How to stay safe online

Your personal information is valuable and protecting it should be a top priority. Your online identity is part of your digital footprint. Protecting it helps safeguard your personal and professional reputation.

Follow these essential tips to enhance your online security:

1. Use strong, unique passwords

• Length matters: Aim for passwords that are at least 16 characters long.
• Mix it up: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
• Avoid common patterns: Steer clear of easily guessable information like birthdays or names, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. 

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Add an extra layer of security. Activate MFA on your accounts to require a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if your password is compromised.

3. Be cautious with sharing information

• Limit personal details: Avoid sharing sensitive information like your home address, phone number or financial details online.
• Think before you post: Think before you share posts or add comments or messages. 

4. Monitor your digital footprint

• Regularly search for your name online to see what information is publicly available. If you find incorrect or inappropriate content, take steps to have it removed.

Phishing attacks aim to trick you into revealing sensitive information by posing as legitimate communicatios. These attacks often come in the form of e-mails, texts or pop-ups.

• Look for red flags: Phishing messages often contain spelling mistakes, urgent language or unfamiliar links. If something seems off, it probably is.
• Verify requests for information: Before responding to any request for sensitive information, verify the identity of the sender by contacting them through official channels.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Hover over links to check the URL before clicking and avoid opening attachments or clicking on links in unsolicited e-mails.

Secure your devices

Your devices store sensitive information - from personal data to academic and financial records. Keeping them protected from cyber threats is essential.

• Keep your software updated. Ensure your operating system, apps and antivirus software are always up to date.
• Install antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Use trusted security programs to detect and remove viruses, spyware and malware. Regular scans help keep your devices clean and secure.
• Enable a firewall. A firewall acts as a barrier between your device and potential intruders, blocking unauthorised access. 

Practice safe browsing

Staying safe online is just as important as securing your devices. Be mindful of what websites you visit and what information you share.

• Use secure websites. Only enter personal information on websites that start with https://. The "s" means your data is encrypted and protected.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
• Public Wi-Fi can be unsafe. Don't access banking or academic accounts on open networks. If needed, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
• Clear your browser cache regularly. Removing your browsing history, cookies and cache helps protect your privacy and reduces the risk of data tracking.

Know your data privacy rights

Your personal information is important, so it's important to know your rights when it comes to data privacy. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Read privacy policies: Before using new apps or websites,  review their privacy policies to understand how your data will be used and stored.
• Control access to your data: Most apps and services let you choose who can access your data. Customise your settings to limit data sharing.
• Know your legal protections: Laws like POPIA are designed to protect your personal information. Knowing these rules helps you stay in control online.