HOW TO BE SAFE OVER THE INTERNET

THE GUIDELINES OF INTERNET SAFETY:

You need to know your gadget whether it is a tablet, handphone, smartphone, laptop, netbook or desktop. In addition, you have to secure your connection, may it be WIFI, broadband or public networks. When using different websites, understand the platform such as Facebook, Maybank2u, etc. And of course, be careful of what you say and share as all these things would stay around even until after you delete it.

Amazingly, cyber crimes raked in more profit than drug cartels.

An even more mind-boggling, if Facebook were a country, it’ll be the third most populated country in the world.

A Malaysian spend 9 hours on Facebook every day.

And of course students are the ones that are more prone to perverts over the Internet. What’s with free WIFI that is easily accessible, convenient, frequently used and free of charge. Nonetheless, it is not 100% secured. As once you’re connected, you device is visible and connected to others’ devices who might be cyber criminal with ill-intentions towards you. Due to that, if a company were to use WIFI, it is better to use cables for network so that only the employee who has to physically be there can use the Internet connection.

WIFI hackers can see everything you send over the Internet, including your password, e-mails or content of your instant message. There are many ways the criminals can go about it. They can use a network that replicates another network name. Once you connect to the wrong network, the hackers can see your network data. Or they can intercept the data being sent from or to your device using readily available software. Or the hacker can impersonate you during open session to access your accounts. For example, when you go to cyber café and left your Facebook open. Any Tom, Dick and Harry can post on your behalf.

So, how to avoid becoming a victim? First, check your network. Verify the network by asking the employee of the public WIFI location that you’re using. And DON’T auto connect or join a network before verifying whose network you are connected to. Second, DON’T enable file sharing unless you absolutely have to. Also, make it a habit to encrypt your files and folders.  Turn off Bluetooth and WIFI on your device when you don’t have to use it. Third, avoid sending sensitive info over WIFI network, such as our no gaji, online banking or shopping and any other transactions that require sensitive info. You should try to connect using 3G instead of WIFI. And use https extensions instead of http (s stands for secured). Fourth, use VPN (Virtual Private Network) as it is the most secure way to protect our data as it does not reveal our location. Fifth, install security network. Like anti virus which also protects your device from malware or spyware. Six, power-up your browser by installing plug-ins that alert you of fake pages such as DontPhishMe that alerts you of phishing sites or HTTPSEverywhere that forces the use of https. And lastly, use 2 step authentication such as when you want to transfer money from Maybank2u, the website will send a 4 digit verification code to your handphone. Using the 4 digit code, then only you can proceed with the transfer of money.

When it comes to the Internet, be paranoid! Better to be safe than sorry.