How to Stay Safe Online: Understanding and Preventing Online Viruses

Learning how to stay safe online is crucial to protect personal information from theft, maintain financial security, and prevent identity fraud. It helps avoid malware infections that can damage devices and expose sensitive data.

Here are five common online viruses and tips to stay secure:

Common Threats

1. Trojan Horse Virus

A Trojan horse virus disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick users into downloading it. Once installed, it can create backdoors for unauthorised access, steal sensitive information, or download additional malware.

2. Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts the victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible. Attackers demand a ransom for the decryption key. This can lead to significant data loss if backups are not available, and paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery.

3. Computer Worm

A computer worm is a standalone malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers without the need to attach to existing programs. Worms can consume bandwidth, overload web servers, and spread other malware.

4. Spyware

Spyware secretly monitors and collects information about the user’s activities. It often comes bundled with legitimate software or exploits vulnerabilities. Spyware can capture keystrokes, screenshots, and browser history, leading to theft of sensitive information.

5. Adware

Adware automatically delivers advertisements to the infected device. While not always harmful, it can be intrusive and degrade system performance. Adware can track browsing habits to display targeted ads, exposing users to further malicious content.

Tips to stay safe online

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Create complex passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Consider using a reputable password manager.
• We highly recommend watching The Little Guide to Passwords for more password tips!

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Enable 2FA for an added layer of security, typically involving a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.
• For more information on two-factor authentication, take a look at our article about How to Set up Two Factor Authentication.

Be Cautious with Links and Attachments

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Verify the sender’s email address and be cautious with unexpected messages, even from known contacts.

Keep Your Software Updated

• Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and installed software to patch vulnerabilities.
• Enable automatic updates to ensure you receive the latest security patches.

Use Secure Connections

• Ensure websites you visit use HTTPS for secure connections.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic.

The Importance of Online Safety in Safeguarding

Online safety is a critical aspect of safeguarding, which involves protecting individuals from harm and ensuring their well-being in digital environments. Just as safeguarding practices are essential in protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, online safety measures are necessary to protect everyone from the threats in the digital world.

By implementing robust online safety practices, you can:

• Prevent Online Abuse: Shield individuals from cyberbullying, harassment, and other forms of online abuse that can have serious emotional and psychological impacts.
• Protect Personal Information: Safeguard sensitive data that can be used to exploit individuals financially or impersonate them.
• Ensure Online Privacy: Maintain the confidentiality of personal and professional information, preventing unauthorised access and misuse.
• Promote a Safe Online Environment: Encourage responsible and respectful behaviour online, reducing the risk of harm from malicious activities.

Integrating online safety into broader safeguarding strategies helps create a strong protection framework, ensuring that individuals are secure and supported both offline and online. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can mitigate risks and create a safer digital landscape.