Protecting your online personal information and social media accounts

From staying in touch with loved ones through social media and email to managing finances and accessing healthcare services online, the internet offers us with numerous benefits. However, this growing digital presence also comes with significant risks. Being unfamiliar with the nuances of online security makes us particularly vulnerable to cyber threats such as identity theft, phishing scams, and malware attacks. Understanding and implementing data and information security measures is crucial for protecting personal information and maintaining peace of mind.

Here are some common threats to look out for:

1. Phishing scams: When attackers or hackers send suspicious emails or text messages that contain links to websites that seem suspicious, it is called phishing. This can be through emails, text messages, or phone calls. For example, you might get a message on your phone warning you that your SIM card will get locked if you do not contact the given phone number. Once you call them up, they will ask you to install certain apps which will allow them to look at whatever you are typing or looking at the screen. These messages often appear to be from legitimate sources such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies, and may request personal information or direct recipients to fake websites. Some common phishing tactics to look out for currently are:

> Calls from people claiming to be bank managers and asking for your bank details, threatening that your account will get locked otherwise.

> SMS or text messages from unknown numbers saying that your SIM card will get locked if you don’t contact them.

> Messages saying that a certain amount of money has been credited to your account and asking you to click on the link to know more.

2. Malware and viruses: Viruses are a type of malicious software that can replicate, steal and destroy your phone, computer system and other gadgets. In this process, viruses can steal personal and sensitive information such as bank details and passwords. You may accidentally download a virus by clicking on malicious links which are created with the purpose of promoting scams, frauds and attacks. Viruses can get into your system through opening infected email attachments, or installing software from untrustworthy sources. Here is a detailed guide on how to identify malicious links: What are Malicious URLs and Links? How to Identify and Fight Them.

3. Identity theft: Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information such as credit card details or other sensitive data and uses it to open new accounts and make purchases. Social media accounts can also be targeted as they can provide attackers with personal information such as name, address, contact details, and allow them to contact your friends and family.

How to avoid scams and protect yourself?

1. Use strong passwords: Set passwords with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Using Google Chrome ensures that the new passwords you generate for every account and website are unique and saved for future use so that you do not have to remember them the next time you log in. However, a more secure way of saving your passwords is using dedicated applications called ‘password managers’ which ensure proper encryption and verification. This is a tool that helps users manage online accounts across various websites by storing passwords. They also suggest stronger passwords when you are registering a new online account on a website or social media platform. Here are a few password managers you can use to keep your system and passwords safe: The Best Password Managers to Secure Your Digital Life

2. Regular software updates: Whenever you see a pop-up on your phone or computer that mentions a software update, ensure that you regularly do so. Updates are usually set to take place automatically by default. This keeps you safe from new viruses and adds protective features to your system.

3. Secure browsing: Check if the website has ‘https’ in the URL or link, or if the lock icon is visible. This means that the connection is secure and safe.

4. Oversharing: Do not share too much of your personal information on social media accounts. Do not provide your contact details such as bank account numbers, Aadhaar number, passport number, PAN card details, phone numbers, and birth dates with people whom you have never met and are not familiar since a long time. Also be careful to similarly not share such information about your family members. It is also a good practice to not share your exact home address, especially if you do not know the person asking for it and you do not trust them.

5. Secure Wi-Fi: Use strong passwords for your Wi-Fi network and avoid using public Wi-Fi for accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts or online shopping transactions. Do not use free Wi-Fi on trains, public places or random networks that show up on your devices. If you go to a cafe or restaurant, it is always safe to ask the staff for the WiFi network name and password, instead of accessing any free WiFi that might show up. Here are some tips on how to use public Wi-Fi safely: Tips for safely using public Wi-Fi

6. Use spam-blocking apps: Spam blockers automatically block calls and messages from spam callers and frauds, or notify you about contacts that are likely to be a scam. Truecaller is a very good app you can use on your phones to check for spams and unknown numbers. You can download Truecaller from the following links:

> Android phones: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=truecaller&c=apps&hl=en

> iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/truecaller-caller-id-block/id448142450

What to do if your account has been compromised?

1. In case you notice debits from your bank account not done by you, immediately contact the branch or customer care and notify them of the breach. Have your account blocked immediately and change all passwords related to the account. For this reason, ensure that you have written down your bank’s customer care in a place where you can access it easily for such emergencies. Remember, a bank staff will never ask you for your passwords.
2. If your social media account has been compromised, change your password immediately. A compromised account might lead to unauthorised posts, inability to log in due to changed passwords not done by you, or deleted accounts. Use the platform recovery access such as email or phone number to regain access. Inform your contacts that your account was compromised. Check for unwanted posts published from your account and delete them.

Here are the links to the social media platform help centres where they guide you through the steps to recover your accounts:

> If you think your Instagram account has been hacked

> If you think your Facebook account was hacked or someone is using it without your permission

> Secure a hacked or compromised Google Account

> How to Check if Someone Else is Using Your WhatsApp Account

Keeping these few processes in mind will ensure that you stay protected and continue to enjoy the benefits of digital and online technology unhampered.