12 Dos and 5 Don'ts in Online Safety in 2024

The digital world is a thrilling frontier, a treasure trove of connection and opportunity.  But like any uncharted territory, it harbours hidden dangers: lurking malware, cunning scams, and ever-evolving threats to your privacy and security. Fear not, intrepid explorer! These 12 Dos and 5 Don'ts in online safety are your trusty compass, navigating you through the digital jungle with the 17 essential tips you can't ignore.

Forget bland "don't click here" warnings. We're diving deep, exposing the latest digital predators and equipping you with battle-tested tactics to outsmart them. Think passwords so strong they'd make Fort Knox jealous, phishing scams you'll sniff out like a seasoned bloodhound, and social media settings that turn you into a master of your digital domain.

So, are you ready to reclaim your digital sovereignty? Then grab your cyber sword and shield, because within these pages lies the power to confidently navigate the internet and conquer the digital dragons of 2024 and beyond. Buckle up, friends; your online safety adventure starts now!

Here are some essential tips to stay safe online: first, the Don’ts

1. Don’t Share Your Personal Information Online:

This includes your full name, address, phone number, email address, social security number, and other sensitive information. Sharing such information can make you vulnerable to cyber-bullying, sexual predators, doxxers, and swatters. Oversharing confidential information online can also make you more susceptible to an account breach. Hackers can piece together pieces of information on public forums to design a more compelling phishing attack. They may also use information from your digital footprint to breach your login security.

2. Don’t Download from Unknown Sources:

Think twice before downloading unlicensed software, pirated programmes, or downloads from untrustworthy websites and links. Such downloads may carry malware like viruses, Trojan horses, or spyware like a keylogger. Pay attention to this: have you noticed that when you search for an app on the Play Store or Apple Store, or even when you search for anything on Google, the first few lines of results are ads? Always scroll past the ad app or link to find the one that appears generically. It is also safer to type a URL into the browser address bar rather than simply clicking on the results link. If you suspect you have malware that violates your privacy, run a virus scan on your computer.

3. Don’t Open Suspicious Attachments:

They can automatically take you to malicious websites or carry malware like a macro-virus or ransomware. Yet, some of us still do it because we’re curious or because we’re anticipating something in our inbox. Taking the risk is just not worth it. A bad attachment can impact your security and your family’s safety, and it can even hurt your organisation.

4. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi:

If you use it, use it cautiously. Using a public WiFi network at the park, mall, or airport can be convenient but risky. Such networks aren’t as secure as networks at the office or home. Threat actors may also set up fake public WiFi networks to steal your data or initiate a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack. If you simply have to use public WiFi, avoid using the connection for sensitive work, like a banking transaction. You can also secure public WiFi with a VPN connection.

5. Don't Download Pornographic Materials or Contents:

 I deliberately made this a separate subheading from point 2 above [Don’t download from unknown sources]. The warning against pornography is like the warning on cigarette packs: smokers are liable to die young.”. It hardly enforces compliance because of its addictive nature.  But apart from the physiological and emotional damage viewing pornographic content causes, both the websites containing these contents and the downloads, be it photos or videos,  are the greatest sources of malware like viruses, Trojan horses, or spyware.

Recommend Article:

MTN System Glitch Temporarily Cancelled Customer Debts

Those are the "DON'TS" - Now the "DOS"

1. Have a Private Phone Number and Email: 

We said before that you should not share personal details like your phone number online.  But in some cases, we need people to contact us, especially those who engage in genuine online businesses, sales, and affiliate marketing. In that case, what do you do?  We always advocate having a private phone number and e-mail address only known to you and maybe your immediate family.  This private number and e-mail should be used for your bank transactions and to log in to important and trusted platforms.  Then put phone numbers and e-mail addresses that are not connected to your bank accounts and login details of your public profile for your would-be customers, clients, or even admirers to reach you.  This is because scammers can only make attempts on your accounts when they have access to your phone number or email.

2. Use Strong Passwords: 

When setting a password, please avoid using recognisable alpha or numerical patterns. Using your phone number, date of birth, or that of your spouse, child, or any loved one is a no-no, as they can easily be guessed by fraudsters.  Instead, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, use different passwords for different accounts. Avoid reusing passwords and ensure to use different passwords for different accounts. Avoid that cliche of using one password for all accounts so you don't forget. This way, if one password is compromised, your other accounts will still be safe.

3. Keep your Software and Apps Up-to-Date:

Software and Apps updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities in the software. Keeping your software and apps up-to-date can help protect you from cyberattacks.

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication:

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. You could also use authentication apps in some cases.  This way, even if someone gets possession of your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the code.

5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN):

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. This makes it harder for hackers to intercept your data and track your online activity. It’s especially important to use a VPN when using public WiFi.

Recommended For You:

POS Fraud: Beat The Fraudsters In Their Game In 5 Easy Steps

6. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams:

Phishing scams are fraudulent emails or messages that trick you into giving away your personal information. They often look like they come from a legitimate source, like your bank or a social media site. Be wary of any message that asks you to click on a link or enter your personal information, such as OTP, password, login e-mail or number, date or place of birth, security questions, and answers.  The banks will never demand such information via email or phone to secure your account. Any time you see or hear things like “your account is out of date” or “your account is under attack by hackers, give us so-and-so to secure it,” just know that they are scammers.

7. Be Careful What You Post Online:

Once you post something online, it’s out there forever, even if you post it and delete it the same minute before anybody sees it.  Even what is in your phone as long as it is connected to the internet is 100% safe. Be careful what you post, especially on social media sites. Don’t post anything that could expose your vulnerability or cause a security risk, like your current location, address, or phone number. Also, be careful what you post about others. Posting something negative about someone else could get you in trouble as well.

8. Back up Your Data:

Backing up your data is important in case your computer is lost, stolen, or damaged. It’s also important in case your data is compromised by a cyber-attack. You can back up your data to an external hard drive, a cloud storage service, or both. It is called in the local palace “making assurance double sure.”

9. Educate Yourself:

This is the most important of all the security tips we have exposed in this article and the mere fact that you are reading to this point shows that you are already doing that. The best way to stay safe online is to educate yourself about the risks. Learn about the latest threats and how to protect yourself from them. Stay up-to-date on the latest security news and trends. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to stay safe online. Subscribe to this blog so you can continue to get important and timely security updates and more.

10. Share this Information:

Educating yourself is the most important step towards staying safe online and offline.  But sharing this information is the best and most honourable thing to do.  That is because security is a collective business.  Share with your friends and family. Share on your social media platforms so that together we can keep safe and keep beating the fraudsters to their own game.

11. Comment:

Finally, leave us feedback; let us know your online journey experience, how you have been keeping safe or how you failed as a victim so we can all learn from your victories or mistakes.  Talking about mistakes: Mistakes of Esau is one powerful book that can keep you from making destiny-damaging mistakes. It discusses 10 harmful habits that ruin people’s destinies. It is a must-read for those who want to make their lives count.

12. Follow or Join Us:

Follow the solutions hub; subscribe to this blog so you are the first to know whenever there is an update. Are you a solution provider or a change-maker? You are welcome to join us. One of the things we do at The Solutions Hub is connecting those who know to those who want to know.

Conclusion

This isn't just about protecting your devices; it's about safeguarding your lifeblood—your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind. Whether you're a seasoned digital nomad or a cautious newbie, these tips are your armour against the unseen threats lurking in the online shadows. Take them seriously

Stay Safe Online and Offline, and Stay Blessed

 Also, check 

• Online Safety Guide: 12 Security Tips You Can't Ignore
• WhatsApp Hack: Learn How to Protect Yourself from Potential Danger!