- Jan 8, 2017
- 1,320
Internet users spent much time online every day. Young people in particular spend a lot of time in social networks and on messaging services. However, when they do so, they are frequently careless with their personal data and thus endanger their digital identities. Another danger when dealing with the worldwide web is cyberbullying. This year’s Safer Internet Day (SID) is being held under the slogan “Create, connect and share respect: A better Internet starts with you”, and aims to make users aware of the dangers of the Internet. To mark this European day of action, G DATA is providing security tips and demonstrating how Internet users can keep control of their data.
Ransomware, phishing, cyberbullying – the list of threats on the Internet is long. Users can quickly become victims of successful attacks and then have to deal with the loss of their personal data or other far-reaching consequences.
“Many Internet users do not take the security of their own digital identity seriously because they are unaware of the risks or do not see themselves as interesting targets of attack for cyber criminals. This then makes successful attacks particularly easy for the perpetrators,” explains Tim Berghoff, G DATA Security Evangelist. “Users can protect themselves against online attacks, cyberbullying and the like by following a few simple security tips.”
What is Safer Internet Day?
SID is a global day of action initiated by the European Union to improve security on the Internet. This year it is taking place on the second day of the second week of the second month. Anyone can take part - institutions, companies, organisations, associations or private individuals.
G DATA security tips for Internet users
Ransomware, phishing, cyberbullying – the list of threats on the Internet is long. Users can quickly become victims of successful attacks and then have to deal with the loss of their personal data or other far-reaching consequences.
“Many Internet users do not take the security of their own digital identity seriously because they are unaware of the risks or do not see themselves as interesting targets of attack for cyber criminals. This then makes successful attacks particularly easy for the perpetrators,” explains Tim Berghoff, G DATA Security Evangelist. “Users can protect themselves against online attacks, cyberbullying and the like by following a few simple security tips.”
What is Safer Internet Day?
SID is a global day of action initiated by the European Union to improve security on the Internet. This year it is taking place on the second day of the second week of the second month. Anyone can take part - institutions, companies, organisations, associations or private individuals.
G DATA security tips for Internet users
- Close software security holes: You should use updates to ensure that the operating system, software and apps you use are always fully up-to-date. This will help users close security holes that criminals could otherwise exploit for attacks.
- Protected by security software: A powerful security solution is part of the basic equipment of any PC. This should not only include effective virus protection but also a spam filter, firewall and real-time protection against online threats.
- Send it straight to the digital recycle bin: Delete spam email immediately and avoid opening any embedded links or file attachments under any circumstances.
- Secure passwords: A separate password should be set for every online account such as social networks and mail services. This should consist of a non-logical combination of numbers and upper and lower case letters.
- Children's safety on the Internet: Parents should teach their children how to be safe on the Internet. Parental controls can help with this and prevent your child from being able to access websites about drugs, violence and pornography, etc.
- Beware of short URLs: Abbreviated links can lead to a malware trap. Users should be very careful and ideally not click on URLs from strangers.
- Do not reveal too much about yourself: Users of social networks should not reveal too much information about themselves and avoid publishing private information such as a postal address or mobile number on their profile.
- Not every social media user is a friend: Users of social networks often receive friendship requests from people they do not know. Contact requests should only be confirmed if you actually know the person and, ideally, they are a friend as well.
