Good Practices For Online Safety

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In today’s digital world, where most of our activities happen online, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by the risks. You may have heard horror stories of data breaches or cyberattacks, but what can you really do to protect yourself?

Getting to grips with some basic safety habits can make a significant difference in your personal security.

Understanding the Online Safety Act

This is a set of laws that has been designed to protect both adults and children online and includes responsibilities for social media and search companies. Ofcom regulates these laws and provides steps for companies to ensure they adhere to the codes of practice.

While legal frameworks are important, you also need to take individual responsibility for your online actions. One simple way to start is by being mindful of where and how you share your personal details. Before entering sensitive information on a website, check if it’s secured with ‘https’ in the URL. This small precaution can stop unwanted hackers from intercepting your data.

Securing your connection with VPNs

When you’re surfing the web in a public space like a coffee shop or airport, your connection is at risk of being intercepted by cybercriminals. The solution? A Virtual Private Network (VPN). This encrypts your internet connection, making it nearly impossible for anyone to spy on your online activities. It’s particularly useful when you’re using public Wi-Fi as it adds an extra layer of protection.

With a VPN, you can also access content that’s restricted based on your location. So, whether you’re travelling or simply want to stay private, using a VPN can be a game-changer in protecting your connection.

Strong password management

Using a strong, unique password for every account is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from hackers. Avoid using easy-to-guess information, like your pet’s name or birthday. A password that’s too simple can be cracked in seconds. To make life easier, consider using a random password generator to create long, complex passwords that are difficult to guess.

If remembering all these passwords feels overwhelming, use a password manager to store them safely in one place. This allows you to easily manage multiple strong passwords without the risk of forgetting them.

Protecting children

If you are a parent or guardian, one of your biggest concerns is likely to be your children’s safety when they’re online.

The internet is full of opportunities for learning, but it can also expose them to inappropriate content or online predators. You can help keep them safe by setting clear boundaries on internet use, monitoring their activities and using parental control software.

Discuss with them the importance of online safety and the potential dangers of oversharing personal information on social media. Encouraging them to come to you with any uncomfortable experiences will help them feel more secure and empowered.

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