The Film and Publications Board (FPB) has encouraged the public to adopt good online habits to protect themselves from cyber threats as South Africa joins the international community in observing Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October.
The month is being observed under the theme: “Don't Make It Easy for Them,” with a focus on promoting digital safety and protecting personal data.
“While that sounds like a technical topic for IT professionals, the truth is that staying safe online is now a basic life skill for all of us - just like looking both ways before crossing the street.
“You don’t need to be a computer genius to protect yourself. You just need to build a few good habits. Here are four simple things you can do starting today to keep your digital life safe,” the FPB said.
The FPB has shared the following tips to help the public stay safe online.
Treat your passwords like toothbrushes
You wouldn’t share your toothbrush with your neighbour, right? Treat your passwords the same way. Don’t use the same password for your email, banking and social media accounts.
If a hacker figures out one password, they may try to use it to access your other accounts. Make sure each account has a unique password.
If you have trouble remembering all your passwords, consider using a password manager app to store them securely.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts.
For example, when you log into a website and receive a code via text message to verify your identity, that is 2FA.
Even if a hacker steals your password, they will still need the verification code sent to your phone to access your account.
Enable this feature on your email and banking apps. It takes only a few minutes to set up and can save you hours of stress later.
Think before you click
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. You might receive a text message claiming that a package has been delayed or an email warning that your account has been locked.
These messages often appear legitimate but may contain links designed to steal your personal information.
If you receive a suspicious message asking you to click on a link or provide personal information, stop and check the sender’s email address.
If the address looks suspicious, delete the message. When in doubt, visit the official website directly instead of clicking on the link.
Update your devices
Many people ignore software update notifications on their phones and laptops, often postponing updates until later.
However, these updates frequently contain important security fixes that protect devices against cyber threats.
Delaying updates can leave your devices vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The next time you receive an update notification, install it promptly to help keep your devices secure.
The FPB emphasised that cybersecurity is not about being paranoid but about being prepared.
By taking these simple steps, individuals can help make the internet a safer place for themselves and others. -SAnews.gov.za
