Stay Safe Online: Expert Advice from Metronet
Have you or your close one ever encountered a situation where they checked into their bank account and found it to be empty? All of the money they’ve saved is gone. Or, worse, your social media shares something inappropriate that you did not write or share. With an increasing rate of cybercrime, this might happen to any person. By 2025, cybercrime damages are projected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually, representing a growth of 15% per year from previous figures, highlighting the escalating threat landscape.
It’s time for you to become serious about internet security. Metronet is here to help you secure your online activities with expert advice from Metronet and simple instructions.
Stay Safe Online: Expert Advice from Metronet
The internet resembles a massive city. It offers wonderful businesses and friendly communities but also dangerous backstreets where criminals hide. Cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware are like robbers hiding in the shadows. Learning how to identify their techniques is like taking digital self-defense training. In 2023, the average global cost to remediate a ransomware attack rose to $1.82 million, reflecting more than a doubling from 2021’s figures, underscoring the severe financial impacts of such attacks.
So here is some expert advice from Metronet for you to stay safe online.
Create Uncrackable Passwords
- Simple passwords that include dictionary phrases, birthdays, or personal information are like letting your front door open! Hackers have techniques for figuring out these quickly.
- Mix things up! Use upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Think of it as a secret code.
- To evaluate the level of security of your password, use an online resource like 'How Secure Is My Password?'
The Golden Rule: Never reuse passwords! If one account is stolen, reusing a similar password is equal to providing a thief access to your entire life. Every account requires a distinct password.
Double-Lock Your Accounts
- Use the feature of 2FA (two-factor authentication)or MFA (multi-factor authentication). Think of it as an additional guard for safety.
- In addition to your password, you will need an authorization code texted to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or anything similar.
- MFA makes it significantly more difficult for hackers to gain access, even if they successfully steal your password. It's like installing a deadbolt on your door!
- Most major websites and apps support MFA. It may take a few more seconds to complete the process, but the end result is invaluable.
Keep Your Software Up To Date
- Consider software upgrades as repairs for your digital security shield.
- Hackers continuously look for flaws and weaknesses to take advantage of, and upgrades close those gaps up tight!
- Not only does your device's main operating system require security fixes to function properly, but so do your favorite programs and games.
- Do not take those notifications for granted. Those bothersome update notifications aren't meant to irritate you; they're your online defense system!
- The simplest way to stay safe is to automatically enable updates for everything, including your operating system, apps, and games. That way, your protection will repair itself!
Secure Wi-Fi Connection
- Make sure your Wi-Fi password is strong and different.
- Never repeat passwords that you use for other sites!
- Ensure that your router supports WPA3 security protocols (if available). It encrypts your data, making it extremely difficult for attackers to figure out.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi. Consider it as putting your personal information on a park seat.
- If you really need to use it, purchase a VPN. A VPN functions as a secret tunnel, protecting your internet activity from spying.
Deceive Phishers: Do Not Take the Bait
Phishing scams resemble wolves in sheep’s costumes. Emails, SMS, and bogus websites may appear to be legitimate, but they are intended to steal credentials, bank information, and other sensitive information. Here’s how to catch them.
- Look out for messages with urgency ("Act right away or ruin your account!"), too-good-to-be-true deals, bogus hyperlinks, and unexpected attachments.
- Typos and unusual email addresses are other warning flags.
- Scammers take advantage of confusion, so slow down until you select anything. Does that make it worthwhile? Do you truly know the sender?
- Do not respond to doubtful emails or messages if they look strange.
- Instead, visit the organization's official web page (put it in yourself!) or phone the official customer support line
Use Secure and Trusted Websites
- Before entering any sensitive information (login credentials, credit card numbers, etc.), ensure the website URL begins with "HTTPS."
- The "S" indicates that your data will transit through a safe channel.
- Look for a small padlock symbol next to the URL. Trustworthy websites frequently feature shields that read "Secured by..." followed by the name of a security organization.
- If a website appears odd or unprofessional, or you've never heard of it, you should look for a more reputable place to shop. Your safety is worthwhile!
Limit Your Personal Information on Social Media
- Consider your social media sites as a public place: You wouldn't discuss your life with a stranger on the bus, would you? Do the same to internet networking!
- Privacy settings are helpful. Use them to control who accesses what. Does everyone have to know your complete birthday? Should your address be public? Probably not.
- Criminals who steal identities want the specifics; don't make their work simple. Avoid posting your full name, address, contact information, and exact birthdate on social media.
- Surveys aren't always for fun. They may appear safe, but they're typically designed to collect information. If you can't skip them, make a fake profile and play anyway.