The internet has made all the knowledge in the world available at your finger tips, it has changed the way people communicate and revolutionized the ways in which companies of all sizes do business. Unfortunately, while the internet has done many great things, it has also created problems that come with information being stored digitally and with information being so readily accessible and shareable.
There are risks to using the internet for both individuals and organizations, and it is important to understand the risks and know how to mitigate the danger. Individuals must be concerned about their privacy and reputation, while companies need to care not only about protecting their brand’s image but also about protecting customer data and avoiding potential liability if they make their users vulnerable to their information being improperly obtained.
To stay safe on the internet from big risks including data breaches; ransomware that locks files until money is paid; and hackers putting viruses on your computer, there are a few key tips to follow:
-
Make sure all the information you put online is secure:
If you are sharing your personal information (or information about a customer), make sure you do so only on a secure website. Check the URL of the website to make sure it says https rather than just http to make certain the site is secure. If you have especially private information you want to make sure no one obtains, consider using encryption programs to take an added step to keep the content private. Don’t share your passwords with anyone under any circumstances, and don’t post personal information -- including your email address -- on public sites.
-
Don’t get too personal:
The more information you share online, the more that people -- like potential employers -- can find out about you. Be careful to avoid not only posting pictures and messages on your own social media pages but also being tagged in your friend’s photos or commenting on the pages of other people. If you share too much information about yourself that could portray you in a negative light, it could come back to haunt you. Even if the information you share isn’t necessarily negative, giving strangers too much info about who you are could lead to a host of problems ranging from identity theft to stalking.
-
Know what you are clicking on:
When you click on any link or click to download a file, you could potentially be putting your computer at risk if the link or file is a malicious one that puts a virus on your computer or otherwise does damage. Only click on links from trusted sources and don’t click on anything to download in your email unless you are certain it has come from someone you know who wants you to open it.
-
Secure your network:
You should not leave your network unsecured nor should you use any default passwords that came with your computer equipment. Make sure you have your network password protected so no one can access it, and consider working with an IT professional if you believe your network could be a target of hacking so you can take added measures to keep the network secure even if it is attacked.
Partner with an Information Technology Solution in St. Louis
Technology Partners can help you create an internet safety and data security plan and can assist companies and individuals with problems related to data and privacy breaches. To find out more about how our company can help you with your internet safety issues, give us a call today.
