With the increased use of computers and the internet, the risk of identity theft and online fraud has also increased. Despite the internet technology providing several benefits, it has been increasingly susceptible to phishing attacks through fraudulent emails, computer viruses, and various other attacks. Rest assured no one is immune to such attacks. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to take the utmost precautions to protect yourself from various kinds of online fraud.
The world market offers seven pieces of advice to protect you online.
1. Setting Strong Passwords
When you are required to set a password, consider keeping a strong password. Do not keep a password mentioning your date of birth, anniversary, the name of your child or pet, or anything that could be easily guessed through your credentials. A strong password would be eight characters in length. It would be inclusive of upper and lower letters, special characters, and numbers.
2. Keeping your Device Updated
To keep yourself safe from online threats, malware, and various kinds of viruses, consider keeping your device updated with the latest operating system, security software, and web browser. It would be a great defense against various kinds of online threats.
3. Keep a Secure Internet Connection
It would be in your best interest to keep your home wireless network protected with a strong password. Moreover, when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, do not be complacent with the sensitive information you send over it.
4. Look for Phishing Frauds
You may receive fraudulent emails and phishing scams looking forward to tricking you into providing personal or private information. You should not click on doubtful links or open attachments you do not trust to be genuine or unfamiliar with.
5. Protect your Personal Information
It would be worth mentioning not to share your personal information with anyone. Most people would give their password or personal identification number to anyone. Do not share your birthdays, mother’s maiden name, addresses, and anything that could disclose your personal information. Your social media profiles are an easy target for hackers to determine your passwords and answer security questions. Do not connect to requests from people you do not know.
6. Safe Shopping
Before you shop online, consider looking for a safe technology to make monetary transactions. It would be in your best interest to look for HTTP on a website. It ensures the website is genuine. Moreover, consider looking for a small padlock symbol in the browser bar. It would provide you with the requisite site information.
7. Go Through the Privacy Policy of the Website
Despite the long and complicated privacy policies of any website, go through them to understand how the website intends to protect the personal information it gathers. Carry on your business elsewhere if you do not understand the privacy policy of a website.
To Sum it Up
Adhere to the aforementioned advice to protect yourself from several kinds of online frauds and phishing attacks. It would be a grave risk to your identity if your personal information were hacked. Do not be complacent with your online security needs.