The technological age of the internet has changed the way we shop, talk to each other and work. But with so much personal data being transmitted across what is at times a public landscape, the need to understand online privacy and security is more important than ever. Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors when it comes to internet safety.

Passwords

Having a strong password is one of the most crucial elements of remaining safe in an online capacity. It’s increasingly becoming the case that websites are asking for stronger, more obscure passwords. This often involves adding a numerical character or a capitalized letter.

Some tips include:

Using something unrelated to you
Making your password as long as possible
Using a different password for every website

Stick to these rules, and you’ll find your password is practically impregnable.

Https and http

You’ve probably noticed these words in the search bar before, but have no idea what they really mean. While breaking them down in explicit terms might be a little complex, the basic premise you need to understand is:

https – secure
http – unsecure

If you’re on a website (particularly e-commerce sites) where you see http listed, the data isn’t encrypted. That means anything you enter on that site (including personal financial details) is being transmitted on a public network and could potentially be accessed.

Antivirus

Antivirus software is crucial to protecting your computer from a number of potentially deadly viruses. There are a series of ways in which your device can become infected if you don’t clog loopholes.

That’s why it’s so important to not only install antivirus, but also check for regular updates. This should be done daily. You won’t want to fall behind the curve and let yourself become exposed.

Social Media

Social media has changed the way we interact as a society. Because we associate talking to our friends with these platforms, it’s easy to forget there are people out there looking to take advantage. As such, it’s critical to never share anything too personal on them.

Ensure you aren’t making yourself a target on a social network:

Don’t accept friend requests or private messages from people you don’t know
Block people who approach you inappropriately
Avoid including overly personal details about yourself in a post

It’s wrong to be scared by social media, but it’s also not wise to publicise too much about yourself on there. Some things should stay private.