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Cyber safety tips


Nowadays we use cyberspace heavily for work and play. In the physical world a degree of common sense about personal security comes naturally. In cyberspace "common sense" is unintuitive, but without it bad things can (and do) happen. Losing your wallet in the physical world is mainly inconvenient. But imagine what could happen if an untrustworthy stranger gains full access to everything you store and do using your phone. Just for starters, they could empty your bank account, delete your personal photographs, and extract embarrassing information from your social media activity. Worse, they can probably act as you in cyberspace for the foreseeable future.

It is wise to invest time acquiring cyberspace "common sense". Three guidelines go a long way:

Keep personal information personal

In cyberspace, you are identified through personal information such as passwords, PINs and account numbers. Anyone acquiring these becomes "you" in cyberspace. Keep passwords long and strong, and don't share them across different sites. Only reveal personal information to a site you trust, using a device you a trust, over a network you trust.

Keep a clean machine

Your safety depends on the health of your devices. Be careful about websites you browse, links you click, networks you join, and apps you download. Install basic cyber hygiene tools, such as ant-virus software and apply critical software updates.

Manage your online presence

Everything you say and do in cyberspace is potentially accessible forever. Never forget this! Make sure you understand the security and privacy settings of your social media accounts. Think before you post. What is funny today might look foolish (or worse) tomorrow. Your friends may love to know you are on holiday – but so do thieves.

Cyberspace is a wonderful place to work and play in. Staying safe is all about treating cyberspace with the common sense caution you apply in the physical world.

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