5 Important Rules for Staying Safe Online

Online safety is no less significant than real life security these days. And we can safely assume that its value will increase every passing day until it becomes the only important security measure to be taken care of.

At the moment, there are five most important things you always need to remember to stay safe online. The list of rules we are giving below is definitely not exhaustive, but these rules certainly play the most significant role in making your online presence safe and secure. It is recommended to make them your browsing habits rather than simple memorization.

Rule 1: Protect Your Personal Information

Your personal information includes everything from your name to the CVV code of your credit card. And you need to remember that these details are as personal as your life. Internet crimes are possible based on apparently insignificant information you give in, say, your Facebook username. So,

• Hide your date of birth from strangers
• Never expose your location to everyone
• Protect your contact details
• Pict usernames that have little in common with yourself. Avoid including your date of birth, anniversary, contact number etc.

Rule 2: Get Some Good Password Manager

Your personal information is only as far from the access of a hacker or stalker as your password. A strong password, no shorter than 12 letters normally, is highly recommended. Ideal passwords include:

1. at least one CAPITAL letter
2. at least one small letter
3. at least one digit
4. at least one symbol, e.g., *, $, @

But if you use the same password across multiple accounts, that's no lesser risk. If someone somehow hacks one account, all the other accounts and their data will be immediately accessible to them.

To avoid all these loopholes and easing the tension associated with complex passwords, they have introduced password managers. These softwares automatically generate secure passwords and save them. All you need is a master password to access your accounts. And the master password is obviously the most important thing to remember and protect in this case.

One of our favorite password manager is LastPass. It's easy, powerful and free. You can also add extra layers of security with two-step authentication with your phone.

Rule 3: Always Use Authentic, Up-to-Date Software

Softwares are a big source of injecting spyware, adware and malware, etc, to your system. These softwares steal your information, hijack your system and corrupt critical files. And all these activities can have grim consequences ranging from personal to financial pains.

The only way out of this software vandalism is to use trusted softwares from reliable companies and keep them updated. Get into the habit of searching for reviews before using a product. Never turn off updates or delay them as they are to fill the gaps in the software through which a criminal can attack your system.

Rule 4: Limit Your Web Interaction to Trustworthy People and Resources

People are not always trustworthy. Strangers are just strangers. But we often tend to forget these simple rules in the frenzy of our online activities. And this mistake often has its toll to be paid.

• Do not let strangers into your social media circles unless your professional or social duties demand for it.
• Do not sign up at every other site that grabs your attention.
• Prefer subscribing to RSS feeds than signing up for newsletters.
• Do not open an email unless you know its from authentic or familiar sources.
• Do not download softwares unless you confirm their authenticity and reliability of the site you're downloading them from. Google for reviews of sites, products and services for getting a better idea.
• Watch for SSL certificate (https:// rather than http://) in the URL bar (address bar) if you need to transfer sensitive information on a website.

Rule 5: Enhance Account Security Wherever Possible

Good website and business care for the security of their users and customers. They often offer extra layers of security like

• PINs,
• security question,
• SMS notification,
• two-factor authentication,
• recovery email, etc.

All these pains are taken to ensure you are secure and satisfied as a user. Get yourself to know and make fullest use of these security measures in the best interest of yourself and the company.

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Internet Authority Team

We just can't afford staying away from the internet. Nor can we live without sharing our findings. But unlike most tech bloggers out there, we focus on the utilitarian aspect of the modern technology. If it's useful, it's great. If not, it's the most absurd invention on earth! :)