The month of June is acknowledged as Internet Safety Month and it’s dedicated to encouraging online safety. This month brings a remarkable opportunity to become better digital citizens, by protecting yourself from possible harmful online activities.
What Is National Internet Safety Month?
The National Internet Safety Month is an annual initiative mainly devoted to informing the nation on internet safety. The federal and state government, non-profit organisations and different industries come together to promote safe online behaviour. The entire month is dedicated to informing people about safety measures for online practices. It indicates that Internet safety is a shared responsibility. We all must unite together to build a safer online place for everyone out there.
What is STOP. THINK. CONNECT?
STOP. THINK. CONNECT is a global online safety awareness campaign. This is a national public awareness campaign brought by Homeland Security in coordination with The National Cyber Security Alliance. There are various free online safety resources like videos, posters and memes that you can share for awareness. It includes various online resources to use for free. The main objective is to educate Americans about cyber threats. The campaign provides resources and strategies to stay safe on the web.
This campaign works according to the below three steps:
- STOP means to check whether security measures are in place
- THINK warns about the outcomes of your online actions
- CONNECT suggests enjoying your devices with relief and peace of mind
But apart from the advice to think before browsing the web, one needs other practical and tangible safety suggestions and certain information on what threats they may face and how to react.
Here are some easy tips to save yourself from suspicious activities on the internet:
- Antivirus Protection and Firewall
Phishing can have far-reaching impacts on small businesses. It leaves the firm vulnerable to loss when cyber criminals can have access to the entire network of tools. Hence, you must install anti-virus software with a firewall. This will give you extensive safety against malicious software and other cyber-attacks. Antivirus software only protects the hardware, while the firewall can protect the entire network on which hardware is running.
- Backup Your Data Regularly
The most common mistake made by small businesses is not backing up their data regularly, which makes ransomware more effective. The most popular ransomware attacks log you out of your computer or phone and don’t allow you back in unless you pay a considerable amount of money. If you haven’t backed up your data, then paying the attacker is the only chance left for you to get your data back.
- Use A Password Management Tool
Password managers are surely the most protected way to secure your passwords. The choice to use two-factor authentication makes password managers a much safer choice than anything else. Also, when it comes to safety, the most significant thing to take care of is the master password, as you have to develop one to access all the other passwords.
- Think Before Clicking
Do you ever come across a link that needs to change or enter a password? It may even ask you to verify personal data by pretending to be your friend, boss and even your bank. It’s likely to be a phishing scheme. These tricks are designed in a way to have your credit card number or security password. Once the attacker has the information, they may use it on other websites. So, if it’s a link you don’t understand or it’s suspicious, don’t fall for phishing.
