Whatever activity you’re engaging in online, your data is constantly at risk of being accessed by malicious individuals. But by taking a few simple precautions, you can make it much harder for cybercriminals to target you.
Improving your security doesn’t require a lot of technical knowledge either, but the benefits it brings are well worth the effort.
Strengthening your digital defences
It’s important to keep software up to date, as many updates include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. By enabling automatic updates on your devices, you ensure you’re not exposed to avoidable risks. For example, keeping your phone’s operating system or your web browser updated can prevent malware and other malicious attacks.
Using strong, unique passwords is another simple but effective step. If your passwords are easy to guess, hackers can gain access to your accounts within minutes. Create long passwords that combine letters, numbers and symbols and consider using a password manager to help you store and generate secure passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all yourself.
Navigating the web safely
Always double-check the URL of any site to make sure it’s legitimate. A website that uses “http” instead of “https” or doesn’t have a padlock symbol in the address bar could indicate that it’s not secure. If you’re using public Wi-Fi in a café or a library, avoid entering sensitive information, like bank details or passwords, as the network might not be safe.
A simple way to boost your security when browsing is to use a Windows VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN masks your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data. This extra layer of protection comes especially in handy when accessing sensitive accounts or performing financial transactions.
Managing your online presence
Your online presence includes everything you share on social media, as well as any personal details you store in online accounts. While it’s tempting to overshare on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, keep in mind that the more you post, the more people can learn about you. Set privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see what you share. You can find detailed privacy checklists for social media sites on UK Safer Internet Centre.
It’s a good idea to keep your personal information, such as your address and phone number, private. When signing up for websites or services, think about whether you really need to provide certain details. If the site doesn’t need your full name or birthday, consider skipping those fields.
In addition, make it a habit to review your privacy settings regularly to stay in control of what’s visible to others.
