of personal data by default. Review and adjust privacy settings for greater control over the information you share.
Also, avoid oversharing personal information online and think critically about the details you provide when creating accounts. Less shared data means fewer opportunities for attackers to exploit.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) add another layer of privacy. They do this by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address, so you can browse safely.
Online shopping
When shopping online, there are additional steps you can take:
- Verify that the website uses HTTPS—a secure connection that encrypts your data.
- Look for a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar and double-check the URL before entering payment details.
- Avoid websites with misspellings or unusual domains, as these can be signs of fraudulent sites.
- Be wary of fake online stores tempting you with unbelievable deals. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Consider your payment methods too. Credit cards often provide stronger fraud protection compared to debit cards, while services like PayPal and Apple Pay add an extra layer of security by masking your card details.
By taking steps now, you can keep your personal information protected while you’re online.
