Since today is “Safer Internet Day”, here are seven “Don’t” tips from Google that can help you stay safe on the Internet.
Are you ready for a Safer Internet?
Here are seven tips from Google of things you need to start doing right away to stay safe online.
- Don’t use the same password for everything: It’s like handing your house keys (and every other key) to everyone you meet.
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Safer Internet Day (SID) is organised by Insafe in February of each year to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world.
The strapline for this year’s campaign is “Let’s create a better internet together”.
Don’t have an “easy” password: If your password contains the word ‘password’ or numbers in sequence, think again. One way to create (and remember) a complex password is to think of a phrase or sentence (perhaps the lyrics to a song you like?) and use the first letter of each word to create the password. Or think of places you’ve lived, and spell them backwards. Something, anything!
- Don’t rely solely on a password: It’s so yesterday to have only a password for your most important accounts. Turn on two-factor authentication. Like your bank’s OTP, an SMS code or mobile app that gives you a second code when you’re accessing your account from an unfamiliar computer will give you extra peace of mind.
- Don’t use an ancient browser: Keep your device’s browser and operating system up-to-date. Updating your browser means you’ll have the latest security updates. Google’s Chrome browser will automatically update for you. When you do install software, make sure you’re getting the software from a trusted source.
- Don’t get sucked in: You almost certainly haven’t won millions dollars in a lottery. Your friends that you didn’t even know were traveling are not stuck in Nigeria asking for you to wire money over. You know the old saying, if it looks too good to be true …
- Don’t ignore bad content: When you can, help clean the web up. Report and flag content that is abusive or illegal, which will help everyone out.
- Don’t ignore your settings: Check your settings to find out what to expect when you share your content. Many services have powerful built-in controls that allow you to manage your privacy and security.