Essential Steps to Strengthen Your Personal Safety Online

If you’re a user of the Internet, you’re automatically vulnerable to a wide array of threats. Whether you post every day on social media or only check your personal emails once a week, you’ll still be exposed to a significant level of risk.

No matter how you spend your time online – or how much you think you know about online safety – it’s worth learning more about how to keep yourself safe.

1. Create strong, unique passwords

Keep all your accounts secure by using complex passwords. These make it harder for people to log into your account and make it more difficult for bots and hackers to compromise your details.

If you need to make note of your login details, try to do so on paper and store them securely. You can also create unique codes with a password generator for each of your accounts.

Try to use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters to make your password more difficult to guess. It might feel tempting to use your pet’s name or birthday in your password, since these are so easy to remember, but they could make an easy guess.

2. Enable two-factor authentication

Want extra peace of mind that no one will be able to hack your account?

If so, two-factor authentication makes a great starting point. This means that when you attempt to login to the service, you’ll be asked to confirm your identity with a check across another device. This is typically a six-digit code sent to your mobile device from the website or service provider you’re using.

This makes it more challenging for unauthorised users and helps reassure you that you can trust the platform too.

3. Keep software and devices updated

Regularly updating your operating systems, applications and security software will patch up any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

Wherever possible, make sure you’ve enabled automatic updates to make sure you receive the latest products as soon as they’re available. Keeping new software on your computer, and particularly the latest edition of your browser, will enhance your online security.

4. Be vigilant against phishing attempts

Knowing how to spot a scam could save you from losing your personal information, including payment details. With international cyber threats on the rise, your personal account could be targeted at any time.

Be cautious of any unsolicited emails that appear in your inbox with a sense of urgency, requesting personal information or directing you to an unfamiliar website with a hyperlink.

Always verify the sender’s authenticity before engaging with any content online. Where possible, avoid sharing sensitive data unless you’re certain of the legitimacy and security of the recipient.

5. Secure your social media accounts

Review and adjust the privacy settings on your social media profiles. This controls who and what can access your information, including photos that show your face. With AI technologies increasingly collecting facial data, this is an important final step for many social media users.

Being proactive makes it easier to protect your personal information from potential cyber threats. Over time, safety-conscious habits become second nature.