Being aware of the information you share online and how you share it is something you need to be really about. Check out these great tips for securing your information online.

Knowing how to avoid common traps and phishing scams and fake sites, and unscrupulous characters who are only after stealing your information can help you avoid being scammed and potentially losing money or falling victim to identity fraud.

Tips for Securing Your Information Online

Know Your Websites

These days it is easier than ever to spot genuine sites. The locked green padlock that shows up in your search bar when landing on a site will show you that the site is secure and genuine. If your browser flashes a warning the site isn’t fully secure, avoid clicking through and entering details. If you are ever unsure always close the page and use your preferred search engine to direct you back to a legitimate site.

Avoid Too Good to Be True Offers

Usually, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Emails or pop up declaring they can offer you great deals or free products circumnavigating usual fees or processes associated with a service or product could actually be a scammer trying to obtain your information.

Follow your gut instincts and avoid entering personal information or clicking links or downloads.

Avoid Public Networks

Free Wi-Fi is great to help you avoid using your own data plan and get you online if you are having connectivity issues. However, hackers routinely scan these open networks to allow them to glean any information you send via this network, such as bank details, passwords, credit card information and more.

Consider using a VPN to help keep your information secure, especially when travelling or sharing sensitive information. A VPN can also be handy if you use stream services or accessing online information that isn’t available in your area.

Regularly Change Passwords

We have all been there where your password isn’t accepted, yet when you try to change it to a new one, you get the warning that the new password can’t be the same as the old one! Many browsers and online security options will suggest a hard to guess password and save it, so you don’t have to remember it.

However, if you are looking at setting up your own passwords, there are some rules you need to pay attention to so your information is secure;

Avoid using the same password on multiple sites.
Avoid family names or birth dates that can be easy to guess
Mix capital and lowercase letters and include numbers and symbols too
Try to use random words such as HitKneeTip789! to make it harder to guess for people logging into your account.
Use two-factor authentication if the option is there. This will require anyone logging into your account to input a code that is sent to a nominated email or phone number.

It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution when using the Internet safely. Falling foul of scammers and identity thieves can not only cost you money but can time to rectify and a lot of hassle in the future, especially if credit has been accessed in your name by hackers.