The annual Safer Internet Day campaign aims to raise awareness about the harms people see and experience online.
Governments are increasing security and privacy obligations on internet service providers, but given the scale of nefarious activity in the digital world, users should also take action to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. need to wake up.
Fortunately, there are a variety of easily accessible ways to improve your online security and safety, and it’s important to raise awareness of these.
Here are five ways online users can be more secure when using the Internet.
1. Limit the amount of personal information on your social media accounts
Social engineering attacks are becoming increasingly customized and sophisticated. A key means of achieving this is by leveraging the vast amount of personal data that many people provide about themselves and their lives on their social media accounts.
This information could be used to create sophisticated social engineering campaigns to lure these individuals, and possibly their family and friends, into scams.
Malicious attackers can also use the information published on your social media accounts for other fraudulent activities, such as guessing passwords for other online accounts and identity theft.
Experts advise limiting the amount of personal data you reveal to others on social media. This includes not using your full name, date of birth, home address, or identifying your relationship to another person.
Individuals can also update privacy and security settings on their social media accounts, including limiting what information people other than their friends and followers can see.
2. Enhanced online authentication
Although the tools and techniques used by malicious actors online are becoming increasingly sophisticated, basic human factors still account for the majority of cyber and fraud incidents.
The primary tactic used to compromise personal data, including payment information, is compromised credentials (most commonly passwords).
This was highlighted when DNA testing company 23andMe was breached in October 2023, with the data of nearly 7 million customers accessed. In this case, the attacker utilized a credential stuffing campaign and attempted to log into the user’s account using credentials stolen from another breach.
This example emphasizes the need to use unique passwords for all online accounts and update them regularly. Another tip to reduce the chance of your credentials being compromised is to use different usernames for each online account and avoid using email addresses whenever possible.
All applicable online accounts must also employ multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA provides an additional layer of protection in case your username and password are compromised.
Finally, many organizations, including tech giants Microsoft, Apple, and Google, have begun offering passwordless alternatives, such as passkeys and biometrics, to authenticate online accounts. You should select these options whenever available to better protect your personal information.
3. Demand better security and privacy protection from your organization
Research shows that consumers are increasingly aware of data privacy and security issues, and these issues even influence their purchasing decisions.
It is important that consumers demand better security and privacy practices from organizations with which they share personal information, including clear policies regarding data collection and use.
If you are not satisfied that your data is being properly used or protected, you should stop using the Service.
In an interview with information security Joe Jones, Director of Research and Insights at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Magazine, said consumers should have more control over their personal data and who they share it with based on the value they receive in return. I mentioned that it is important to choose. .
4. Avoid clicking on malicious websites
There are many malicious and harmful websites on the Internet that trick users into entering sensitive information or infect their devices with malware.
Malicious sites often mimic genuine websites by using similar layouts and logos. Others claim to offer services that are not accessible through legitimate channels, such as live streaming of sporting events.
This means you should be careful when searching for or clicking on unfamiliar websites. This includes using search engines to find the Services. Many attackers use search engine optimization services, such as Google, to push malicious sites to the top of search results.
To detect malicious sites, you should look for various signs. Some basic ones check the URL to make sure it’s not misspelled or looks unusual. Sites that request sensitive personal information should be treated with caution.
Secure website URLs should start with “https” instead of “http,” but this is a subtle sign to look for.
Additionally, you should make sure to install the latest version of your web browser. Web browser providers develop sophisticated filters to identify and alert you to potential security threats.
5. Keep your kids safe online
The main theme of Safer Internet Day is promoting the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technologies among children and young people.
Protecting children from harmful content online, such as sexual abuse images, online grooming and cyberbullying, is a key part of the UK’s Online Safety Act, which was passed in October 2023.
There are various steps that parents, guardians, and other adult authorities can take to prevent children from viewing harmful content online. These include:
- Education: Parents need to educate their children about the dangers of the Internet and what types of behavior are acceptable in the online world, just as they do in the physical world. This requires parents to educate themselves about the harms their children may be exposed to online.
- Control: A variety of protection technologies are available to help parents manage their children’s Internet use and reduce the likelihood of their children engaging in risky behavior online.
