Cruising the GB seas, you can watch your favorite series, read inspiring blogs, or listen to music. 😍 On the other hand, you've surely encountered potential dangers more than once. 😕 While surfing the internet, you can take a wrong turn and run into cyber robbers. 💰 That's why safety rules for using the network are so important, allowing you to protect your data.
How to use the internet safely?
Using the internet rationally will help you protect your data. Don't act online in haste or under emotional pressure. Check what to pay attention to when navigating the digital seas. 🌊
The software you use
Your online safety depends on the programs you use on your computer and smartphone. 🖥️ Perform updates regularly, which will protect your devices from security vulnerabilities. 🔥 Download all apps and programs only from trusted and legal sources. This includes, for example, Google Play, the App Store, or the Microsoft Store. 🤝
When installing software, pay attention to the messages displayed on the screen. Quite often, additional tools are embedded in programs that you might accidentally install on your hardware. Usually, these are extra features, but in some situations, a virus might be hidden there.
Remember also to regularly scan your device with a good antivirus. It will help detect malicious software. It's best to do this at least once a week. 🤩
Wi-Fi network security
Would you like to consume public Wi-Fi without restraint? 🧐 That's not the best solution. Use secure prepaid mobile internet for surfing the web. Avoid connecting to publicly available and public internet. If you must use such a network, then do not provide confidential data such as logins to your email or bank. 😇 Public networks are more vulnerable to hacker attacks and data leaks.
Securing your home connection is also quite important. Don't let your Wi-Fi be a gateway to hacking your device. To do this, change the default settings in your router's administration panel to ones that are harder to guess. It's worth mentioning three types of encryption used in routers. The first is WEP, which you'll find first in your router's settings. However, this standard is the most vulnerable to hacker attacks.
The second is WPA, which uses secure 256-bit encryption. It's worth noting that WPA also carries some risk, and there have been cases of these protections being broken. The best solution is the WPA2 standard based on the Advanced Encryption Standard. This is the latest solution developed based on WEP and WPA and stands out with a huge advantage over its predecessors.
Are your account passwords secure?
One of the rules of safe internet use is creating strong passwords. Guides tell us they should contain at least eight characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character. However, it's best to opt for a password that contains 16 characters. 💪 Their purpose is to protect your privacy and accounts on various portals and websites. Create separate login credentials for each service. Avoid dates of birth, names of loved ones, and easily guessable words.
As an interesting fact, it's worth adding that breaking a weak 8-character password takes... a second. 😱 Login credentials generated by password managers are noteworthy. Breaking a long and unique password with a complex structure can take even... hundreds of years!1
Get help from a password manager, which will create and store unique and secure passwords for you. Take special care of data security in banking systems. Use two-factor authentication, which means a double identity check during login. You will need to enter not only the correct password but also an SMS code sent to your phone number.
Screen time
Studies conducted in Poland and around the world show that we are spending more and more time in front of our smartphone or computer screens. Consuming the internet for hours can have an impact on physical health. It also carries the risk of phone addiction. Wise minds have developed useful apps that help limit screen time. 📱 These apps present clear reports that help understand smartphone usage patterns.
Rules for children to use the internet safely
You should also teach your child how to use the internet safely. Focus on digital education, and tailor the method and type of information conveyed to their age. You have influence over what content your child will watch. You can jointly establish specific agreements that will surely make it easier to follow network usage rules.
A good idea is to use various types of parental control apps. Apps that offer content filtering options are worth noting. Blocking websites or limiting screen time for your child will also be undoubtedly helpful. Some of these features can be found in smartphones, such as Parental Controls (Android) and Screen Time (iOS).
By following the rules for safe internet use, you can avoid potential online threats. 🤩 Do you know and apply these rules in your daily internet use? If not, then hurry up and take care of your safety, as befits a true Viking! 🤘
1 https://android.com.pl/tech/523768-bezpieczenstwo-haslo-lamanie-tworzenie/
