Published February 8, 2022
Author: Ash Khan

Sport is one of the few topics that ignite lively discussions. While lively discussion is beneficial, the ease of access provided by the internet has produced a Pandora’s box of trolling and nasty remarks directed towards athletes. Recently, football star Paul Pogba was subject to online abuse after sharing a post showcasing his religious beliefs which led him to delete the post. Such instances of online abuse are common around the globe not just against athletes but also people belonging to other walks of life. This safer internet day, play it fair online and pledge to Keep yourself and others safe by being courteous and respectful of other people and their ideas. 

 
The majority of people use the internet to connect and communicate with others around the world. However, there are others who do not follow the guidelines and use it as a platform to insult or injure others. These cybercriminals use the internet to perform heinous acts such as Committing fraud, trafficking in child pornography and intellectual property, stealing identities, creating malware, online abusing, or invading privacy which are only a few examples. Unfortunately, as more individuals step into the digital world and perform more of their personal and professional activities online, the internet has become a breeding ground for cybercriminals. 

With the rising number of cyber operations, it is now time for every company and individual from all walks of life to recognize that implementing cyber security measures is a must. 

Anyone who uses the internet should take some simple precautions. Here are 8 guidelines from IT Company to assist you to defend yourself from the wide range of cybercrimes happening nowadays: 

  • Use secure passwords 

Passwords should not be reused on many sites and should be updated frequently. Make them complicated. This requires at least ten words, digits, and characters to be used. A password management program can assist you in keeping your credentials secure. 

  • Update your software 

This is particularly true for operating systems and internet security software. Cyber attackers often use existing vulnerabilities, or weaknesses, in your software to get access to your system. Patching such vulnerabilities and holes might reduce your chances of becoming a cybercrime target. 
 

  • Manage your social media preferences 

Maintain the security of your personal and confidential information. Social engineering criminals may frequently obtain your private information with only a few data points, thus the less information you disclose online, the safer. For example, if you publish the name of your pet or give your mother’s maiden name, you may disclose the answers to two typical security questions. 

  • Improve your home network 

Starting with a strong encryption password and a virtual private network is a wise decision. A VPN encrypts all traffic that leaves your computers until it reaches its destination. If attackers do succeed to breach your connection line, they will only acquire encrypted data. When using a public Wi-Fi network, either at a school, café, restaurant, or airport, it’s a smart option to utilize a VPN. 
 

  • Keep track of important security breaches 

If you conduct business with a merchant or have an account on a website that has been affected by a breach of security, figure out what data the hackers acquired. Then as soon as possible, reset your password. 

  • Take precautions to safeguard yourself from identity theft 

you could be duped into providing personal data through the internet, or a burglar could take your mail to gain access to account information. That is why it is critical to protect your private information. A VPN, or virtual private network, can also assist to safeguard the information you send or receive online, particularly while using public Wi-Fi. 

  • Keep a close eye on the children 

You can educate your children about appropriate internet use without cutting off communication routes. State it clearly to them that they may approach you if they are subjected to internet abuse, surveillance, or harassment. 

  • Learn to take the right steps if you become a victim 

If you feel you have been the target of a cyberattack, you must notify the local police.  Even when the offense appears small, this is critical. Your report might help authorities with their investigations or prevent crooks from trying to take advantage of others in the future.