To mark Safer Internet Day, McAfee, global leader in online protection, is encouraging families to reflect on their digital hygiene, with expertly curated tips to ensure that they can enjoy their online life confidently and securely.
Covering topics such as cyberbullying, privacy, digital identity and cyber knowledge, each year, Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns. From social media, memes and viral videos to smart homes, online shopping and even cloud computing, the internet entertains, educates and connects us – but its safe use remains critical.
As the evolution of the online world continues, cybercriminals are evolving in tandem, looking for new and inventive ways to exploit its features and target people. With over five billion people accessing and using the internet in 2022, that’s over 60% of the world’s population that could be at risk without the proper digital hygiene practices in place. Today, is a great reminder to take stock of the latest online threats and take control of your security, privacy, and digital identity.
4 easy things families can do to improve online safety:
Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is an excellent way to frustrate cybercriminals attempting to break into online accounts. MFA means that users need more than a username and password to log in, for example a one-time code sent to private email, text or through an authentication app utilising face or fingerprint scans. This adds an extra layer of security as the cybercriminal has to access the device, email or biometric reader to get into someone’s online account.
Use strong passwords and a password manager
A strong password is one with a mix of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. It’s always important to understand that reusing passwords is just as unsafe as using “password123” and puts online accounts at risk. A tactic known as ‘credential stuffing’ is where a cybercriminal attempts to input stolen usernames and password combinations in dozens of random websites to see which door it opens. It is also important to consider using a password manager which can safeguard all passwords in one secure desktop extension or mobile phone app.
Make sure software is up-to-date
Updating software is vital to the security of a device. These updates include security patches that cyber experts have created to foil cybercriminals. The more outdated the software is, the more time criminals have had to work out ways to infiltrate and steal information within them.
Learn to recognise phishing attempts
Phishing is when a scammer sends texts or emails that appear to be from trusted sources like your favourite online clothing store, your bank or, as we’re seeing during the cost-of-living crisis, energy firms. They do this to encourage people to share personal information. Once a phishing attempt has been recognised it is vital that they are not engaged with, links are left unopened, and the potential scam email is not forwarded along to another person. Before the message is deleted, the sender should be blocked, and the message marked as junk and reported.
Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at McAfee comments: “Safer Internet Day serves as a timely reminder that while the internet is a fantastic place for people to learn, grow and connect, we must practice good digital hygiene to safeguard our privacy and identity. When we do this, we can take full advantage of the incredible opportunities the internet affords.
“Today is a great moment to reflect, reset and consider your and your family’s online safety and protection. Stay vigilant against the latest threats and scams and use dedicated and robust online protection software – just be sure it comes with important features like identity monitoring and VPN to shield your information on public WiFi. When it comes to any kind of scam, if it looks too good to be true, it’s always best to double check the source is legitimate before taking action.”
McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee’s consumer solutions adapt to users’ needs in an always online world, empowering them to live securely through integrated, intuitive solutions that protect their families and communities with the right security at the right moment. For more information, please visit www.mcafee.com.
