6 tips to keep you safe on the internet
The internet is a great place to be, but it is rampant with threats from hackers and malware. Our ever vigilant IT team recently shared some cyber security tips that should keep you safe from viruses and malware.
Advancement of technology has brought with it an influx of more complex malware – or malicious software – that is designed to harm your computer and information systems. Sadly, there is no single security measure that guarantees complete security. But with a few easy-to-follow precautions we can definitely make it harder for hackers and malware to get into your computers.
Internet protection software is a must for every computer
Designed to guard your computer from unauthorised code or potential threat, antivirus is the most effect method to protect from viruses and malicious software. If it gets into your system, malware can slow down your computer, or delete or access personal information – a very dangerous situation to be in!
Most advanced antivirus programmes are automatically updated and this helps your system to combat newly created viruses. Scanning your system once every day is recommended for best results.
Another suggested programme to install is anti-spyware software. It prevents spyware programmes from gathering information about an individual or an organisation without approval for redirecting it to a third party website.
Safer downloads
Download programmes, games and tools from reputed or trusted sources only to prevent any spyware or malware entering your system. Every good IT person will also tell you to run your updated anti-virus scan after every download and before installing. Better safe than sorry!
Public Wi-Fi can be a dangerous space if you’re not careful. When accessing free Wi-Fi, beware of strangely named Wi-Fi connections that appear legitimate but are actually set up by hackers to attack your system.
Moreover, make sure you only browse sites with an HTTPS encryption in the URL when you use public Wi-Fi. The ‘S’ in it stands for secure and guarantees protected browsing. When making online payments, make sure the site you’re using is secure – this is an absolute must.
Beware of spam
If you think spam is just in your emails or junk mail, beware. Spam can be anywhere from your private messages to ads in your social feeds. Spam can also appear via a pop-window. With a spam, you cannot only be deprived of your money but also lose the control of your computer as remote-control software makes its way into your computer. Don’t be deceived by any unsolicited tech support both offline and online.
Don’t open unexpected attachments
Viruses are often sent via email attachments. Do not open an attachment unless you are expecting it and you know who it is from. If you receive an attachment from someone you don’t know, delete it immediately without opening it.
Don’t share your private details
Online criminals can steal confidential information by disguising as someone you know or trust. This is called phishing and is extremely dangerous. To avoid falling in its trap, it is best to never share your private details over the phone or through email.
Create unique login information
We all have numerous social media, email and banking websites that we log into on a daily basis. A general rule of thumb is the make sure that each website has completely unique login credentials, both username and password. Make sure you use a combination of lower case, upper case, numbers and also some special characters to make it hack proof. Store these login details on a secured USB drive or password manager. Avoid sharing your login details with anyone.
Edwin Saldanha, Marketing Director at STAAH
STAAH Ltd is a New Zealand-based technology company that specialises in innovative cloud-based solutions that simplify hospitality operations and open a world of online commerce for accommodation providers of all sizes. Founded by Gavin Jeddo in 2008, an industry pioneer,
STAAH’s technology suite comprises channel management, direct bookings, online reviews management and gift voucher management system.
Our passionate and diverse team is based across New Zealand, Australia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and the UK providing 24/7/365 support and service to our network of more than 18000+ accommodation partners worldwide.
Our quest for delivering high-quality solutions that deliver results is recognised by industry partners in the form of Airbnb Badge, Booking.com and Expedia Preferred Partner. We are a New Zealand FernMark Licensee.
