Stay safe online - blog one - introduction

Why is it important to stay safe when being online?

To put it simply, protecting yourself when you go online is a necessity. With a world of information accessible at your fingertips, it is easy to get caught up in the ease of accessibility and on-demand information available. However, you don’t want your personal details to be easily accessible for everyone else. Our ‘stay safe online’ blog series will share tips that you can utilise going forward to protect yourself when interacting with the online world. Here is what we will cover:

Why is it important to stay safe when creating and storing passwords?

Passwords are the best way to keep your information safe. It is the access key to all your accounts, whether it be social media, banking, e-commerce sites or simply your emails. And inside those accounts are your important personal details. It is important to make sure your passwords are not easily guessable by others, and that they are stored securely. Read blog two here!

Why is it important to stay safe when banking or buying online?

For many, the convenience of online banking or online shopping can mean that the security concerns are overlooked. If you wouldn't give your bank or card details to a stranger on the street then it’s unlikely you’d want to share them with the world wide web. Without being internet savvy, you could be sharing those important details with people who will take advantage of them. Read blog three here!

Why is it important to stay safe against phishing or fraudulent schemes?

When engaging online, it is important to be more than just being careful - you need to be vigilant! Not everything you read will be reliable. Phishing scams are used to target individuals and trick them into providing personal information. This is usually done through emails that are created so that they appear as if they have come from a trusted source, such as your bank, your utility provider, or even a delivery service. They normally link to a duplicate site that looks legitimate, but when you sign in and enter your details they do not go to a legitimate place, but to a scammer. Read blog four here!

Why is it important to stay safe and protect your identity?

Any personal information that can be used to identify you, such as your name, date of birth, address, or even mother’s maiden name, can potentially be used to access your details and accounts. When you consider the most often used security questions - name of your first pet, or the first street you lived on - this information is easy to find if you do not protect your identity online. This is why it is important to be mindful where you share that information. Read blog five here!

Why is it important for your computer to stay safe?

There are many ways you can keep your computer safe, and it is important to do so. Without the right protections, computers can be hacked, giving access to all your information - whether online or not. However, it is not just information that can be accessed if someone gains entry to your computer. Webcams and microphones can be vulnerable, meaning that not just your online activity can be monitored. Read blog six here!

What does TAB do to help you and your information stay safe?

TAB has a clear privacy policy that details how we look after your personal data, and explains your privacy rights and how the law protects you. We use specific tools to keep your information secure, as well as those that verify identity and audits activity on the platforms to track user activity. We will also keep you informed about the communications you can expect from us, so you will be able to spot if something is out of place. Read blog seven here!

Stay tuned to read about each of these in detail throughout this ‘stay safe online’ blog series.

This online blog series is an introduction to online safety and designed to raise awareness of the challenges of interacting online. This article is for information only and does not constitute advice or a personal recommendation. When it comes to online activity it is important to be cautious and seek appropriate professional advice.