What are the best practices to protect yourself online from security threats?

Jazmyne4
1 year ago
I'm getting nervous about online safety as I've been hearing so many horror stories about hacking, phishing, and identity theft. My parents just got me a new laptop for school and I want to make sure I use it safely. I've heard of using strong passwords and keeping my operating system up-to-date, but are there other things I should do to protect myself online? I don't want any unwanted attention from cybercriminals.

Community answers for the question "What are the best practices to protect yourself online from security threats?"

vD3pRyK
1 year ago
Using strong and unique passwords for each account, keeping software up-to-date, enabling two-factor authentication when available, being cautious of suspicious emails and links, monitoring accounts regularly, using a reputable antivirus program, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and educating yourself on online safety best practices can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to common online threats such as hacking, phishing, and identity theft.
Felanx88Jord
1 year ago
To protect yourself online, create a strong password for your laptop and change it every 60 days. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible, such as Google Authenticator or Authy. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar emails, as phishing attempts are common. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping. Regularly scan your laptop and other devices for malware using reputable antivirus software. Keep your operating system (OS) and browser up-to-date with the latest security patches. Use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi networks to encrypt your internet traffic. Consider enabling the "Find My Device" feature on your laptop, which allows you to remotely erase or locate it if it's lost or stolen.