Careless Internet habits have exposed others to scams, identity theft and physical harm at the hands of people they met online. With more users accessing the Internet through mobile devices, these risks are changing and proliferating. Even though apps loom more prominent in most people's daily online interactions than traditional websites, that does not mean that the primary Internet safety rules have changed. Hackers are still on the lookout for personal information they can use to access your credit card and bank information. 

According to recent data, at the end of 2021, there were 27.1 billion devices connected to the internet, which is more than three for every person. With the growing use and availability of devices, and information, it is vital to be diligent about computer safety, both personally and professionally. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind to protect yourself, and your personal information: 

Keep Personal Information Professional and Limited  

Potential employers or customers don't need to know your relationship status or home address. They need to know about your expertise and professional background and how to contact you. You wouldn't hand purely personal information out to strangers individually—don't hand it out to millions of people online. 

Keep Your Privacy Settings On  

Marketers love to know about you, and so do hackers. Both can learn a lot from your browsing and social media usage. But you can take charge of your information. Web browsers and mobile operating systems have settings available to protect your privacy online. These settings are sometimes (deliberately) hard to find because companies want your personal information for marketing value. Make sure you have enabled these privacy safeguards and keep them stimulated. Also be cautious of website you visit, and the data you choose to share online. 

Practice Safe Browsing  

You would choose to avoid walking through a dangerous part of town, so don't visit hazardous sites online. Cybercriminals use lurid content as bait. They know people are sometimes tempted by dubious content and may let their guard down when searching for it. The Internet is filled with hard-to-see pitfalls, where one careless click could expose personal data or infect your device with malware. You don't even give the hackers a chance by resisting the urge. If you aren’t sure about an unknown link, never click to open. Seek guidance from an IT professional, and stay vigilant on what you choose to open either through text messages or email. 

Make Sure Your Internet Connection is Secure.  

When you go online in a public place, for example, using a public Wi-Fi connection means you have no direct control over its security. Corporate cybersecurity experts worry about "endpoints"— where a private network connects to the outside world. Your vulnerable endpoint is your local Internet connection. Ensure your device is secure, and when in doubt, wait for a better time (i.e., until you can connect to a secure Wi-Fi network) before providing information such as your bank account number. 

Be Careful About What You Download  

A main goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather. Do not download suspicious apps or from a site, you don't trust. 

Choose Strong Passwords  

Passwords are one of the most significant weak spots in the Internet security structure, but there needs to be a way around them. The problem with passwords is that people tend to choose easy ones to remember (such as "password" and "123456"), which are also accessible for cyber thieves to guess. Select strong passwords that are harder for cybercriminals to demystify. A strong password is unique and complex—at least 15 characters long, mixing letters, numbers, and special symbols. Also, store your passwords securely, and don’t share with people you don’t know and trust. There are several options available that don’t include a Post-it note! 

Make Online Purchases from Secure Sites  

Any time you purchase online, you need to provide information on your credit card or bank account, just what cybercriminals are most eager to get their hands on. Only supply this information to sites that offer secure, encrypted connections. You can identify specific areas by looking for an address that starts with HTTPS: (the S stands for secure) rather than simply HTTP: They may also be marked by a padlock icon next to the address bar. 

Be Careful About What You Post  

The Internet has no delete key. Any comment or image you post online may stay forever because removing the original does not draw any copies other people made. You cannot "take back" a remark you wish you hadn't made or eliminate that embarrassing selfie you took at a party. Don't put anything online you wouldn't want your mom or a prospective employer to see. 

Keep Your Antivirus Program Up to Date  

Internet security software cannot protect against every threat but will detect and remove most malware. You should make sure it's up to date. Be sure to stay current with your operating system's updates and the updates to the applications you use. They provide a vital layer of security. Workplace safety policies seek to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury by instituting policies, procedures, and hazard control techniques. IT job safety procedure training enables personnel to replace malfunctioning materials or equipment with less hazardous solutions when appropriate.  

Showing employees the features and benefits of IT safety procedures, including restricted-access policies and key-control procedures, the company increases the likelihood of compliance with rules and regulations necessary to maintain a profitable business and work environment. 

By regularly providing training, typically annually, companies prioritize safety for all staff members. Mandating participation and ensuring regular follow-up, managers can ensure the training program has a positive impact on preventing safety violations.