1. Keep your Privacy Settings On

An individual can gain a lot of information about you as a person from what websites you visit, and for how long. Browsers and mobile operating systems always have the option of securing your privacy, as do sites like Facebook and Instagram. By increasing your security settings, you immediately decrease your chances of becoming a target.

2. Never Post Personal Information Online

You would never hand a total stranger your phone number, email address or home address. So there’s no reason to post hand this information out to millions of people online. Only post information you are comfortable with strangers having.

3. Practice Safe Browsing

Many cyber-criminals might target your curiosity by posting sensational or lurid content to draw you in. Once you click, your data could be up for grabs straight away. As a rule, stick to respectable and trusted sources online.

4. Make Sure your Internet Connection is Safe

Even if you have up-to-date anti-virus software and are using secure websites, your laptop is still susceptible to attack if you are using a public Wi-Fi. If you cannot guarantee the safety of your internet connection, it is best to wait until you are somewhere more secure before entering anything like bank details, home addresses, or any other pieces of personal information.

5. Be Careful What You Download

Some cyber-criminals will try to encourage you to download malware that they can use to gain more information about you. If you make any downloads off the internet, make sure you know that the source is secure and trusted. If in doubt, don’t download off the web.