In today's digital age, staying safe online is more important than ever. With cyber threats constantly evolving, it's essential to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. Here are 10 tips to help you stay safe online:

1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessed passwords such as "password123" or "yourname2024." We covered this topic in depth in our article, Creating Passwords: The Do's and Don'ts.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of verification: something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a code sent to your phone). Enable 2FA on all your online accounts, especially those that contain sensitive information.

3. Be Cautious with Emails and Links and Messages on Social Media

Phishing scams are a common way for cybercriminals to steal personal information. Be wary of unsolicited emails and messages asking for personal information or prompting you to click on suspicious links. Always verify the sender's identity and never provide sensitive information via Facebook or Instagram messenger or email.

Recently, a case surfaced involving an individual who was contacted via Facebook Messenger by an imposter who had cloned his brother's Facebook account. The imposter pretended to be his brother, claiming that a lump sum payout had been deposited into his account. The entire conversation took place in their native language, not English, which initially made it appear more convincing. At first, the person believed the message was genuine. However, doubts began to emerge—why would his brother use Messenger instead of making a direct phone call? This led to further investigation, revealing that the account was indeed a clone. The cloned account was reported, and the real brother was notified to warn all his contacts about the scam.

This incident is just one example of how scammers operate across various platforms, not just email. Scammers often request that targets click on suspicious links through Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp. A common tactic includes comments on Facebook threads such as, "I found the full video here—watch it using this link." It is crucial to remember: NEVER CLICK ON THESE LINKS!

4. Keep Your Software Up to Date

Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and other software. Software updates often include security patches that protect against the latest threats. Keeping your devices up to date reduces the risk of exploitation by hackers.

5. Use a Secure Network

When using public Wi-Fi networks for online banking, shopping, or accessing sensitive information, ensure that websites use secure connections. If you need to use public Wi-Fi, make sure that any websites you visit that require you to enter personal information, or that contain your personal details, use HTTPS (indicated by the padlock icon in the address bar). This is a smart practice at all times because the internet is essentially a public network, even if you are using a VPN.

6. Install and Maintain Antivirus Software

Install reputable antivirus software on your devices to protect against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Regularly update the software and run scans to detect and remove any malicious software. Don’t forget to install antivirus protection on your children's devices as well, and remember to conduct regular scans to check for any potential threats.

7. Be Mindful of What You Share Online

Be cautious about the personal information you share on social media and other online platforms. Cybercriminals can use details like your birthday, address, or the names of your pets to guess passwords or answer security questions. Adjust your privacy settings on all social media platforms to limit who can see your information.

8. Regularly Back Up Your Data

Regularly backing up your data protects you against data loss due to malware, ransomware attacks, or hardware failures. Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to back up important files and documents. This ensures you have access to your data even if your device is compromised.

9. Recognise and Avoid Online Scams

Be vigilant about online scams, such as fake websites, fraudulent emails, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Always verify the legitimacy of a website before making a purchase or sharing personal information. Look for secure payment methods and reviews from other customers.

Verify Website Legitimacy: Before making a purchase or providing personal information on a website, ensure it is legitimate. Check for signs such as:

• A secure connection:
  Look for "https://" in the URL.
• Contact information and customer service options:
  A professional design and clear company policies.
• Check Customer Reviews:
  Look for reviews from other customers to gauge the credibility of the website or offer. Read both positive and negative feedback on Google, Hello Peter and on any social media platforms that they use for an online presence, to help you make an informed decision.
• Use Secure Payment Methods:
  Opt for payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards or reputable payment services, rather than direct bank transfers or unknown payment platforms.

To enhance your online security, consider using digital cards provided by financial institutions like FNB or Absa. These digital cards offer several advantages:

• Enhanced Security:
  Digital cards are designed to provide an additional layer of protection against online fraud. They generate unique card numbers for each transaction, reducing the risk of your primary card details being compromised.
• Temporary Card Numbers:
  Many digital cards allow you to use temporary card numbers for one-time or specific transactions, which helps protect your actual card information from being exposed.
• Instant Control:
  You can easily manage your digital card settings through your banking app, including the ability to freeze or deactivate the card if you suspect any suspicious activity.
• Convenience:
  Digital cards can be used for online and mobile payments, by using NFC technology to facilitate secure transactions, offering you a secure and convenient way to shop without exposing your primary credit or debit card details.

10. Monitor Your Online Accounts Regularly

Regularly monitor your bank statements, credit card transactions, and online accounts for any unauthorised activity. Report any suspicious activity to your bank or service provider immediately to minimise potential damage.

11. Bonus Tip: Never Ever Share An OTP With Anyone

We know we said 10, but we feel this is so important, so we decided we have to include this tip.

Scam Methodology:
You receive an SMS on your phone containing a one-time password (OTP). This OTP is actually intended to enable remote access and control of your device.

Next, someone will call you, claiming that a SIM swap request has been initiated. Depending on your response, they will take one of two approaches: either they will ask you to provide the OTP to prevent the SIM swap or to authorise it. Most commonly, they will ask for the OTP under the pretence of stopping the SIM swap.

Whatever this person may say: IT IS FRAUD. THEY'RE TRYING TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR PHONE REMOTELY.

The caller will attempt to persuade you that they are from one of the mobile operators, but this claim is as believable as you being the king or queen of England. Hang up immediately and contact your service provider to confirm that no SIM swap has been requested or authorised.

For South African mobile operators, use the following numbers:

• MTN: 083 135 4357
• Cell C: 084 135
• Vodacom: 082 135
• Telkom Mobile: 081 180

If the scam involves your bank, use these numbers to get in touch:

• FNB: 087 575 9444
• ABSA: 0860 557 557
• Standard Bank: 0800 020 600
• Nedbank: 0800 110 929

For other banks, either contact their call center or speak to your personal banker, who can help verify the legitimacy of the call.

Conclusion

Staying safe online requires a proactive approach and awareness of potential threats. By following these 10 tips, you can protect your personal information, avoid scams, and enjoy a safer online experience. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritise your online safety.

To help you safeguard your children's online presence, read our article Riding the Digital Wave: A Parent's Guide to Starting the Conversation on Online Safety with Their Kids.