10 rules for safe internet browsing 

Table of contents

• Resources and support for families and children 
• 10 rules for everyone 

Resources and support for families and children 

1. Use complex passwords 
   One of the first lines of defense against online scams is the use of complex passwords. A good password should consist of letters, numbers, and special characters, and should not be easily guessable. Using a different password for each account can further increase security. 

2. Pay attention to sensitive data 
   While browsing, it is important not to share sensitive data such as your phone number, bank account, and other personal information on unreliable sites. This data can be used by malicious individuals for identity theft or other fraudulent activities. 

3. Regularly update the operating system 
   Keeping your operating system and software up to date is essential for safe browsing. Updates often include security patches that protect the device from new threats. 

4. Browse secure websites 
   Before entering personal data or making online purchases, ensure that the website is secure. A reliable site usually starts with “https://” and shows a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. 

5. Use reliable antivirus software
   Installing good antivirus software can protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other threats while browsing. It is important to keep the software always updated to ensure maximum protection. 

6. Avoid oversharing on social networks 
   Social networks can be a fertile ground for cybercriminals. It is important to limit the amount of personal information shared and properly configure privacy settings. 

7. Educate children about safe browsing 
   Children need to be educated on how to browse safely on the internet. This includes not talking to strangers online, not sharing personal data, and reporting any suspicious behavior to adults. 

8. Shop online safely 
   To shop safely online, it is essential to use secure payment methods such as credit cards or reliable online payment services. Avoid shopping online on unprotected public Wi-Fi networks. 

9. Be cautious with suspicious emails 
   Online scams often come via email. Do not open attachments or click on links from suspicious or unsolicited emails. These could be phishing attempts to steal sensitive data. 

10. Use two-factor authentication 
    After setting up a complex password, enable two-factor authentication where possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification factor in addition to the password. 

10 rules for everyone

To browse the internet safely, families can use various resources and tools. There are numerous websites and organizations that offer guides, software, and advice on online safety. Additionally, many social platforms offer parental control options that allow monitoring and limiting access to inappropriate content. 

Safe internet browsing requires attention and awareness. By following most or all of these 10 rules, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the many threats present online. 

FAQ

1. What are the main rules for safe internet browsing?
   The main rules include using:

• complex passwords,
• protecting sensitive data,
• regularly updating the operating system,
• browsing secure websites,
• using reliable antivirus software,
• avoiding oversharing on social networks,
• educating children about safe browsing,
• shopping online safely,
• being cautious with suspicious emails,
• and using two-factor authentication. 

2. What makes a password “complex”?
   A complex password must contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It should also be at least 12 characters long and not contain easily guessable information such as names or birth dates. 
3. What personal data should i avoid sharing online?
   Avoid sharing your phone number, bank account, addresses, birth date, and other sensitive information on unsecured websites or with strangers on social networks. 
4. How can i ensure a website is secure?
   A secure website usually starts with “https://” and shows a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. These indicators suggest that the site uses an encrypted connection. 
5. Why is it important to regularly update the operating system and software?
   Updates often include security patches that protect the device from new threats. Keeping the software updated reduces the risk of malware infections and cyberattacks. 
6. What measures can i take to protect my children while browsing the internet?
   Educate children about online dangers, establish clear rules about what they can and cannot do on the internet, use parental controls, and regularly monitor their online activity. 
7. How can i shop safely online?
   Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or reliable online payment services. Avoid shopping on unprotected public Wi-Fi networks and always check the website’s security before entering payment data. 
8. How can i recognize and handle suspicious emails?
   Do not open attachments or click on links from suspicious or unsolicited emails. If an email appears to come from a trusted source but contains grammatical errors or urgent requests for personal information, it could be a phishing attempt. 
9. What is two-factor authentication and why should i use it?
   Two-factor authentication requires two forms of verification before accessing an account. Typically, in addition to the password, a code sent via SMS or generated by an authentication app is used. This significantly increases account security. 
10. What resources are available to help families navigate safely?
    There are numerous websites and organizations that offer guides on online safety, antivirus software, parental controls, and advice. Many social platforms and operating systems also offer tools for privacy and online security protection.