Image of a thief reaching through a computer to a mans pocket

Tips for Staying Safe Online

Image of a thief reaching through a computer to a mans pocketOur world is now, more than ever, digitally connected. We have digital identities, digital passwords—we leave digital footprints. This online interconnectedness creates new opportunities for thieves, hackers, and online attacks. It’s important to minimise your exposure to risk, which is why we’ve created these easy-to-remember tips to help you successfully and safely navigate the online world.

Tips to Protect Your Passwords

Use a different password for each platform or service. You’re tempted to choose one password for all of your log-ins and platforms, because it’s easy to remember. In fact, some of you probably do this very thing, so you don’t have to keep track of a handful of passwords. However, if someone obtains your password for one site, they have your password for all of your online accounts.

Secure your password like you secure your debit or credit card information. Don’t share your passwords, and don’t write them on a sticky note attached to your desk. If you’ve shared them in the past or lost the notebook they are written in, change them.

Consider how you create and store your passwords. Longer passwords, using a combination of letters, symbols, numbers, and uppercase, are more secure than shorter passwords. Store your passwords in an encrypted file or download specialised software to help you remember and protect them.

When available, use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Two-Factor Authentication means that your account security depends on something you have as well as something you know. For example, it could depend on your password and a security code sent to you via sms. It’s much harder for individuals to gain access to something you have.

Follow your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, err on the side of caution. If you get a questionable email or the site you’re visiting doesn’t seem right, pause. Check things out before you proceed; if something looks and feels dodgy, don’t move forward with it.

Tips to Recognise Phishing Emails

A phishing email usually contains some aspect of the following:

  • It claims to be from an organization you are a part of or have a relationship with; or an organisation you’ve never heard of.
  • A strange “from” address or one that doesn’t match the organisation it’s claiming to be from.
  • An emergency or sense of urgency is portrayed. It might suggest you need to take immediate action to confirm your account or it will be closed; or that a service will be cut off if you don’t make a payment immediately.
  • The text, company header, format, or conversational style is not consistent with the individual or organisation it claims to be from.
  • The email directs you to an outside website or attempts to get you to click on a link.
  • The address of the web link is dodgy or different than what it says in the email.

Tips to Recognise Phishing Websites

A phishing website usually contains one or more of the following:

  • The webpage and layout is slightly different than what you remember or looks a bit off.
  • The URL is completely different than the claimed organization
  • The URL may begin with “http” as opposed to “https.”
  • A login page is asking for additional details you don’t normally have to provide.
  • The “padlock,” indicating the website is secure, is missing

Be vigilant when it comes to your online security, apply these tips, and you’ll enjoy a safer, more secure online experience.

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