Staying safe online

Staying safe online

The internet is an incredible tool for communication, learning, and entertainment, but it’s important to stay aware of potential risks. A few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your personal information secure.

First, use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Using a password manager can assist with this. However if you are not familiar with password managers, a good rule of thumb is to use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.

Passwords that are plain words are very simple to crack. Here's an example. If you used the password "sunflower" this would take approximately 60 seconds or less for password cracking software to discover.

If you changed this to "Sunfl0w3r!27" this would take approximately 1.5 million years to crack. This is because of the combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.

Be cautious with emails, messages, and links from unknown sources. Phishing scams often try to trick people into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. A good rule of thumb is to ignore it if you were not expecting it.

Keeping your devices and software regularly updated is another important step. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Finally, think carefully about the information you share online. Avoid posting sensitive details such as your home address, phone number, or financial information on public platforms.

By staying aware and practising these basic security habits, you can enjoy the benefits of the internet while greatly reducing your risk of falling victim to online threats.