Here is how you can keep yourself safe online

With a surge in work from home, virtual classrooms, online shopping, and digital healthcare, the need to stay connected through various devices has multiplied. Starting from young children to senior citizens, digital dependence has increased and so are the digital threats too.

Here are ways you can stay safe online:
Don't Open Unknown Links
Never click any kind of unsolicited links included in emails, text messages, or screen pop-ups. Ensure to scrutinize the email/text before you reply


Share Carefully
Never give too much personal information on social media websites. Also, maximize privacy settings on all social profiles and engage in safe social networking

Use Separate Devices
Use different devices for business and personal use. It is good to keep personal devices and accounts separate from those used for business purposes, so that information shared can be controlled and monitored

Keep your Child Safe
Use a VPN while children are accessing online learning services from home to protect the privacy of the internet connection with bank-level encryption to stop hackers from stealing personal information like passwords or data. Parents must educate children about fake news and how to spot a phishing scam, what to do if there's been a data breach and how to have good digital wellness.

Change Your Passwords Regularly
Strong passwords are critical, and hence, one must use complex catchphrases and combinations of letters, characters, and numbers. Go for two-factor authentication to add a layer of protection between you and a potential attacker. Also, never share the password with anyone.

Use Public Networks Carefully
WI-FI Be careful while connecting to public Wi-Fi, and ensure the network is secure and attached to a trusted source. Do not conduct any financial transactions or share any personal details while on a public Wi-Fi network.

Here are other steps you can take:
* Set up better passwords and multi-factor authentication
* Back up all sensitive data, important files, and critical projects at regular intervals
* Take advantage of anti-virus software and keep it updated with the latest definitions
* Use a secured, encrypted, and hidden Wi-Fi network
* Keep your operating system and software applications up to date