Hackers getting into systems and fraudulent behaviors like identity theft and piracy are nothing new in the cyber-space. If there is anything to be concerned about, it is the rate at which these things are occurring these days, which is why it is crucial to understand why Internet security and safety is so crucial.
With the growing accessibility and popularity of the internet, it’s only natural that topics like Internet security and safety are being talked about. Cyber-terrorists, in addition to hackers and spammers, lurk on the Internet looking for easy prey.
According to Statista’s Global Internet Access Rate 2005-2021 report, over 90% of individuals in developed nations used the internet in 2021, making them vulnerable to cybercrime such as financial fraud, identity theft, intellectual property theft, malware, and social engineering attacks.
Cybercrime can affect anybody who uses the internet, so anyone who uses the internet, whether at home, workplace, or public space, must secure themselves, their data, and any internet-connected devices. Safer Internet Day raises awareness of these concerns and disseminates resources and information that can help individuals follow safer online practises.
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Secure the Network
Considering how vulnerable everyone is to cybercrime, having a robust firewall protection for the network is an essential today. Users require a basic firewall, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a strong password in case of wireless connections if they want to safeguard their network for their home PC. If they have a medium-sized company, they will require a powerful firewall as well as all of the previously listed requirements, as well as physical security and a network analyzer. Large enterprises, in addition to network analyzers, would require more robust Internet security software and security fencing.
Protect the Privacy of Others
People have a responsibility to preserve the privacy of others as digital citizens. Everyone has a strong need to share content, but for youth, it is an integral aspect of their social lives. It’s critical to remember not to share content without the approval of individuals concerned, and to model this conduct by asking for permission before sharing content that includes them.
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Use the Security and Privacy Tools Offer
Technology plays a crucial role in a safer Internet, but it is up to individuals to decide whether or not to utilize it. On their devices, everyone should enable a passcode or other authentication method. To avoid reusing passwords across multiple systems, everyone should use a password manager. If a program supports multi-factor authentication, it should be enabled. Turn off location monitoring in apps that don’t require it. While these tools may be available, they frequently require user action to activate.
It’s also worth remembering that if an app or service is free, it’s most likely gathering and reselling user data. Although there isn’t always much that can be done to prevent this type of data harvesting, it’s always worth weighing if the app is worth the risk.
A Dose of Healthy Skepticism
Criminals and cyber attackers do not use a set of approaches that are always the same. They adjust as technology advances in order to avoid failure. As a result, users, as possible targets, must develop an adaptive reaction as well. A healthy dose of scepticism goes a long way toward stopping attackers from succeeding. It’s simple to give prescriptive advice like “don’t click on links in emails,” but it’s rarely useful.
A better strategy is to build an understanding of the hazards that the Internet poses, as well as a sense of how those risks can be realized. Users should be able to question themselves how they know the person on the other end of the contact is real and who they claim to be, whether it’s a friend request, a text message, or some other form of communication. They should also gain a basic awareness of how links can be malicious or faked. They should also learn to be wary of any circumstance involving urgency or money.
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