The internet has become a refuge for those who want to escape their bitterness in life, but also become a fishing ground for those who want to exploit others. Hackers, phishers, spies, extortionists, scammers, and bullies are all over the internet and people can be easily victimized by these high-tech evils of society. Here are some ways to stay safe online:
Before using online services like Facebook, Google, and Paypal, you need to input first your personal infos such as but not limited to full name, address, and phone number. Infos you shared to the three mentioned platforms are secured by them.
But for other online services requiring you to share your personal infos, especially your bank or credit card number to them, think a couple of times before doing so. They can use your infos to steal important data or cash from you, or can exploit you in other ways.
There are lots of instances where social media users who were scammed or were sexually-exploited turned to police to file case/s against their criminals only to find out that these criminals use fake profiles, slowing the hands of justice. So the next time a stranger sends you friend request on Facebook, think and investigate first before accepting. Hindi porke't gwapo o maganda, accept agad. 'Wag gano'n Bess.
Though it is safer to visit https websites, majority of websites cannot afford https certification due to technical and financial constrains but are considered safe. Desciphearth is an example of website that use only http. There are also lots of government, school, and business websites that are http only so it is not accurate to generalize https as safe and http as not safe or scam sites.
Google takes a great step for curbing websites that are harmful or offensive by taking down these websites in a way that they cannot be visited using Google browser and are filtered from search results. There are also a number of websites which analyze other websites for credibility. Examples of these websites are SurveyPolice, Scamadviser and Scamanalyze.
Since phishing sites and services imitate the looks and basic functions of legitimate sites and services, you will not suspect them doing something "fishy" and leads you to enter your e-mail address and password (or worst, your credit card number or PIN) to use these websites or services. After entering your infos, you are now "fished" and to avoid suspicion phishers will redirect you to the legitimate site or service. Phishers can now use your infos whenever and wherever they want.
To avoid doppelgangers, carefully check the site's URL if it is correct. If there are any typographical errors like an additional letter, number, or symbol, or wrong capitalization, stop visiting the site. This is the case where one Facebook phishing site imitate Facebook login page using "faceboook.com" (the phishing site is with extra "o"). Since the page looks exactly the same, unsuspected FB users enter their e-mail address and password and after a few moment, they cannot use their account anymore. Worst, their accounts post offensive and explicit contents without the real owners' consent. Be careful also in opening e-mails. If it comes from untrusted sources and you feel these are baits or spams, delete it immediately. Read more about Gmail phishing scam from: Inquirer.net - New Gmail phishing scam is dangerously clever The Independent - Google phishing attack: Gmail users hit by massive email scam sweeping web
Avoid Opening Attachments From Untrusted Sources
Messaging apps allows us to send not only texts or pictures but also other files (called attachments) ranging from slide presentations, videos, to apps. The same with the second way to stay safe online, avoid dealing with strangers. If you click an attachment sent by a stranger, there is a chance that this is a phishing e-mail and works almost the same as phishing website. If you read the Gmail phishing scam external article linked above there is no need to discuss this further. Aside from phishing attachments, viruses and malwares can also be sent through e-mail.
As computer "virus" evolves, so as antivirus. Antivirus "remembers" harmful contents and adds the contents deemed harmful by its program and users to its "memory" therefore creating a list of contents to be avoided. Antivirus can also serve as ad blockers. Examples of established and reliable antivirus services are Avast!, Eset, Kaspersky, McAfee Security, Microsoft Security Essentials, and Windows Defender.
Inform Others
Knowledge is power. The best antivirus is our knowledge of what is happening around. If you are aware of the dangers that are lurking the cyber-world, you can better protect yourself. Inform others, feel free to share this article :)
Desciphearth statement in relation to using http-only address:
Dear visitors; Desciphearth uses free webhosting and services provided by Weebly. Weebly is an https website. Being a subdomain of Weebly, Desciphearth is under the protection of Weebly from hacking and other forms of attack. Desciphearth also uses external links and services that may or may not be secured. Please read Desciphearth's Terms of Use to know more. |