The basics of staying safe while you’re online

Looking both ways before crossing the street. Wearing anti-slip shoes. Labeling your medications. These are all things that you can do to keep yourself safe and free from harm. But are you keeping yourself safe while you’re on the Internet?

The Internet is a wonderful place to reconnect with old friends, keep in touch with family members and post pictures of your adventures. You can check your bank account balance, order groceries and home goods and schedule your doctor’s appointments, all from the comfort of your home. However, it can also be a dangerous place if used incorrectly, and can result in identity theft, financial loss or a threat to your safety. Here are some ways to stay safe while you’re online:

• Do not open emails/texts from people you do not know. If you are continuously receiving them, mark them as “Spam” so they go to a separate folder.
• Do not share login information. This includes giving your login information to friends and using help from auto-login programs, especially if you are on a shared device.
• Choose a strong password and change it frequently. The longer and more unique, the better!
• If a friend or family member contacts you for financial help via e-mail or text, investigate before you react. Talk to them in person or check the validity of the request with another friend or relative.
• Log out of apps and websites when you’re finished.
• Invest in quality anti-virus software.
• Check your privacy settings on social media. You have the power to control who sees your information.
• Ask for help. If you are unsure of the validity of a website or program, do not be afraid to ask for help from a tech-savvy friend or relative.