How to safeguard your privacy and security online

Everyone who is using the Internet is aware that it is not exactly the safest place. You may have antivirus installed or other security measures but they can only go so far to safeguard you against some potential threats like malware, spyware or ransomware.

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You may have heard of social engineering. It is a technique that cybercriminals use to get users into divulging valuable information. There are several ways in which social engineering is used to trick you both offline and online.

Have fun online but be smart and safeguard your privacy and security by following these measures.

1.  Be careful with your email

One of the most common tactics that cybercriminals use is scaremongering. It presents an urgent scenario prompting the users into immediate action. Thus, decisions are made based on poor impulse control.

When you get a phishing mail with malware attached, you don’t even have to download the attachment for it to do damage to your

network. Drive-by downloads install malware on the hard drive without your implicit agreement. It might even come disguised as a system update or other seemingly innocent yes/no question.

The moral of the story is, don’t open email from strangers.

2.  Be a password ninja

The number of people still using passwords such as 12345678 or qwerty is surprisingly high. While you may be clever enough not to use no-brainers like those, don’t also use your birthday or dog’s name.

The ideal password is one that you will remember with some difficulty but will be nearly impossible for other people or programs to guess.

A great password hack is to use an abbreviated sentence instead of random word combinations. The other option is to use a password management app to generate and store your passwords.

3.  Beware of strange looking links

Malware and many types of viruses spread because you click on a link supposedly from someone you know. Yet, the link looks strange and you even wonder about it when you open. The best policy in this case is to message or call the person who’s sent you the link and find out if they did send it to you.