Web browsing and social media

To reduce the risk when browsing online:

  • Keep your browser updated
  • Understand your browsers security features
  • Use a pop-up blocker
  • Don’t click on suspicious links
  • Be cautious of what you download
  • When visiting secure sites, examine any warning messages carefully

Social media

Information found on social networks can be used to steal your identity, trick you into installing malware or divulging personal information such as date of birth, address, phone number and even establish your relationships to other users. 

  • Be careful about what you post: remember they are public sites
  • Be careful when creating connections to people: they may not be who they claim to be
  • Use strong passwords
  • Check the security settings for your account: make sure you are only sharing what you want
  • Third party applications may share your information, always check
  • Keep up to date with the sites privacy policies: this is information about you and how they manage it
  • Be cautious of clicking on posted links, regardless of source