With the Internet available on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device, you have the world at your fingertips. The Internet is a vast network that contains massive amounts of information, and it's growing every day. But as helpful as the Internet can be, it's also full of potential dangers. Without careful safeguards in place, your personal and financial information can be at risk. Using the Internet can also result in theft, cyberbullying, or other risks to personal well-being.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have become popular communities that appeal to people of all ages. Members of these platforms add personal information to their profiles, stay connected with friends, and share news and photos. But as engaging as these platforms can be, they can also be dangerous. Privacy can be at risk without proper safeguards. Passwords need to be secure, and members should avoid sharing too much personal or background information.
Everyone who uses the Internet creates a trail of information that can be traced forever, which is known as their digital footprint. To ensure online safety, it's important to think carefully before sharing anything on the Internet, keep personal information private, use secure passwords, and make online purchases only on secure websites.
Personal information can be used to hurt people in many ways, including through identity theft. If you shop online, always ensure that any website you visit is secure. You should see a lock icon in the status bar of your Internet browser before you enter personal information. Always keep your passwords private, and choose strong passwords that include letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't open email attachments, and never share sensitive information via email. Offline activities can also put you at risk for identity theft. Always shred documents that contain sensitive information before you dispose of them, and don't respond to calls asking you for banking information or other personal data.
Strong passwords are among the best defenses against security breaches that threaten your information. Choose a password that contains at least 12 characters, including a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't use common phrases, and spread out the numbers and symbols throughout the password. Choose different passwords for different accounts instead of using the same password for all of your accounts. Setting up two-factor authentication for accounts adds another layer of protection. It's also prudent to avoid single sign-in options that allow you to sign into a site using your social media account. Finally, never share your passwords with anyone.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have become popular communities that appeal to people of all ages. Members of these platforms add personal information to their profiles, stay connected with friends, and share news and photos. But as engaging as these platforms can be, they can also be dangerous. Privacy can be at risk without proper safeguards. Passwords need to be secure, and members should avoid sharing too much personal or background information.
