Digital Protection: Don’t Fall Victim to These Online Risks! Tips to Keep You Safe

I think we can all agree that the last couple of years showed us how activities such as Happy Hour, game night, and even working out can all be moved to an online platform. Oh, and let’s not forget school and work too.

For all my moms who had to work while making sure their kids were paying attention at home doing online school- that was TOUGH. Although we are slowly going back to our normal way of life, most of us still spend our time doing important things online. I’m talking about paying the bills, planning our weeks, sending money to family and friends, and the list goes on and on.

With an increasing number of people entering the digital world, certain digital risks such as identity theft and fraud become more common and scary!

Internet Digital Risks Examples

The internet has become an integral part of our lives. We use it for everything from banking to entertainment. While the internet offers many benefits, it also comes with risks. This is why internet safety for kids and for the elderly is so vital. Here are a few examples of online digital risks:

Personal Information/Identity Theft

Though the internet can be a great resource for learning and connecting with others, it also poses some risks. One of the biggest dangers is giving out personal information online. 

Identity theft is one of the most common online digital risks. Criminals can steal your personal information and use it to commit fraud.

You may think that by using a fake name or avatar, you’re safe from being identified, but that’s not always the case. Hackers can often find out your real identity, even if you take precautions.

Social media scams can trick you into giving away your personal information or money.

Malware and Spyware

Another risk is encountering malware or viruses when browsing the web. Malware can infect your computer and steal your personal information or passwords. They can also allow someone else to take control of your device. 

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can allow others to access your personal information or passwords. Spyware can secretly track your activities online. 

Phishing

Phishing scams are another common danger online. Phishing emails can trick you into revealing your personal information or passwords.

These scams involve getting you to click on a link or open an email that seems legitimate but actually contains malware or a virus. The goal is to get you to give away your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers. 

Protecting your Digital Information and Identity

Luckily, there are a couple of ways to make sure your information is safe and that your identity doesn’t get stolen.

Secure Your Accounts

You’ve probably been told a million times to use a strong password, and you know why. But do you know how to create a strong password? Here are some tips:

1. Use at least 8 characters, and make sure they’re a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.

2. Don’t use common words or phrases.

3. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.

4. Change your passwords regularly.

5. Use a password manager to help you keep track of all your passwords.

Keep Devices Updated and use Antivirus Software

Technology is always advancing, and with new advancements comes new ways for hackers to exploit your devices. In order to protect your digital privacy, it’s important to keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.

Many devices, such as smartphones and laptops, come equipped with automatic updates, but you may need to activate them. It’s also important to keep your operating system and other software up-to-date, as many of these updates include security patches that help to protect your computer from attacks. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of being hacked or having your personal information stolen.

One of the best ways to protect your computer is by installing an antivirus program. Antivirus programs help to protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other types of malware. It’s important to keep your antivirus program up-to-date, so that it can protect you from the latest threats.