THE IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE SECURITY

You’ve heard the stories and warnings. Here are some simple ways to keep your family’s data safe.

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So much of our daily lives revolve around the internet. According to a recent survey, as of the end of 2022, the share of the total population of South Africa using the internet was nearly 80%. The more devices and online accounts you have, the more risk there is for cyber criminals to target you. This is why it's essential to understand internet safety, which can protect you and your family from potential threats.

You may ask: how secure is my private information online? From data breaches to viruses, having a 'private' online life is becoming more challenging. But with a few simple methods, you can protect your family and your information, keep your identity secure, and lessen how much data companies collect about you as your scroll. Here's an in-depth guide on what online privacy means and how to protect yourself.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE SECURITY
In South Africa, the need for online security measures is more critical than ever, with the increasing risks of cyber threats and data breaches.

According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre, incidents of digital banking fraud increased by a staggering 75% in the past year, causing financial losses and emotional distress. 

Online privacy is all about protecting your right to keep your private information private.
Unfortunately, only a handful of countries have laws protecting those rights. However, even when online privacy laws exist, not all companies follow them. 

Internet privacy and internet security are not the same thing, but having good security improves privacy, and improved privacy ensures better security. 

Online security goes beyond protecting personal data; it also safeguards our financial well-being, emotional health and reputation. Cyber criminals are continuously devising new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals, making everyone vulnerable to online fraud, phishing attacks and identity theft.

Cyber attacks and data breaches can have far-reaching consequences, including unauthorised access to bank accounts, theft of sensitive information and manipulation of personal data for nefarious purposes.

Being proactive about online security is the key to mitigating these risks and protecting our loved ones, so that we can enjoy the digital world with confidence and peace of mind.

“Online security goes beyond protecting personal data; it also safeguards our financial well-being, emotional health and reputation”

THE TIKTOK CONTROVERSY
TikTok, the social-media platform known for its short-video format, has garnered immense popularity especially among young users. However, it has also faced scrutiny from governments worldwide, with data access being the main concern. While all social media apps ‘mine’ data, the issue here is that TikTok is owned by a Chinese company suspected of ‘spying’ for the government. This has resulted in it being banned on government devices in the US, UK, New Zealand and eight other countries. While South Africa has not imposed a ban on TikTok, such concerns have led to heightened awareness about the need to safeguard our online presence.

BE AWARE
When using the internet, you expose yourself to potential online threats. These threats are constantly evolving as cyber criminals come up with new tactics to target victims. Some of the biggest risks online include identity theft, fake websites, online dating scams, cyber bullying, phishing and scam emails, inappropriate content, data breaches, malware and viruses.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ONLINE SAFETY

ROBUST PASSWORDS
Create strong and unique passwords for each online account, such as email, banking and social media. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid easily guessable information, like names or birthdates.

USE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)
Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer this feature. It adds an extra layer of security as it requires a second verification step (such as a one-time code sent to your phone) when logging in, making it significantly harder for hackers to gain access.

PRIVACY SETTINGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings. Limit the amount of personal information visible to the public and be cautious about accepting friend requests or connections from unknown individuals.

KEEP SOFTWARE AND DEVICES UPDATED
Regularly update your operating systems, apps and antivirus software. Software updates often include essential security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

SECURE YOUR HOME NETWORK
Protect your wi-finetwork with a strong password and encryption. Avoid using the default passwords of internet service providers and opt for the more secure WPA2 or WPA3 encryption protocols.

EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY
Talk openly about online safety with everyone in the family, especially children. Inform them about the risks of sharing personal information, engaging with strangers or falling for scams. Encourage a sense of responsibility and awareness while using digital platforms.

BEWARE OF PHISHING
Educate your family about phishing scams, where cyber criminals attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information through deceptive emails or messages from ‘legitimate’ sources or fake ‘official’ websites. Teach them to verify the authenticity of requests before sharing any personal data, and to check the URL of any website they are directed to.

SET UP A VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK
A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet connection, making it more secure and private – even on public Wi-Fi networks. When you connect to an unencrypted public network, anyone on that network can capture your communication and see what information you are accessing and sharing from that network. A VPN acts as a shield, protecting your information and allowing safe browsing.
MONITOR ONLINE ACTIVITIES
Keep a close eye on your family’s online activities, especially young children. Install parental-control software and regularly discuss internet safety practices with your teens to maintain open communication. If anything strange happens online, you should know about it.

Words by: Leah Dennis
Photographs: Gallo/Getty Images