50 Dos and Don’ts of Internet Security for the Year 2015!

Dos and Don’ts of Internet Security
#1. While giving away personal or financial information on any website, check if its URL begins with ‘https’. Also look for the lock icon, which indicates that the connection is secure.
#2. Never shop online, make financial transactions or login into accounts over free, unsecured WiFi networks.
#3. Create long, unique, and hard to guess passwords. Never keep the same password for different online accounts.
#4. Enable Secure Browsing for your Facebook account.
#5. Keep your computer’s Firewall ON
#6. Avoid making your personal information public on social media sites and Internet in general.
#7. Avoid checking ‘Keep me logged in’ or ‘Remember me’ options on websites, especially on public computers.
#8. Use your primary email address to stay in touch with people you know or are acquainted with.
#9. Never use your official email address for social media sites.
#10. For social media sites, use an email address that you do not use for important communications.
#11. Tighten your privacy settings on Facebook so that only your friends are notified about your activity.
#12. Never use any of your personal information such as name, date of birth, address, etc., as your password.
#13. While you are online in a public setting such as a coffee shop, mall, airport, etc., watch your back to make sure no one’s snooping on you.
#14. Never trust emails asking for your personal or banking
information. Be extra cautions against links or attachments in unknown or unwanted emails. Verify any such communication with the sender first.
#15. Do away with old accounts that you do not use anymore.
#16. Do not make your photos or videos public on social media sites.
Keep them visible to friends you know, and your family.
#17. Never respond to pop up ads that may come up on your screen.
Close such pop ups from the the task manager; press Alt+Ctrl+Delete.
#18. Before downloading any free software, research on the software and the website hosting it.
#19. Avoid visiting inappropriate websites or websites that you are not fully aware of.
#20. Beware of files with multiple extensions.
#21. Always log out of online accounts when you are done. This is especially important when you are using a public computer.
#22. Do not click or share posts on Facebook that claim to show any unusual content such as shocking videos or magical illusions. Verify such news from other sources.
#23. Access your bank’s website by manually typing its URL in the address bar.
#24. Do not click any links in emails to access your bank’s website.
#25. Keep your software and operating system up-to-date.
#26. Do not install software that comes as an attachment in emails.
#27. Always shop from reputed and know online stores.
#28. Update the Internet browsers and software on your computer.
#29. Use up-to-date security software that offers multilayered protection.
#30. Increase your awareness of cyber security and share the same with friends and family.
#31. Avoid online shopping on public computers or networks.
#32. If you are buying from an online website for the first time, do a little research about the site and go through its privacy policies.
#33. Change your Internet banking passwords at periodical intervals and never share them with anyone.
#34. Avoid saving your credit/debit card information on websites and web browsers.
#35. Never share your financial details on phone or email, even if the caller/sender seems genuine. Remember, people in cyberspace are not always what they seem to be.
#36. Avoid downloading software from unverified publishers.
#37. Always lock your computer when not in use. Do not leave it unattended, especially in public places.
#38. Keep passwords that have a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, special characters, and are at least 8 characters long.
#39. Avoid public networks for accessing websites that require you to sign in to access any information.
#40. If you store any critical information such as social security
number, credit card number, bank account details, passwords, etc., in external storage devices, ensure that the data is encrypted.
#41. Accept friend requests only from people you know and have met with in person.
#42. Treat an online stranger in the same way as you would treat a stranger in the real world.
#43. If you suspect that a message from a friend is fraudulent or strange, call or meet the friend to discuss it.
#44. Protect your device with a screen lock. Turn the automatic screen lock function ON.
#45. Don’t root or jailbreak your device. It will make your device vulnerable to attackers.
#46. Install apps only from trusted and official sources.
#47. Turn OFF Wi-Fi, Location Services and Bluetooth when not in use.
#48. Avoid sending or saving personal & overly sensitive information on your mobile device.
#49. Avoid mobile apps that ask for unnecessary permissions.
#50. Install a mobile security app with features such as Anti-malware, Anti-theft, Call & SMS filter, Privacy Protection and Remote Device Management.
And that would be all for the top 50 dos and don’ts of Internet
security that will protect you from online threats and hackers this
year and the years to come. Have A Happy and Splendid New Year 2015!
Rajib Singha