Safer Internet Day is celebrated annually on February 7 to raise awareness of new and existing issues related to Internet use. On this occasion, Kaspersky experts have compiled a number of useful security tips that will help protect the personal data of Internet users and their money.
1- Secure the account with a unique password and use the two-factor authentication method:
Stolen accounts can lead to unpleasant consequences such as: identity theft, loss of access to game libraries, etc. are often the only thing preventing cybercriminals from accessing a user's private account data. For this reason, passwords should be given special attention.
First, the passwords you use must be unique, otherwise a data breach by a service means all of your accounts could be in imminent danger.
Secondly, passwords must be long and complex so that fraudsters cannot guess or force them. Since every user today has dozens of accounts with unwieldy passwords, it is better to delegate the tedious task of remembering all the passwords to a password manager because this tool can help you store the login credentials of all the accounts in one safe and convenient storage location. .
In addition, the use of two-factor authentication in the services that support it is essential. When a website or app offers additional verification via SMS or an authentication app that the account belongs to the same user trying to log in, this protects user accounts from hacking.
2- Adjust your privacy settings to the appropriate level:
Users love to share small details of their lives on social media, from vacation snapshots to drinks and food, to get feedback and interact with friends and family. However, sharing too many details can cause unexpected problems and give scammers or bullies access to your account. So unwanted access to data can be avoided by checking the access settings, because for many people who use social media it is an integral part of their lives.
You can access your social media platform's privacy settings and adjust options that determine who can see each type of data, such as posts, photos, and birthdays.
Many guides and tools are available, for example: the free tool Kaspersky Privacy Checker guides users through adjusting the settings and explains the risks behind different settings and safe settings, because trying to adjust these settings can be confusing at times.
3- Do not share private data with strangers, even if it is an application of artificial intelligence:
People tend to be honest with others, even strangers, and some people may want to take advantage of the kindness of others, and online dating apps are a good example of this. A Kaspersky Lab survey found that one in six participants who use digital dating services have had their private information shared online without their consent. So beware of strangers you meet online or talk to because there is no way to know their real identity and true intentions.
Although some people are suspicious of strangers, many let their guard down when talking to interactive AI-based chatbots such as B.:ChatGPT, which are becoming very popular and becoming more persuasive and efficient. So much so that many users tend to argue with it.
While some chat services specifically ask users not to reveal private details in conversations, as this information can be accessed later, like any other service, the possibility of data being compromised due to hacking still exists.
4- Be careful when trading cryptocurrencies:
Anyone who wants to try cryptocurrency trading should be careful when choosing a suitable and reliable trading platform. It is best to choose a trading platform based on independent reviews of data aggregators and to choose sites with an outstanding reputation. Research will help you understand the nature and reputation of the platform to ensure data and funds are protected in the future.
5- Protecting digital currency wallet data:
Users of web- or hardware-based cryptocurrency wallets should take care to keep so-called seed phrases, or seed phrases, in a safe place. Typing these sentences into a computer or Notes application is not a safe option as they can be compromised in the event of a digital attack. If you write it down on paper and leave it at home, you risk losing the paper and thus not being able to access the wallet and retrieve the money. A solid option is always to use encrypted and secure storage media on hard drives to prevent password loss, hacking, and data theft.
6- General advice to protect everyone:
In addition to safely using their cryptocurrency wallets and trading operations, the user should follow simple general security rules that will help them avoid fraud and protect their funds. For example, beware of emails and messaging apps that contain "very tempting promotions", "risky financial risks", etc. In addition, when using digital currencies in financial transactions, it is necessary to carefully monitor the operations recorded in the wallet, for which there are separate auxiliary services.