9 internet safety rules and what not to do online

Published 3:56 pm Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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Staying safe online is important for everyone. You can protect your personal information and yourself from cyber threats by following some basic rules.

Let’s talk about each:

Use Strong and Safe Passwords

Your passwords protect your accounts like a lock protects your home. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easy-to-guess words like your name or “123456.”

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Also, don’t use the same password for every account. For extra safety, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). It sends a code to your phone or email before logging in.

Keep Software and Apps Updated

Updates are important. They fix bugs and add better security to your phone, laptop, and apps. If you ignore updates, hackers may find ways to break into your device.

Turn on auto-updates if you can, so your devices stay protected without you needing to remember.

Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in cafes or airports is useful, but not always safe. Hackers can use it to see what you’re doing.

Avoid logging into your bank or school accounts using public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to keep your data encrypted.

Also, make sure you know your device’s IP address when using public or shared networks. You can visit the “what is my IP” website to help you quickly check your current IP address.

Think Before You Click or Download

If you get a message or email with a weird link or file, don’t open it. Hackers use fake links called phishing to trick you into giving personal information or installing malware.

You should only download games, music, and documents from websites you trust.

Protect Your Personal Information

Don’t share private information like your home address, phone number, school, or full name online.

Scammers can use your social media posts for harm. Always check your privacy settings to control who can see your content.

Limit Oversharing on Social Media

You can post about your life, but don’t give too much information. Posting your location, travel plans, or personal drama can make you a target for cyberbullying or scams.

Use Antivirus and Run Security Scans

Install antivirus software on your devices. It helps detect and remove viruses, spyware, and other threats. Also, regularly scan your system.

Back Up Your Files Regularly

Back up important schoolwork, photos, or videos to the cloud or an external drive. This protects your data in case your device gets hacked, broken, or lost. It’s a simple practice that saves a lot of stress later.

Report Anything Suspicious

If you notice anything strange, such as a message from someone you don’t know, report it. Most platforms have a “Report” button for issues.