Six top tips for staying safe online

More than a billion people across the world are actively engaged with social media on a daily basis.
Daniel Law/PA WireDaniel Law/PA Wire
Daniel Law/PA Wire

So we present you with five pointers on how to help you stay safe online:

1. Be careful when posting personal information online, such as your address, email address or mobile number

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This can be a trap many users are caught in. Only produce personal information on official websites.

You can tell whether a website is genuine by what is stated in the URL, such as ‘.gov’ and ‘.org.’

Websites which request for you to enter your bank information, such as an online shop, should have a padlock symbol beside the web address.

REMEMBER: No website will ask for your pin number or full security code so do not hand this out.

2. THINK before posting pictures and videos

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Once you have published a picture of yourself online, most people can see it and may download it.

Sharing images and pictures aren’t just yours any more.

3. Keep your privacy settings as high as possible

Regards social networking, in particular, it is important to regularly check your settings ensuring you are happy with what people can see.

4. Don’t befriend people you don’t know

It is unfortunate so many people accept any friend requests from anyone.

Before allowing an account to have access to all of your personal posts it is imperative you know who is on the other side.

5. Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online

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With the development of the internet we are now hearing more stories of people meeting online.

This isn’t advised, however, it is you who is at risk if you choose to do so.

6. If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried, leave the website

If there is ever any uncertainty when looking at a website and you think it may harm you, the best option is to close the window, don’t explore the website out of curiosity.

- Many of the above points are arguably common sense although there are still multiple users vulnerable for not knowing this information.

*Advice provided by safetynetkids.org.uk.