Cyber Safety:

🔰 7-Cups Internet Safety Guidelines: 💻

Introduction:

In the age of knowledge, almost every task can be accomplished using the internet--be it online schooling, banking, shopping, or paying bills. Now we can even have quick and easy access to therapists, listeners, and free mental health services thanks to the internet! With so many pros, the internet sounds like a fun place to explore, learn, and benefit from, doesn't it?

Accessing information is now easier than ever, and we are all very lucky to live in such an era where help, support, and knowledge are available to the tip of our fingers. However, most of us sometimes fail to maintain proper internet safety behavior, which can get risky and stressful. This post will highlight some of the basic internet safety tips YOU can practice to ensure that you are safe online without being harassed, stalked, hacked, or having your personal information released without your consent.

5 Mindful Practices to Be Safe on the Internet:

#1: Be Mindful of What You Share:

There are certain pieces of information which is best for you to keep private in order to stay safe online.

Some of the information you should be mindful of releasing is your full legal name, address, email, phone number, passwords, social security number, licenses, or even your pictures!

Only share personal information with trusted and reliable sites you know which are legit. If you use social media platforms, be sure to set your personal information to "private" where only your closest friends and family members can view them.

#2: Be Mindful of Your Password:

When creating a new online account, it's best to create it complex and unique so that no one else can easily guess it or know it. Avoid including information like your pet's name or your birthday in your password. Make sure your passwords are a combination of capital letters, lower case letters, numbers, and special characters like $, !, @, &, %, or more. Another best practice is to change your password every 30 days or at least as often as you can. Never share your passwords with anyone, they are only and only yours to know.

#3: Be Mindful of What You Post:

The Internet is like a huge cloud: When something comes in, it will always be stuck in the internet cycle. You can never permanently delete posts because it will always be there. So be mindful of posting content that does not include sensitive or embarrassing information others can use to blackmail or use against you in the future. This is key to staying safe online.

#4: Be Mindful of Who You Connect With:

Connecting with different people with different backgrounds and cultures is a great way to improve your sense of diversity. This way, it can also be easier to find and make new friends. However, it is important that you are mindful of who you are connecting with. Never share personal information with online friends you do not know, some could be hidden predators. Make sure you avoid meeting up with online friends in real life--if you do, then meeting in public and informing your family and friends is certainly one step to take.

#5: Report to Trusted Authorities

Sometimes we can still get targeted by cybercriminals despite following the internet safety precautions--and that is okay, it is never your fault. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable with certain people online, block them. If they stalk you or continue to threaten or bother you, then report them to that specific site or report them to trusted adults or your local law enforcement agency. They will certainly help you get through this.

⭐Bonus Tips ⭐

🔰 Practice Safe Browsing

🔰 Use a Secure VPN

🔰 Trust the Source You Use to Download

🔰 Make Purchases from Trusted Sites

🔰 Identify ScamsThis post was a friendly reminder for all the members and listeners on this platform. If you ever come across anything suspicious or threatening, feel free to report it to any of the trusted Safety Patrol Team Members or listeners on 7-Cups. Stay Safe, Stay Alert! 🔰