PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE

On Safer Internet Day,

Tim Falinski (right) of cybersecurity company, Trend Micro, suggests these steps to protect yourself and your family online:

1 THINK, THINK, POST

Think twice before posting on social media. Make sure you ask yourself: could this information be used against me in the future, put me in harm’s way or affect my reputation? If the answer is yes or even maybe, it’s better not to post.

2 PROTECT YOUR PASSWORDS

Ensure you have different passwords for your online accounts, so that if one is hacked, all others don’t automatically become vulnerable, too. If you find remembering passwords too tricky, consider a password manager.

3 WATCH OUT FOR CYBERBULLYING

Cyberbullying can happen over social media, email or even text, to both adults and kids. Younger individuals, however, might not share their experience. As a parent, look out for behavioural changes and initiate open conversations with your kids.

4 FACT-CHECK YOUR INFORMATION

With so much information out there, it can be challenging to work out credible sources. Put your critical thinking cap on when reading online posts or articles, take the time to review its source and learn to separate the fake news from real news.

5 ASSIST OTHERS WITH THEIR ONLINE EXPERIENCE

Help others to be safe online, especially non-tech-savvy family and friends. Have non-judgemental conversations with teenagers and younger children about what they do online and how to minimise the damage if things go wrong.