Nine rules to help you use Internet safely without putting your personal data and finances at risk

When opening unverified links or entering personal information on new websites, we expose ourselves to the risk of falling victim to cybercriminals. There are numerous fraudulent schemes and malicious applications, but there are ways to protect ourselves from these dangers.

Strong password is the key to security

First and foremost, it's crucial to use different passwords for each account. It's advisable to create complex combinations of letters and numbers to prevent them from being hacked. The same applies to secret questions, the answers to which should be unpredictable. Two-factor authentication on social networks will also provide an additional level of security. Don't forget to log out of your account after your session, especially if you've logged in from a different device. Remember that storing passwords on your phone or sending them via social networks is not safe. It's recommended to have multiple email addresses, including personal, work, and recreational.

Be cautious about phishing

Do not open suspicious links in emails and messengers, as they might contain dangerous code. Exercise particular caution when working with files with the .exe extension. These rules also apply to unknown applications that are not recommended to install. Use only official app stores like the App Store, Google Play, and Windows Market. Be careful when your friends on social media ask you to send them money, as their accounts could be compromised. Make sure that it's really your acquaintance.

The significance of Wi-Fi

Do not trust unverified Wi-Fi networks that do not require a password, especially in public places, as cybercriminals may use them to steal personal data. Turn off Wi-Fi when not using the internet to ensure your safety and save battery life. If you are a user of Google Chrome, Firefox, or Opera, and you frequently connect to the internet through a laptop in public places, install a special browser extension for secure connections.

Issues with VPN

The growing popularity of VPN services has led to massive data leaks. Be cautious when using free services, as their operational principles are not always transparent. Owners can pass your data to third parties. When installing such applications, read the user agreements attentively. It's recommended to choose paid versions or refrain from using VPN services.

Important software

Install and regularly update antivirus programs, as outdated versions do not provide the necessary level of protection against malware. Software should be continuously updated because new viruses appear every day.

Time to update

Regularly updating the operating system on your device is an important step in ensuring security. Also, don't forget about data backup. Follow the "3-2-1" rule: create one primary copy of your data and two backup copies. Store two copies on different physical storage devices, and the third one in cloud storage (such as Google Drive, Yandex.Disk, or specialized solutions like Acronis). Remember that it's essential to perform regular backups for all your devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops. Additionally, periodically clear your search history and browser cache.

Personal, not public

Avoid sending confidential information, such as credit card numbers, PIN codes, and passport details, through messengers. It's best to delete emails with attached document scans immediately after sending or receiving them, rather than storing them in your email. Try to limit the amount of personal information you share on social media, as malicious individuals could monitor you and use this information for harmful purposes.

Taking care of children

To protect your children, enable a safe mode on their devices. Create separate accounts on search engines or use specialized child-friendly search engines like "Gogul" or "Sputnik.deti." You can also install monitoring tools to track their internet usage and restrict access to certain websites. You can personally block access to specific websites.

Money matters

Create a separate card for online payments and enable SMS notifications for all transactions at your bank. This will help you quickly detect any suspicious transactions and block your card if it becomes compromised. Try to avoid making purchases on social media, especially those requiring prepayment. Before making a purchase, investigate the online store's history, check for contact information, and inquire if you can visit the store in person. Keep in mind that on a seller's website adhering to acquiring rules, there should always be information about who receives the payment. When reading reviews, pay attention to their diversity.