1. Check your security and privacy settings – Make sure your privacy settings are secured on your social networks and other online services to protect your personal information. It is surprising how many people do not set their online profiles to private or restricted. If you do not secure your online profiles, cyber criminals and spammers will have ready access to all of your information.
2. Password safety – Avoid sharing your password, even if the person promise they won’t keep it or share it. If you do temporarily share your password with someone, be sure to go back and change it afterwards. Also, when setting your password, make sure it isn’t something people may guess such as your pet’s name. Use a mixture of letters, numbers and upper and lower case characters.
3. Always protect your mobile device – Make sure your mobile phone is pin-protected so all your personal information stored on it is safe. In addition, consider using a security app which allows you to remotely wipe any personal data, should your mobile be lost or stolen.
4. Be careful what links you click on – Avoid clicking links in an email, Instant Message or on your social network unless you are sure the message is from someone you know. Cybercriminals have been known to hack into your friends’ email accounts and social networks to send emails or post messages. Don’t believe it if it sounds suspicious or offers something unrealistic.
5. When you use a search engine be very careful what results you click on – Hackers use legitimate looking topics to trick you into clicking. Scrutinize the URL to ensure you are going to a legitimate web site.