Website Security - How to Stay Secure

If you’re an active social media user, you may have received a message suggesting that a negative blog post about you is circulating online. Often, these messages include a link prompting you to log into your account. However, clicking such links can give fraudsters access to your personal information. This is just one of many scams aimed at obtaining your details. Staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to secure your online presence is essential for everyone using the internet today.

Practical Help for Staying Secure

Fortunately, there are resources available to help internet users protect themselves. For instance, Google has teamed up with Citizens Advice to launch a website dedicated to guiding users on online security and privacy.

The "Good to Know" website provides straightforward advice on topics such as:

- Creating strong, secure passwords

- Understanding cookies and their purpose

- Combating identity theft

- The importance of logging out from shared or public computers

With clear language and actionable guidance, this site is ideal for internet users of all ages and skill levels. Remember, securing your online information is just as crucial as protecting your physical belongings.

Top Tips for Staying Safe Online

Google and Citizens Advice recommend these five essential tips to enhance your online security:

Create Strong Passwords

Choose passwords that are difficult to guess. Use a memorable line from your favourite song, film, or book and add numbers, symbols, and unique letters to create a strong password. For instance, from the line “To be or not to be, that is the question,” you could create the password 2bon2btitq. The more unique your choice, the safer it is.

Beware of Phishing Emails

Suspicious emails that appear to be from your bank or email provider are common. These emails may ask for sensitive information, such as logging in to update your personal details. If in doubt, contact the institution directly to verify the legitimacy of the request before clicking on any links.

Check for ‘https’ and a Padlock Icon

When entering sensitive information on websites, ensure the URL begins with ‘https’ and look for a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates a secure connection.

Log Out and Close Your Browser

Always log out of online accounts and close your browser, especially on shared or public computers, to prevent unauthorised access.

Enable Two-Step Verification

Whenever possible, enable two-step verification on accounts such as Google and Facebook. This feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring both your password and a code sent to your mobile phone.

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