Training

Safer internet tips

by Mark Rowe

To mark Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 10, members of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) have provided tips to help IT users stay safe online.

Safer Internet Day is organised by Insafe each February to promote safer use of online technology amongst users around the world. Insafe is a European network, comprised of 31 national awareness centres (27 of the EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Russia and Serbia). Every national Centre implements awareness and educational campaigns, runs a helpline, and work with youth to ensure an evidence-based, multi-stakeholder approach to creating a better internet. Launched in 2003, Safer Internet Day was the brainchild of the SafeBorders project and has continued to grow since its inception.

In 2007, mobile operators from around the world met in Brussels to sign an agreement designed to safeguard children using mobile phones. In 2009, 30 new Safer Internet Day Committees were created to strengthen bonds with countries outside the Insafe network. 2009 also saw more than 500 events celebrated in more than 50 countries. The European Commission launched a continent-wide information campaign on SID to empower teenagers to keep control when surfing the net. The following year, 2010, saw thousands of events take place in more than 65 countries involving international organisations, governments, industry, schools, businesses and private citizens. Safer Internet Day had its 10th birthday in 2013, reaching millions through social media.

BSIA member companies, Optimal Risk Ltd and G4S Risk Management Ltd have contributed to these five tips to stay safe online. Their tips are a reminder to work, trade and play safely and securely when surfing the net.

Read, don’t Click – When you receive an email claiming to be from your bank, a shopping website, the government, etc, take a moment to read the content. Emails are often sent that appear to be legitimate however they contain links to websites that infect the computer with malware or direct you to websites that appear genuine but when you type in your personal details they are stored by criminals who will later use that information to commit theft or identity fraud. This is also known as phishing.

Use Different Passwords – It’s very frustrating to have to remember several passwords but they are there for a reason. Don’t be tempted to use the same password or the name of a pet or children. Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols to ensure the most secure password possible.

Update Software – Software is only as good as its last update. Take the time to check your software is up-to-date and stay on top of any updates. Malware spreads though vulnerabilities exposed in your computer software. By staying up-to-date you are much less likely to be caught out by malware.

Know Your Browser – Almost all internet browsers have a host of security features built in to them. It is often tempting to turn off all the safeguards but you should take some sensible precautions to stop potential infections. Turn on the pop-up blocker and only allow advanced scripts to run when you say they can

Keep Social Media Private – It is naïve to assume that it is only your friends who look at your social media pages. Hackers will follow what you post, store information and look for patterns in your posts. This enables them to track your movements or provide them with leverage to extort you. The less you say the better you are protected. Before posting anything, including pictures, ask yourself “Would I be happy for a stranger to see this?” If in doubt, don’t post.

Visit the Specialist Services section of the BSIA’s website: http://www.bsia.co.uk/sections/specialist-services.aspx.

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