11 Cyber Security Tips for a Safer India Internet Day!

April 7 is India Internet Day, one more reason to remind our readers about how crucial it is to maintain their online security. To get started, here’s a list that I’ve compiled to help you include cyber safety practices in your daily digital life. Let’s take a look:

• Whenever you are transacting online, be it online shopping or net banking, make sure to check that the websites are ‘https’ enabled as it indicates secured connections.

• If your child browses the internet on computer, then it is wise enough to install a parental control tool to keep a check on his/her online activities and protect him from becoming a victim of cyberbullying and other online threats.

• Whenever you are not browsing the internet, try to turn off your mobile data or WiFi connection as it will not only help you save your phone battery but will also prevent hacking attacks.

• Receiving suspicious emails with attachments and links from unknown senders? Always try to ignore such emails and do not click on any media attached to them. These are phishing attempts made by hackers to steal your confidential data.

• Whenever you download a new app on your mobile phone, give a minute towards reading the ‘terms and conditions’ to know which data on your phone the app is going to access. Learn about staying safe from rogue apps. 

• Always update the software on your computer and mobile as outdated versions are more prone to malware attacks.

• Do not forget to install a security antivirus on your computer and mobile phone as it shields your device and data from hackers and malware intrusions.

• Never share your private data with someone over social media. Also, do not overshare your information on social networking channels as attackers can easily snoop upon your personal lives through these channels.

• Always password-protect your computer and mobile devices so as to ensure that no unauthorized individual accesses your data.

• Do not ignore backing up your data on a regular basis as a malware attack could happen anytime and you might have to pay a fortune to get your data back.

• Whenever you are using shared computer, make sure to log out of all your accounts and do not leave anything private behind. Someone with malicious intent can take advantage of your little carelessness.

Let’s take the pledge to inculcate the above-mentioned practices into our daily routine for a safer and better Internet for all.