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  • Security Alert: 4 Ways to Ensure Online Safety

    Security Alert: 4 Ways to Ensure Online Safety

    The Internet has afforded us numerous benefits that if we all imagine a life without it, we would have instant images of pure chaos in our mind. How will we find information for our school papers or projects without the World Wide Web? We would have to browse through various books at the library, which is time-consuming and we would not be able to meet our due dates. How can we connect with family friends who have moved to another city or country? We would have to rely on long-distance calls and worse, snail mail.

    However, as the saying goes, every rose has its thorn. While the Internet gives us the information we need and connects us with people by merely a few clicks, it also poses risks to our privacy and security if we are not careful. So how can we reap the benefits of the Net while staying safe? Here are 4 pointers to keep in mind:

    Set limits on social media.

    It’s ironic, yes, but being on social media doesn’t obligate you to be “social” with everyone who interacts with you on those websites. You should set boundaries on whose posts you like or make comments to, who you accept as friends or followers, or whose private messages or direct messages we reply to. If someone unknown messages you on Facebook or Instagram, check if you have mutual friends first; if not, avoid interacting with that person.

    Also, ensure that you are not on a public setting when you post a photo or any sensitive information. Most social media have custom settings now to help you set to whom your posts are visible to.

    Go for complex passwords and keep them updated.

    We’ve all been there. We forgot a password for an email or a website, and so we ended up choosing one simple password applicable to every account. This must be avoided at all costs as it can compromise everything that you log into. Always have different passwords for every account and change them at least once a month or every two months.

    Some people keep a list of their passwords on their phones or notebooks, but imagine if you misplace or lose these too? In this case, you really have to put your memory to good use. No ifs and buts about it. How do you remember all of them if you log into 10 or 20 sites per day? Set a theme of passwords per each month, like your favourite movie stars this month or your favourite TV shows next month.

    Be wary of free WiFi.

    Who does not want free stuff? One of the things that we welcome especially if we are under a limited data plan is free WiFi in establishments like malls and coffeeshops. However, while saving money is good, it turns bad when it leads to causing trouble to our security or privacy.

    A great way to enjoy free WiFi is to limit your use to browsing websites. If you really can’t help logging into your email or social media app while using free WiFi, ensure that you log out or sign out. Sure, it takes a bit of work and effort, but when you think of doing it to protect you, you will know it is necessary. The same is true when using public computers.

    Don’t be click-happy.

    You know those links that can reveal your spirit animal or your celebrity lookalike? Well, they are popular in social media accounts. However, they tend to be harmful especially if they lead to another link that asks for your email address and other private information.

    While it is fun to know who your celebrity lookalike is, it is not worth compromising your online identity for. Avoid clicking on these links, and go instead for legit apps.

    The Internet is a blessing to our lives, but misuse of it can lead to a curse we certainly don’t want. The next time you go online, keep the above tips in mind and you’ll have a safe online cruise.

    SOURCES:

    http://www.wired.co.uk/article/stay-safe-online-safer-internet

    https://www.webroot.com/blog/2014/08/06/8-tips-stay-safe-online/

    https://www.voanews.com/a/eleven-ways-to-keep-yourself-safe-online/2650658.html

    http://www.lbc.co.uk/news/the-news-explained/stay-safe-online-10-ways-to-protect-yourself-on-th/

    http://www.wired.co.uk/article/stay-safe-online-safer-internet

  • Can’t Go Offline? Three Smart Tips for Online Safety

    Can’t Go Offline? Three Smart Tips for Online Safety

    Can you imagine life without the Internet? While it offers advantages when it comes to learning and communication, it also gives a way to possible danger. It’s likely for you to come across people with bad intentions in forums, online communities, and social networking sites. These people prey on the youth’s desire for a sense of belonging, acceptance, romance, or sexual curiosity. These malicious people would pretend to offer a sympathetic ear, but in actuality, they are practicing emotional manipulation. An online relationship may ensue that could possibly lead to a physical meeting in the future. In the online kingdom, everyone can be anonymous if they choose to be, so predators can be anyone. A CBC.ca report last April states a 16-year-old boy lured young girls into having online romantic relationships with him.

    As such, whenever you go online and talk to people other than your relatives, friends, or classmates, consider these wise tips to ensure your safety:

    1) Watch out for signs of predatory behavior.

    It is okay to engage in conversations and chat about common interests like favorite or most hated subjects, music, movies, and TV. It is not okay when you are asked things like “What are your best features?” or “What do people like about your physical appearance?” While these questions sound casual, they can lead to completely inappropriate questions or requests. As such, once you find yourself even a bit uncomfortable, stop the conversation, and log off.

    2) Set your privacy settings correctly.

    For sure, your parents or friends have warned you about posting your home address and phone number in your social networking accounts, and they are right. Another thing to remember though is that when you post a status or a photo, make sure that only your friends or followers can see it. And while it is tempting to use the “check-in” feature and tag the pals you are with when you are in an exclusive event and such, it is best to avoid this. Remember, whenever you tag anyone, those who are connected to them will see your post. For instance, if your buddy’s classmate from years ago has been obsessed with you for years and sees that check-in post, you may get a stalker in return.

    3) Don’t take pictures you don’t want your parents/grandparents to see.

    Taking selfies are fun, but when they end up in the wrong hands, you would probably think twice about taking them in the first place. You may have the trickiest PIN code or password there is but keep in mind these cybercriminals probably have the sophisticated technology to hack into your gadgets and take whatever they find there. Let last year’s celebrity hacking scandal serve as a lesson. The bottom line is, technology is continuously evolving and so are cyberhackers, so always think twice before clicking to take that selfie.

    So how do you ensure your safety online? Well, you don’t have to go back to the dark ages and throw out your iPhone or laptop. All you have to do is be aware of your surroundings, what you say, and what you post. You don’t have to share everything with everyone all the time. Be mysterious and take pride in your privacy!

    SOURCES:

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-child-porn-case-highlights-dangers-of-online-friendships-1.3028837

    http://www.netsmartz.org/InternetSafety

    http://www.covenanteyes.com/2012/01/03/7-dangers-of-the-internet-for-kids/

    https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/5-myths-and-truths-about-kids-internet-safety-122964460683.html

    http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/03/internet-children-parents-safety

    http://nobullying.com/dangers-of-the-internet/