Although technology was once only associated with work, more and more people are now using technology in their spare time for fun and entertainment purposes. However, while using technology and the internet can be a laugh, the risks that go hand-in-hand with technology are anything but. So then, here are some of the top tips that you need to know if you want to use technology safely.
Beware of Dating Online
With people working longer hours and with the coronavirus pandemic still raging, online dating has increased in popularity. Online dating can be a great way to find someone to have fun with or even to find a life partner. However, online dating is not all fun and games, and it can be difficult to know if the person you are flirting with is the person they say they are and if they are trustworthy. So then, to make sure that you can protect yourself online, and if you decide to go on a date, you should be aware of the most common online dating red flags.
Only Shop at Secure Websites
Shopping online is convenient and enables you to find anything that you need with a single Google search. However, although online shopping can give you a wider selection of products and can prevent you from having to scour the stores, online shopping can leave your bank account vulnerable. So then, you should make sure that you only shop at trustworthy websites and that their payment options and e-commerce platform are secure and guarded against cybercriminals. A few ways to check the security of a website are by looking for an SSL certificate or by checking the company’s privacy statement.
Be Social Media Savvy
Social media has quickly become an integral part of our lives, with many people using social media to connect with and chat with their friends, join in discussions about their favorite subjects, and play games. Then, you need to make sure that you are social media savvy. For instance, you should check the privacy settings on your account and be aware of your posting content. Many people may not want to share their location or to post pictures of a child or another vulnerable person.
Watch What You Download
If you love to play video and PC games, you will know that many games companies have now decided to offer digital downloads over disk copies of games. While this can allow you to start playing the newest games instantly, you must be careful what you download. If you do not download a game from a reputable website, you could be opening up your computer to common cyber threats and risks such as viruses and ransomware.
Make Sure You are Password Protected
The simplest advice you can take when it comes to staying safe online is to make sure that your computer and all of your online accounts are password protected. You should have a different password for each of your accounts, and this should have a combination of different characters, numbers, and symbols within it.