Are You Safe On Internet?

Everyday we come across various links which attracts us towards them. Sometimes we see an advertisement on our gmail or any website or social media platforms which we can't resist to open.

Did you ever think for a minute, will it be safe for you to click the link? There are various malicious links send by people waiting for you to click it so that they can hack you and steal your private information stored on your device.

The question remains the same, "Are you safe?" because if we are not safe then, what can we do to stay safe?

Following are few tips which can help us to be safe -

1. Think Before You Click - 

Always ensure the link for its safety before clicking it, make sure it is from genuine source and the website is SSL certified. As it may harm you and your data privacy and even cost you a lot of money just by one click.

2. Track Online Activities -

Always be aware of what you are doing online, which information you are sharing online, do not share the critical information about yourself which you don't want to pe public.

As per the research, data breaches in US in the year 2019 was found to be 1,473. (https://www.statista.com/statistics/273550/data-breaches-recorded-in-the-united-states-by-number-of-breaches-and-records-exposed/)

3. Use Your Own Device -

Always try using your own devices specially for any transaction and don't give your device access to anyone, especially someone unknown. Don't share any of your personal information to anyone.

4. Lock Devices -

Never leave your device unlock, every device comes with the privacy and password options, apply a strong password to your device and don't share it with anyone. Be alert while entering password to your device as someone may be shoulder surfing.

5. Updates -

Keep your device up to date as an update fixes the bugs and vulnerability of the devices and install updates your security patch.

6. Backup - 

Always keep a backup of all your important data, as if in case your device gets corrupted or hacked then you will always have an option to format your device and recover your important data.

7. Beware of Social Engineering -

It is a new technique that a hacker uses when they can't find any vulnerability to hack you, they try to be close to you online, using social media and try to get your personal information to hack into your device. So beware of the information you are sharing online.

8. Mobile Devices -

Most of the people secure their laptop, desktop but don't give much attention to their mobile phones. It is one of the most vulnerable device and should be secured with a strong password.

Never give your mobile phone to any stranger if you have not secured it.

9. Digital Awareness -

There are still people out there who have a smartphone but don't know how to properly use it and all its function and vulnerability. Digital awareness should be provided to everyone so that people will know all the pros and cons of the internet and how to secure themselves with all the vulnerability. This topic should be made compulsory to be taught in every school.

10. No-one Is Safe -

Never think that you are safe and this won't happen to you ever. No-one is safe, as anyone can be hacked, so always be aware of your actions and stay safe.

There are various other ways to stay safe on internet, but these are some of the basic steps you can take to secure yourself. Just be aware of all you are doing on internet and think twice before taking any action, as there is not an undo button in life to make everything like before.