Cyber Safety Information

The internet is one of the best resources available to us. But just like the proverbial serpent in the Garden of Eden, danger lurks behind this splendid resource too. Most users, especially the younger ones, are unaware of the extent to which scammers and hackers would go to collect vital information off them. It’s up to the users to be wary and use the internet with precaution.

Here is a brief guide to cyber safety:

Identity theft

This happens when someone steals another one’s identity by accessing their personal information and using it for wrongful gains. The easiest way scammers can steal your identity is by accessing your Aadhaar card information, credit card information, bank account information, important passwords, etc. Be cautious what information you share online.

Passwords

Passwords are used to protect almost everything on your computer – including important files, documents and personal information. This makes it imperative you make your passwords as strong and effective as possible. Create a password that doesn’t contain any personal information like names, initials or birthdays, as hackers can easily get into it. Go for lengthy passwords that hold relevance to you but are gibberish to others. Use different passwords for different accounts and change them at regular intervals.

Phishing

This refers to a form of online scamming where one’s personal information is retrieved and used for harming them. Known as phishers, they usually lure their victims into opening fake emails or websites that seem harmless enough. Phishers typically ask for personal information including username, passwords, credit card numbers, date of birth, etc. These emails will usually purport to be from some respectable organization and sport a nearly identical email/web address. Avoid filling forms, or clicking on links in emails or instant messages from sources that look dubious – even if they appear to provide a secure website.

Plagiarism

This refers to the wrongful appropriation and purloining of someone else’s work and presenting them as their own original ideas. Directly copying someone else’s work is a very serious offence and can even land you in court with heavy fines or expulsion from academic institutions and places of employment.

Computer viruses

This refers to computer programs that can replicate themselves and spread from one computer to another. Be careful when downloading files from the internet as they may have viruses attached to them – and only open those files that look safe. Your best bet is to install strong anti-virus software that can filter out these vermin.

Be careful what information you share on the web and who you interact with online – privacy is just an illusion on the internet!