Internet safety. What does that really mean?

Internet safety, a broad term isn’t it? It can encompass many things, from securely navigating the web to protecting you and your family from ill-intentioned people on the internet. With a big chunk of us working and studying from home nowadays, knowing how to stay safe and recognize scams on the internet is vital.

The first thought we tend to have is: “This could never happen to me.” But the truth is, it can – and it’s much easier than you’d think. Being internet savvy is how you can avoid finding yourself in the situation of someone like John¹.

One day, John was contacted by an “online trader” for a lucrative investment opportunity. The “trader”, who was apparently specialized in binary options, cryptocurrency, and forex trading, offered John the investment of a lifetime with a company that would guarantee returns. So, he invested. At first, just a few thousand dollars using the online platform, then as the trades seemed to be turning a good profit, he kept investing at the “trader’s” insistence with the promise of earning even more. But, when the time came to withdraw his money, the company insisted he had to pay taxes on it in order to access it. They then pressured him into investing more money, saying he would lose everything if he didn’t. And he did, because who wouldn’t trust a company that has already made you a lot of money, right? Well, even though all of this seemed incredibly professional and convincing, it turns out it was all a scam. Thousands and thousands of dollars down the drain, never to be seen again.

What happened to John is called phishing, and it’s just one example of how important it is to know as much as possible about internet safety.

While the whole concept surrounding a safer internet can definitely seem daunting, the idea behind it is actually pretty simple. We all use the internet, we all surf the web, download or stream movies, send and receive emails… You get the idea. But that means we can all control how we keep our devices safe and how we interact with others online. We can contribute to making it a safer place, not just for us, but for our kids, for everyone.

Cyberbullies, trolls, scam artists, identity thieves – they’re all very real and much more present in our lives today, making the internet all the more dangerous, especially for children. So, what can YOU do about it?

Don’t worry, we have some handy tips that can go a long way in creating a safer internet for you and your family.

● If you haven’t already, invest in an all-in-one security like Aura. With it you can manage all your connected devices, use a password manager to keep them protected, but also use features like a VPN (or Virtual Privacy Network) and antivirus software for device protection, identity theft protection, and financial fraud protection services.

● Download parental control apps onto your kids’ devices, as well as monitor their screen time. Our younger ones may not realize the very real dangers of potentially being catfished and the reality of how everything they post online stays there forever.

● Practice good judgment while on the internet. Avoid opening emails from people you don’t know, clicking on unknown links, giving out personal information, and revealing too much of your life online – this is the perfect way in for those with bad intentions.

● Be mindful of how your actions can impact others. Whether it’s posting a picture on social media or getting into a commenting war on someone else’s post – realize there is a person behind the screen, so take a bow and exit if you can.

With these pieces of advice, and with software like Aura that can help keep your digital life safe, you can take the steps daily to ensure you’re doing everything in your power to make the internet a safer place for all.