How to Stay Safe Online: A Comprehensive Guide by NPK Media

As a creative media agency specialising in video and website design/development, we don’t tend to write articles that aren’t in our areas of expertise. However, after reading a recent article on LinkedIn about thousands being duped by fake websites (https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/thousands-duped-by-fake-websites-6024828/), I felt I had to share what we know to hopefully help at least one person not get scammed by online fraudsters.

Even more concerning is that the people who will read this are probably already quite tech-savvy so please help your parents or grandparents, who will be the most at risk of online fraud, be safe. I’ve produced a list of ten actions and areas to be aware of to help you stay safe.

1. Understanding the Importance of Online Safety

As internet usage grows, so does the sophistication of cyber threats. Personal information and financial details are prime targets for cybercriminals. Protecting yourself online isn't just about safeguarding data; it's about maintaining your financial health and personal safety.

2. The Essentials of Strong Passwords

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A robust password is your first defence against unauthorised access. A strong password includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, such as T#1z!gP@wqS4(That’s not my password before you try). Avoid common words and predictable sequences.

3. The Role of Password Managers

If you’re like me, a simple password we can remember and use for everything makes our lives easier, but it also makes a cyber criminal's life much easier.

Choosing a Password Manager: Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane can help manage your passwords securely, allowing you to create and store different, complex passwords for each of your accounts without needing to remember each one (Game-changer).

4. The Importance of Two-Factor Authentication

Implementing 2FA: Two-factor authentication significantly enhances your security by requiring a second verification form. Opt for app-based 2FA solutions like Google Authenticator over SMS to avoid interception.

5. Keeping Software Up-to-Date

Regular Updates: Cyber threats are continually evolving, and so should your software. Regular updates to your operating system, browsers, and applications close security gaps and protect against the latest threats.

Checking Browser Updates: To check if your browser is up-to-date, access the browser's menu (often symbolised by three dots or lines) and navigate to the "Help" or "About" section where it typically shows the current version and an option to update if you're not on the latest version.

6. Securing Your Internet Connection

Using VPNs: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) like NordVPN encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding your data from eavesdroppers, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Just don’t use it to access American Netflix for your latest shows before they come to the UK… That would be wrong; don’t do it.

7. Safeguarding Financial Transactions

Monitoring Financial Transactions: Monitor your bank statements and set up alerts for unusual activities. Using credit cards over debit cards for online purchases can offer additional protections.

8. Recognising and Avoiding Phishing Scams

Identifying Phishing Attempts: Phishing scams manipulate you into providing sensitive data. Be cautious of emails that:

- Ask for personal information unexpectedly.

- Contain poor spelling or grammar.

- Include mismatched or suspicious URLs.

Top Tip: Check the email address by hovering over the email and looking for the actual email address, not the name they put over it. E.g. an email from a scammer could say Barclays Bank and the address hidden beneath that is 23t26ttw2t3@net.com (This is obviously not Barclays)

9. Educating Yourself and Others

Staying Informed: Websites like https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/ provide valuable resources to keep up with the latest cyber security.

10. Creating a Secure Online Environment

Best Practices: Adopt a layered approach to security. Combine strong passwords with 2FA, use a secure connection, regularly update your software, and educate yourself on the signs of scams.

Last word:

Online security is a dynamic and ongoing process. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats and safeguard your digital presence effectively. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online and maintain peace of mind while navigating the digital world.

If you’re even the slightest bit concerned, don’t put your information into a website. A good measure to take on all websites that ask for financial or private information is to ensure the website is secure. Look for URLs that start with “https://”and a padlock icon near the address bar.

Google explanation link(https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95617?visit_id=638509435073212967-3988394980&p=ui_security_indicator&rd=1)

If you’re a business and need a fully secure website to ensure your customer's data is safe and secure, contact us today https://npk.media/contact-us

(Don’t forget to click the top left of the URL to check the security and safety of our site)

I hope you can implement some of the abovementioned actions and never become a victim of online fraud.

All the best, and stay safe

Stephen Brookes