Online safety

The internet is an essential part of everyday life, offering access to information, services, and entertainment. However, it’s important to remain aware of the risks associated with online activity. Tasks such as banking, shopping, and browsing can expose your personal information to fraud, malware, or identity theft if appropriate safeguards aren’t in place.

To defend against online threats like viruses, malware, and unauthorised access, always ensure your devices have the latest security software, web browser, and operating system updates. Software updates often contain critical patches to protect against known vulnerabilities. Most systems allow automatic updates—enabling this setting ensures your device remains protected without needing manual intervention.

It’s not just computers that require protection. Smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart devices also connect to the internet and can be targeted. Be sure to install reliable security software on all your devices and enable protective settings to reduce exposure to risks.

External storage such as USB drives and portable hard drives can carry harmful software. Before opening files or folders, always scan these devices with your antivirus software to ensure they are clean and safe to use.

Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password should combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms. Where possible, enable multi-factor authentication to provide an additional layer of protection beyond just a password.

It’s common to forget passwords, especially when using different ones for each account. Consider storing them in a secure location, such as a locked physical log or a trusted password manager. Avoid keeping password lists on or near your device.

Set your privacy and sharing preferences on websites and social media platforms to match your comfort level. Limit the visibility of personal information and only share data when necessary. Being selective about what you share helps reduce your exposure to data harvesting and identity theft.

Cybercriminals often use links in emails, text messages, social media posts, and online ads to trick users into revealing personal information or downloading malware. If a link seems suspicious—especially if it creates a sense of urgency—don’t click. When in doubt, delete the message or report it.

Free public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but often unsecured. Avoid conducting sensitive transactions like banking or accessing private accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi. Adjust your device’s settings to prevent other users on the same network from accessing your data.

Before entering personal or financial details, always confirm the website is secure. Look for addresses beginning with “https://” or “shttp://”. These indicate that the site uses encryption to protect your information. Avoid using sites that begin with “http://” as they do not offer the same level of security.

Stay updated on the latest security practices by visiting trusted cybersecurity websites and news sources. Encourage others—such as coworkers, friends, and family—to become more cyber-aware by sharing useful tips and resources.

Scams often rely on urgency or promises that sound too good to be true. Be suspicious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information, payments, or immediate action. Always take a moment to assess whether a message is legitimate before responding.

Regularly back up your files, including important documents, photos, and work data. Store backups in a secure location, such as an encrypted cloud service or an external hard drive. This ensures you can recover your data in the event of loss, theft, or device failure.