Best ways to keep your social media and email accounts safe

You surf the internet daily, but are you safe? Read the below guide for your online security

 Communication today is all about networking, more than 80 per cent of which is online. The following tips to online security are essential to ensure protection of your virtual personal space and to avoid being scammed.

 There is a comprehensive set of laws and guidelines pertaining to use the social media.

 Passwords and privacy settings

·        Choose a strong alphanumeric password i.e one that includes both numbers and letters.

·        Don't use your own name or any password that can be derived from your online details.

·        Ensure that it is more than eight characters and also try and include special characters.

·        Keep separate passwords for social media accounts and personal bank accounts, shopping accounts etc.

 TMI – Too Much Information

·        TMI on social media can be plain old embarrassing or a prelude to cyber-crime. The information available online is usually more than sufficient to prepare an authentic application for credit products and services.

·        You should not post pictures of your driver's license or ID cards online - if you absolutely need to, blur out the document number and key details before you do so.

·        You should not give out your address on social media, nor say that no one will be at home that weekend. Ensure that location settings on your phone are not on for your social media apps - unless you want to use it. Any information posted online stays online, so be sure to adjust your privacy settings to disable anyone who's not your friend from seeing that data.

 Accept “friend requests” from friends only

·        Social media sites are great for networking and meeting new people but knowing exactly what lies behind a profile picture is close to impossible. Networking is great, but you need to draw the line with regards to your privacy.

·        Don’t accept unknown “friend requests”. You never know what their true intentions may be.

Mentor your children

·        Technically children under the age of 14 aren’t allowed to use a number of social media sites or email providers, but that doesn’t stop them lying about their age to get online. They are susceptible to identity theft and psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and anti-social behavior. Parents shouldn’t hesitate to discuss online habits with children.

·        Mentoring vs. monitoring is the key for tech-savvy children today.

 Always sign out of accounts

·        Remember to sign out of your email and social media accounts, especially at work, public cafés, and other areas where your information is at risk. Also do the same at home if you do not want your kids using your credentials to get online.

·        Having an on-screen password is a basic security measure that is easy to set up.

 Keep your personal and business accounts separate

·        While this may not be possible for everyone, you should ensure that your work email accounts are used for only professional purposes. The Ashley Madison case of 2015 is the perfect example of how bad things could go at a personal and organizational level through misuse of work email accounts. Nothing is completely secure on the internet and a little caution can go a long way.

Do not download!

·        Most scams begin with an email that may at first look authentic with an innocent attachment or shortened link. When you click download, you may be inadvertently downloading a password and data stealing software or giving someone complete remote control over your device. Not to mention the risk of viruses.

·        The most simple thing to do is analyze the email ID of the sender - no company or authentic website will use a Google, Outlook or Yahoo email for business emails. Also look out for minor spelling differences in the email account - one letter could be the difference between a genuine sender and a phishing one. 

·        In the office, never download any attachment unless you verify the sender through phone. For password change links or verification links that you didn't trigger, go directly to the concerned website and check it out before clicking on the link. If in doubt, consult your office IT Team.

 Cyber Bullies

·        Cyber bullies target victims through one or more of the above methods. They can know almost everything about you, and steal your identity or worse, control your devices. A 'good' cyber hacker can hack into your webcam on your laptop, taking cyber stalking to a whole new level.

·        The psychological effects of cyber bullying affect children, teens and young adults as they are the most susceptible to the threat. Protect your devices with certified anti-virus software and practice caution. If you are a victim of online bullying, inform and report the same to the cyber authority.