How to stay safe online
The internet is an amazing place for work, shopping, connecting with family, and more. But just like locking your front door at night, taking some basic steps can help protect your information and keep you safe online. You don’t need to be a computer expert; these tips are easy to understand and put into practice, no matter your experience level!
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Think of your password as the key to your home. If you use “password123” everywhere, it’s like having the exact same key for your house, your car, and your mailbox. If someone finds that key, they have access to everything.
What to do:
Use a different password for each important account, like email, banking, or shopping sites.
Make your password at least 10–12 characters long. Try a favorite phrase, song lyric, or a combination of words and numbers—just make sure it's not something easy to guess (like “superman” or your birthdate).
Consider using a password manager, which remembers passwords for you and keeps them safe behind one strong “master” password.
2. Don’t Click on Strange Links or Attachments
Scammers and hackers love to trick people into clicking on bad links or downloading unsafe files. If you get an email or message that looks odd, or if it’s from someone you don’t know, it’s safest not to click.
What to do:
If you’re not expecting an email or text, or if it asks for your password, money, or personal info, pause and double-check.
Hover over links (without clicking) to see where they really go. If the web address looks strange or misspelled, don’t click.
When in doubt, delete the message, or contact the company or person directly using a phone number or website you trust.
3. Keep Your Devices Up to Date
Just like you need to fix small leaks in your house before they become big problems, your computer and phone need regular updates to patch up hidden cracks that hackers might use.
What to do:
Turn on automatic updates for your phone, computer, and important apps.
Restart your device once in a while so updates can finish installing.
Don’t ignore update reminders, as they’re important repairs for your devices.
4. Use Two-Step Verification When Possible
Many services like banks, email, or social media offer something called “two-step verification.” It’s like having a second lock on your door. Even if someone has your password, they can’t just walk in.
What to do:
When a site lets you add an extra step to log in, like a code sent to your phone, turn it on. This only takes a minute but adds a big layer of safety.
5. Be Careful with Public WiFi
Free WiFi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels is convenient, but it’s not always secure. Using public WiFi is a bit like having a private phone call in a crowded room—others could be listening in.
What to do:
Try to avoid logging in to sensitive accounts like your bank while on public WiFi.
If you need to use public WiFi often, talk to your IT provider about using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for safer browsing.
6. Trust Your Gut and Ask for Help
If something feels off—an email seems fishy, your computer is acting up, or a website asks for information it shouldn’t—listen to your instincts. Most scams rely on tricking people into acting fast. It’s okay to slow down and check.
What to do:
When unsure, step back and ask a family member, friend, or your trusted IT team (like FishBytePCs) before clicking or entering sensitive info.
Remember, no bank, government office, or reputable company will ask for your password through email or over the phone.
Final Thoughts
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be hard or overwhelming. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy everything the internet offers with more peace of mind. If you have questions or ever wonder, “Is this safe?” FishBytePCs is always here to help, no matter how basic the concern might seem.