7 Internet security Secrets everyone should know

Our world has evolved beyond the use of crude implements and analogue machines to the age of computers and digital devices.

Almost all aspects of our everyday lives are increasingly being affected by computer systems, whether in form of a mobile device, a CCTV Camera or even a conventional desktop computer system or personal computers.

However, every positive thing usually comes with a negative downside. Today, one of the shortfalls of Computer systems is insecurity, which may lead to breach of personal space, information and data by others. This is usually possible when individuals are very lax and carefree while transversing the web or internet.

Many people have fallen victim of internet security breach and have lost Millions of dollars in the process, others have had private pictures exposed online, while some others have fallen prey of leaked conversations. The list of the negative impacts of a breach in internet security is endless.

I therefore bring you this 7 easy but highly effective tips to stay safe on the internet.

7 INTERNET SECURITY TIPS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

 

1. MAKE SURE ALL CONFIDENTIAL SITES BEGINS WITH "HTTPS"

Whenever you wish to open any site that would require you to 'login' or 'sign in' with usernames and passwords, always make sure that the name/address of such a website begins with 'HTTPS' and not just 'HTTP'. HTTP represents 'Hyper text transfer protocol' while the 'S' in HTTPS stands for 'Security'. HTTPS is used to identify sites with extra security to protect passwords and other sensitive user data. 

2. YOUR PASSWORDS CAN BE ACCESSED FROM A CAFE'S COMPUTERS.

Anyone accessing their emails, Facebook page, internet banking ppatforms and other platforms requiring the input of passwords and usernames using a public internet Cafe do so at their own risk. This is because, such computers and networks are capable of storing user passwords and other such data. This makes such accounts easy to access by unauthorised persons.

3. DOUBLE-CHECK THE NAMES OF SENSITIVE WEBSITES BEFORE INPUTTING PERSONAL DATA.

Whenever you wish to access sensitive websites, ALWAYS make sure that you are in the correct website. You can do this by cross-checking each alphabet in the website's name and make sure that no single alphabet, letter or symbol is either missing or added to the address.
For example, www.facebook.com is the official website of the social media network Facebook. Therefore when you open a site with a name such as Faceboook.com, please close it immediately.
NB: the second but fake Facebook website has 3 zeros instead of 2.

4. CONFIRM THE CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS OF A CONTACT FROM HIM/HER BEFORE YOU START EXCHANGING EMAILS.

Many people have been swindled out of their hard-earned money by fraudsters who use fake, but very similar emails to that of someone you know.

Therefore, just like the website addresses, always make sure you triple-check the email address of friends and business partners before exchanging sensitive information with them.

Always remember that, the fact that such emails were sent using the names of someone familiar to you does not mean that person actually owns the email.

NB: Emails are not opened using people's birth certificates.

5. NEVER SEND SENSITIVE INFORMATION TO A CORPORATE BODY OVER E-MAIL.

Many fraudsters open email addresses bearing very close resemblance to that of corporate bodies like Banks and multi-nationals. These fraudsters then use such emails to demand that people send personal information like passwords, birth dates and usernames over mail. PLEASE NEVER RESPOND TO SUCH E-MAILS. This is because no corporate body would request such sensitive information from you over mail.

6. DO NOT USE PEOPLE'S COMPUTERS/LAPTOPS TO ACCESS SENSITIVE PERSONAL/FINANCIAL INFORMATION ONLINE.

This is mainly applicable to people in competitive work environments. You may never know if someone had installed a malicious software on their systems to intercept passwords, websites visited, contents of emails and take screenshots of all activities on their system.
If you use such computers to access personal information, then you would be at the mercy of the computer's owner.

7. ALWAYS REMEMBER: There is no Santa Clause out there!

No one gives out hundreds, thousands or millions of dollars for free out there. The world is only full of greedy, selfish people. Just like you, they all 'want more'. Always bear this in mind the next time you receive that email promising you 99% discount on a product, or a text informing you that you have just won $1million in a company promo, or even when that strange U.K number pops up on your phone, claiming to be a long lost relative.

Always remember that if you are not greedy, then you may have reduced your chances of being gullible by as much as 50%.

Please post other suggestions you may have in the comment box.

Compiled and Written by ONYEOZIRI Favour
Contact me at Email: favouronyeoziri@gmail.com or on BBM at 7c6f5de2