Cyber Safety

The internet has become a necessity in the current digital world in communication, learning and entertainment. But among the many opportunities, there exist certain dangers including identity theft, cyberbullying, and being exposed to inappropriate material. Cyber safety refers to having virtual security when using the internet and other digital devices.

Cybersafety

What is Cyber Safety?

Cyber safety can be defined as the act of safeguarding against the internet hazards when using the internet. It is making intelligent choices, locking down your gadgets and keeping your personal data confidential.

What is the importance of cyber safety?

The internet is our daily routine, whereby we can perform a number of activities, including:
Communication (social media, emails)
Education (e-learning, research)
Entertainment (games, movies)
Shopping, banking (financial transactions).

In the absence of cybersecurity, these activities on the Internet can expose you to:

Stealing identity (stealing personal information)
Viruses and malware (bad software that destroys your devices)
Phishing (attempts to steal personal details by fraudsters)

This is the reason why cyber safety is the key to keeping your personal information safe and providing negative-free online experiences.

Types of Online Threats

Malware: Viruses, worms or Trojans are malicious programs that destroy your computer or steal your personal information.
Phishing: Spam emails or websites that are meant to help deceive you into providing your personal information (including passwords or bank information).
Ransomware: A kind of software that encrypts your files and charges you money to decrypt them. It may leave your information in a very bad state.
Social Engineering: A scammer manipulates you so that you disclose sensitive information by pretending to be someone you are at ease with (e.g., pretending to be an acquaintance or a figure of authority).

How to secure your data on the internet

Use Strong Passwords: Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols in the creation of passwords. Do not use that kind of word which can be easily guessed, such as your name or birthday.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA is another security measure that requires you to identify yourself by something you have, like your mobile phone, in addition to a password.
Knowledge of Digital Footprints: Your digital footprint is everything that you do over the internet. Please be cautious when posting personal details such as address, phone number and name of school.

Safe Online Behavior

Think Before You Click: do not open suspicious attachments or click on the unknown links. Fraudsters usually conceal harmful software in emails or pop-up ads.
Protect Your Privacy: Remember to keep your personal information secret. Do not post sensitive personal details such as addresses and bank account details online.
Beware of scams: Watch out for too-good-to-be-true deals on the Internet. Websites should be checked twice before making any purchase.

Cyberbullying and Harassment

Cyberbullying is where one uses the internet to demean or injure others. This may occur by use of mean messages, rumours or exclusion of individuals over the internet.

What to Do?

In case you are being bullied by someone online, discuss it with an adult or a teacher. One has to rise against cyberbullying and report the harmful conduct so as to prevent the practice.

Security Tools You Can Use

These are some of the valuable security tools that can be used in order to be safe online:

Antivirus Software: Install up-to-date antivirus programs to make sure your computer is not vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other dangerous programs.
Firewalls: A firewall is used to prevent an outside user from gaining access to your computer, which acts as a guard between your computer and harmful data on the net.
Software and OS updates: constant upgrades of your operating system and software. Security patches are usually part of the updates that are used to correct vulnerable areas and enhance security.