What are the best practices for secure online communication?

Secure Online Communication is all about how to ensure the security of your accounts, messages, devices and personal information online. The following habits are good: Using strong passwords, Multifactor authentication, Sharing wisely, Secure networks, Software updates and checking links before opening. All these prevent the common problems of phishing, sharing of accounts, scams, private communications being malware or access to private communications without authorization.

Use robust account security for online accounts

Strong & unique passwords must be used on all accounts as a secure Internet communication practice. Avoid using items such as your name, birthday, telephone number or words. Long password or pass phrase, easier to remember, more difficult to guess.

Don't use the same password for several accounts. In the event one service has a data breach, someone may be able to use your other accounts if your password is re-used.

A password manager can assist to generate and keep distinctive passwords. Go with a trustworthy one and security it with a robust master password.

Multi-Factor authentication is another type of security. Do make use of it for message, social media, e-mail, banking etc. accounts if possible. This can be an issue even if the password is stolen, since users may not be able to access their account.

When using messages and links, be sure to use them with caution?

Even though online messages are meant to obtain information, they can appear to be authentic. Phishing messages can appear to be from a bank, delivery service, employer, friend or online service.

Be sure to check the sender before replying. Be sure to watch for unusual requests, links, usernames and email addresses. Be careful if the e-mail message is urgent, contains a note that your account is being cancelled, or asks for personal information.

Refrain from opening links or attachments from people you don't know. If you are told to open a web site, open the web site in a new window, rather than clicking on a link in the message.

Never send passwords, one time passwords, card PINs or card security numbers in text messages. A correct organisation won't give such private credentials for chatting purposes.

Protect personal information

When it comes to effective digital communication, it is certainly about thinking about what to share. Details that at first sight may appear useless can prove to be a useful piece of information when added to other details.

Never post your home address, travel plans, work schedule, to your identification or other personal information on the Internet. If you send photos, be sure to search for addresses, documents, location information etc. that you didn't intend to send.

Be careful when you join groups via the Internet or in groups with people you don't know. Avoid providing any personal information due to requests.

Review privacy settings of social and messaging accounts. They can change after the application is updated, check them frequently.

Protect devices and networks

The security of the device you use has an impact on your communication as well. Make sure to install any operating system, browser and app updates that become available. There are relatively few updates that provide solutions to known security problems.

Make sure phones, tablets and computers are locked. Use the biometric security measures (such as fingerprint or face recognition) if they are available.

Beware of using free wi-fi. When it is feasible to log on to a trusted network, do not log on to accounts that are important to you over an untrusted network. Do not use public Wi-Fi unless it is necessary, and only use websites secured with HTTPS and do not share private information unless necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1. Why is it significant to apply secure passwords when you are communicating online?

A. All passwords are unique and hold out unauthorized access. If one of the accounts is hacked, it would be helpful to have different passwords for accounts that are different in importance.

Q2. What signs can I watch for in an email that could indicate it's a scam?

A. Check for unusual requests, unusual language, strange senders, strange attachments or requests of personal information via link. Take a moment to double check the message before taking action.

Q3. In a message should I send one-time passwords?

A. Don't share No. One time passwords or security codes. Sharing them might allow someone to have access to an account.

Q4. Would there be any risk to having private conversations on public WiFi?

A. However, there can be other security issues to take into consideration in public networks. Don't be too sensitive about it; use trusted contacts and make sure that websites are secured with TLS1.2+ and HTTPS.

Q5. If you have been a victim of a compromise, please follow these instructions.

A. Update affected password, close strange sessions, enable multi-factor authentication and monitor the activity of accounts. In case of disclosure of personal and/or financial data, report to the relevant official services immediately.