How to Stay Safe Online

It can be hard to imagine the world without the internet these days, particularly if you were born in the late 90s or early 00s. While online spaces have developed enormously over the last couple of decades, so has the threat to security when you are using the internet. 

From getting your identity stolen to financial scams, there are a lot of things to worry about when it comes to your safety online, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself as much as possible. 

Below are a few quick tips for online safety that you should keep in mind when you’re enjoying these online spaces.

Mix Up Your Passwords

It can be very tempting to use one or two passwords for everything as it makes it much easier to remember them, but doing this will make you more vulnerable to hackers. Your passwords should be something that won’t be easy to guess, and using a variety of different ones for each account you have will help keep these spaces more secure. 

You should also consider changing your passwords every few months to make it even harder for people to figure them out. 

Do Your Research

If you go onto a website and something about it doesn’t feel quite right, or they are asking you for information that other retailers or legitimate businesses you have used in the past have not, cease activity on that website. Instead, take the time to do some research to find out whether or not there are reports of scams or other problems previous users might have come across. 

Even taking note of other websites that have had negative reviews and reports of this nature is worthwhile so you can avoid them entirely in the future. You might want to look at other sites that recommend safer websites for further precaution, like this one that lists safe online casino platforms.

Look at Your Privacy Settings

Check the privacy settings that you have on your computer and other devices. Although reading through the fine print can feel tedious at times, it will be worthwhile if you want to make sure that your devices are secure when you’re using the internet. 

You should also take note of the site’s disclaimer regarding your data and how it will be used, and make sure that you alter these options to ones that you are comfortable with.

Be Careful Who You Talk To

Social media and forums can be a good way to connect with others, and some people have even made lasting friendships on these platforms. However, many people have also fallen victim to scammers or more sinister problems by talking to strangers online, and you must be careful about who you talk to. 

If people are being overly friendly, asking you for money or big favors, or even telling you things about themselves that don’t quite add up, it’s a good idea to cut communication with them. It can be easy to get drawn in by online scammers or people with other nasty agendas on the internet, so always be careful with whom you are talking and what you are talking about.

If you want to stay safe online, there are many other considerations to keep in mind, but starting with the tips above can help you lay a good foundation for online safety.