Internet safety is also named E-safety or cyber safety. It is the act of spreading awareness of personal safety to protect oneself from computer crime. Online safety ensures that the person is safe from cyber harassment.
Common types of risks to personal safety are the following.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is defined as using modes of online communication such as social media or email to abuse someone. It has proved harmful towards victims as many people reported suicidal behavior due to cyberbullying.
Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is defined as the use of the internet to stalk or harass an individual. It may include false accusations or collecting information that is used for harassment.
Harassers are taking advantage of the excess use of mobile and advanced technology. Now, hackers can easily hack information about your bank details and credentials.
We are going to describe the top 5 safety rules to protect yourself from cybercrimes.
1- Always Turn Your Privacy Settings On
Many social media marketers and marketing agencies take advantage of your social media accounts. It is better to save yourself from hackers by turning privacy settings on. If your privacy setting is not on, hackers can know much about you.
Your public social media account especially your Facebook account, gives an open invitation to hackers to hack your information. Mobile operating systems also have the option to enable privacy security. Search it on your mobile and protect yourself from harassers.
2- Use the Strong Passwords
Most people use to most easy passwords to prevent the trouble of forgetting them. But, it gives the hackers the chance to hack your account. Cyber thieves can easily guess your easy passwords, so make sure to use strong passwords.
3- Stay Secure While Downloading the Apps
Many apps try to pinch your online data. Pc World advises not to download an app that comes from an untrustable site and looks suspicious. These apps and software can steal your data from your mobile. You might hear about them in the news.
4- Your Antivirus Program Should be Updated
Always update your mobile operating system. It is much necessary for the security of your mobile. Also, update your mobile apps to avoid any problems.
5- Do Online Shopping from Trustable Sites
During online shopping, make sure that you are using a trustable site. Shop from the site that starts from HTTPS, not HTTP. Hackers may use HTTP to hack your credit card or bank account. Learn more about how to shop online safely.
Cyber Security
Cyber security protects your mobile or computers from external attacks.
Types of Cyber Security
Following are the types of cyber security.
1- Cloud Security
2- Application Security
3- Network Security
1. Cloud Security
Through cloud-based data storage, your mobile’s security is ensured. Millions of users use it.
2. Application Security
Application security protects your data in the applications you use to run your business. Encryption services and antivirus programs are its main features.
3. Network Security
Network security protects your internal network. A common example of network security is an antispyware program.
Importance of Internet Safety
Internet safety holds great importance in protecting yourself from leaking personal data, as cybercrime is increasing day by day. So, it is the wiser choice to know about internet safety and prevent yourself from hackers.
Internet safety is important in the following fields
- Internet banking
- Payment Services
- Shopping
- Mobile banking
- Online bill payment
Pickers can easily gather your information through the internet. So, internet safety is important for you to save yourself. Even the largest bank and big companies are not safe on the internet, as thieves always leak information. Internet safety provides them the ways to protect themselves. For online transactions, internet safety is important.
Internet is generally not harmful, but when we click on suspicious websites or harmful ads, it becomes hard to save us from hackers. They steal our data and information through this, and it proves dangerous.
Digital wallet users are vulnerable to the loss of their money due to less knowledge of internet safety. Fake Ip addresses and email accounts are used to hack the information. When you reply to an unknown email, your data can be leaked, so always reply to the trustable email address.
Importance of Internet Safety for Kids And Teens
Kids are careless and don’t know much about the internet and its use. It can cause the loss of data through your system. It is important to prevent them from scammers and dangers such as malware and cyberbullying. A parent should take care of these topics while allowing internet use! Check out our detailed guide on internet safety for kids for further help!
1. Phishing
In phishing, hackers hack the information through chats and emails. Thieves get information like phone number, password, username, and address. If a child clicks on the link through email, your information will leak. So, teach your child about such scams for their internet safety.
2. Identity Theft
Identity theft is a way of scamming in which the hackers get personal information such as the kid’s Social Security Number. It is an unlawful act, and scammers use this information for their financial gain.
You should teach the kids about such scams. About one Million kids today are hacked through identity theft, which is a matter of concern for us.
3. Malware
Malware is the type of software that damages the device and steals data. Kids may click on that link, and it can cause downloading of such malware and ultimately damage your devices. Always use antivirus software to detect such malware and protect your data and the machine.
Why is Internet Safety Important for Students?
Cybersafety plays a key role for students. As students always remain online, so chances of hacking their personal data increases. Students can get knowledge about internet safety to save themselves from scams.
Students should not post their personal pictures or reveal their personal information such as address or phone number. Never meet an online friend or person without your parent’s approval.
Conclusion
Internet is widely used all over the world. It has pros and cons too. Some people use the internet to steal the data of others. Protect yourself and your data from hackers by following the internet safety rules.
Maryam has been teaching IT as a school teacher for over a decade, and her main subject of choice is Internet safety, especially helping parents keep their families safe and secure online. When Maryam is not teaching or writing she is a big fan of the outdoors, the complete opposite of staring at a computer screen for hours.
