These days we probably spend more time online than we do offline. This is especially so thanks to the pandemic. Although there’s nothing wrong with our lives shifting online, just like in real life, we have to make sure of our safety and security because cybercrimes are just as prevalent as physical crimes nowadays.
Just like how we can prepare ourselves in real life by locking our doors or walking in bright areas, there are safety practices we can keep online. Today, we’ll share a few of these practices that EVERYONE should practice!
1. Don't Use the Same Password
This should be rule number 1 in the online world, but many people don’t practice this! Online data breaches and data leaks are increasingly frequent and if a hacker gets hold of one of your passwords, they will be able to access every other account if you use the same passwords for them. To solve this problem, you can refer to this article on how to make safe and memorable passwords!
2. Use 2FA
2FA stands for 2 Factor Authentication. Just like how you need your password to log in to your bank accounts but also an OTP (One Time Password, also a form of 2FA) sent to your phone to make a transfer, 2FA provides an extra layer of security so even if hackers got hold of your password, they still can’t get through 2FA without access to your phone.
These days, you can activate 2FA on many major sites such as Facebook and Google, where they even actively encourage users to. While most use SMS, some also provide the option of using an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator. You might think this is an extra step now but you’ll be thankful for this extra effort when you realize someone is trying to log in to your account!
3. Don't Share OTPs
Speaking of 2FA and OTP, never ever EVER share your OTP with anyone, stranger or not. This has been one of the latest and most efficient ways of hacking an account. The bad guys will first log in to your account or carry out a transaction, then pose as customer service or IT technicians from the company and ask you for the OTP sent to your phone. No matter how real it may sound, these people are all scammers.
Due to the number of successful attempts by scammers, many companies are constantly sending out reminders to not share your OTP with anyone. Remember, no official company personnel will ever ask you for your OTP. They are meant to be your last line of defense!
4. Don't Reveal Too Many Details
Lastly, of course, it is still up to you to maintain your own privacy by choosing not to reveal too many details online. This is especially true on social media where people tend to show off their lives to compete for fake recognition (likes). Show off your car and you might accidentally reveal your license plate, show off your house and you might have just told the world where you live.
It’s not just things, many parents have the habit of showing off their children, like where they go to school or where they take swimming classes, which may just lead to your kid being the next kidnapping victim (I know this seems pessimistic, but it happens).
Lastly, pictures of you on vacation might be nice and fun, but they are also an open invitation for burglars to target your home.
All this might seem really depressing, but the Internet is not all bad. We just need a little reminder every now and then that the Internet is not all good too. With more and more things going online, it pays to be mindful of what goes on in your online life!
