How to Protect Yourself on the Internet

Today is National Safer Internet Day! At SkyLine/SkyBest, safety is one of our top priorities. Check out these five tips you can start implementing today to help make yourself safer while using the internet.

1. Beware of Connecting to Public Wi-Fi

Sure, free Wi-Fi at the coffee shops and restaurants you often visit can be very tempting to connect to, but they can also be very dangerous. An unsecure network is where hackers will be waiting to easily distribute malware onto your devices. Being on an unsecure network also makes it easier for hackers to gain access to your personal information including your logins and financials. If you need to access the internet while you are out, try to avoid connecting to any public Wi-Fi and stick to using your cellular data.

2. Use Strong Passwords

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but having strong passwords are extremely important. Try to use a different password for every login that you have, and try not to keep passwords written down anywhere, or at least not anywhere they can be easily accessible to other people. Make your passwords at least 12 characters and use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, with some numbers and symbols for the most secure password possible.

3. Be Careful When Downloading Things/Clicking Links

Carefully examine any links before you click on them to check for spelling errors or anything that looks suspicious. Hackers are getting to some people by only changing something as simple as the capitalization of business names. For example, a hacker would use “Skybest” in an email to you, when the correct spelling is “SkyBest” with a capital ‘B.’ If you ever have any confusion about an email being a scam or not, the best option is to call the company directly and verify with them before you click on anything.

4. Only Make Purchases From Websites You Trust

Online shopping is definitely a popular way to purchase things today. However, you should always be cautious of new websites when buying from them. If you’re buying from a company you’ve never heard of before, make sure to do some research about them and read some reviews first. After doing that, if you feel secure enough to make your purchase, then try to use an alternative way to pay like PayPal instead of directly giving them any debit or credit card information.

5. Don’t Share Personal Information Online

Each time you post something online you are giving away more information to hackers. Every small detail, from your relationship status to your pet’s name, can be used to help them guess your passwords. Do not willingly and unknowingly give hackers the information they need to access the details that they want. It’s also not a good idea to give out your login information, address or phone number to anyone that isn’t completely trustworthy,  and always keep in mind—just because you delete something from the internet doesn’t mean that it’s actually gone forever.

For more information on protecting your information online, check out our blog, “Four Steps to Protect Your Sensitive Information Online,” visit us online at skybest.com or gives us a call at 1-800-759-2226.