After the news of Yahoo’s shocking data attack which compromised the information of over one billion users, questions are now being raised about online safety.

In our world today, having Internet access has become essential. However, some people use it for illegal purposes like stealing credit card information, taking footage without consent or bullying someone over social media.

To prevent this, many websites and companies encourage their users to create passwords that are secure, but easy to remember. But passwords are only the first step towards online security. Here are a few ways to be safe when you browse the Internet.

Have a password that has special characters

The easiest step you can take towards online security is to have passwords that contain special characters or symbols. You can add to this by including capital letters and numbers. Use all these elements but be careful about making your passwords too complex. Make sure you write them down somewhere.

Avoid using “Login via Facebook” on apps

In itself, it is quite secure. However, everything depends on the website or app that you are logging in to. The worst that could happen is that the information you put on Facebook gets compromised and scam sites and apps spam your account. Remember those fake wall posts that friends made without their knowledge? This is what causes them.

Deactivate any inactive accounts you may have

Don’t use Twitter anymore? Close down your account. This remains true for any online service or community that you no longer use. Remember that they still carry some information about you and a little is all it takes to put your online safety at risk.

NEVER give your credit card information to ‘promos’

Because it is not true. Never fall for things such as discounts on subscriptions on services such as Netflix or the ‘promo’ that you won an iPhone from either Etisalat or Du.

Put a ‘cover’ over your laptop’s camera and microphone

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg does it, so why shouldn’t you? Taping a cover over your webcam makes sure that, in the event of an attack, hackers will not be able to tamper with your webcam and see what you are doing inside your house. Taping over the microphone port also works the same way so that hackers can’t hear you.