Not sure what safety precautions to take when online shopping or how to stay secure online when using social media or working on the internet?
In a growing online world — we continue to use more and more services and platforms online in our professional and personal lives. Unfortunately, our information remains more vulnerable through this online process, and we must take precautions to protect ourselves.
The internet brings with it continual access to the world, but we must be careful when using its vast resources.
From phishing to malware to viruses, it’s a wild world online.
Safety Precautions to Take When Online
- Share as little info as possible
- Make sure you have two-factor authentication selected for all social sites
- Never open suspicious attachments or ZIP files in emails
- Make sure a green lock symbol is shown on websites in the browser URL bar when you’re purchasing or using to ensure data is encrypted
- Check the credentials and verify the identity of those you’re communicating with
- Report suspicious emails to your IT department
- Use different passwords on different websites and make sure it’s not simple
- Keep your anti-virus and anti-malware software up-to-date
- Don’t send sensitive information on public Wifi networks
Apart from precautions to take when online, be sure to protect yourself in the physical world too. Specifically, be careful when placing sensitive information on USB sticks or another removable storage device as they are easily lost or stolen. It’s also essential to shred sensitive documents after using them, keep your desk clear and your computer locked when away from it.
Ultimately, if something is too good to be true in the online world, it probably is. Be on the lookout for safety precautions to take when online shopping or working — and remain vigilant.
Your personal identity and information is everything.
