Ten Essential Online Safety Tips Every Filipino Should Know

48,000+ Filipino Worker Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images -  iStock | Ofw, Asian worker, Overseas worker

You may be a click away from a virus or spam. Or, someone may have stolen your credit card info. All this while you dream about tomorrow’s package deliveries.

Have you ever had your identity stolen online? How sure are you that all the information you’ve shared online is in safe hands?

A teacher regretted posting his PRC ID on Facebook to celebrate passing the Board Exams. This was early last year. Unfortunately, an identity thief used his details to secure loans from three banks. He now reportedly owes almost a million pesos. Online safety is critical, especially on sites like cookiecasino.com/en-NZ. Protecting your personal and financial information is essential in today’s digital world.

Essential Internet Tips to Stay Safe Online

You must protect your online identity. It matters where you use your computer: at home, school, or work. Always connect to a secure Wi-Fi network. Avoid public networks for sensitive transactions. Update your software and antivirus. This will protect you from new cyber threats.

Avoid Having One Password for All Your Online Accounts

Using the same password for all online accounts puts you at risk of hacking. Always use a unique password for each of your accounts. Make sure your passwords combine letters, numbers, and special symbols to increase security. This makes it harder to guess. Consider a password manager to store and organize your passwords. It will make them easy to access.

Make Your Password Unique

And not your birthday or the initials of your name because it’s easy to remember.

IT security experts say passwords should mix:

  • Lowercase and uppercase letters.
  • Digits.
  • Common punctuation and, if possible, ASCII symbols.

Yet, avoid pattern combinations such as “A1B23C4D.” Instead, use a long, random mix of words, numbers, and characters. It should be unique and nonsensical.

For example, passwords like “Juan1234” are too simple and can be hacked quickly. If you use passwords like “Pusod_ng_garapata_1968” or “Guwapong_Arabuhok_1979,” it’s safe to say your passwords are tough to hack.

Use Password Managers and Two-factor Authentication

Password managers make your passwords stronger by encrypting them. Two-factor authentication adds security. Log-in requires a second step.

An example of a two-step verification process is one of Google’s security features. Enable two-factor authentication. Link your phone number to your accounts. This will send you a verification code for extra security. You have to input it before you can access your Gmail account.

Encryption of your password and tough logins make it hard for hackers to hack it.

Beware of FREE WI-FI

Public ‘free wi-fi’ in public spaces is a hacker’s haven. They can access your account. Using free internet to open any of your accounts exposes your login credentials. This step is especially important when managing online banking or other financial transactions.

To prevent identity theft, don’t check social media in public.

Be Careful What Your Mouse Clicks On

Sometimes, we get so agitated that we click on pop-up ads. We also click on unknown files and attachments out of curiosity. These could be viruses that harm our computers.

Worse, it may make your accounts vulnerable to identity theft. It’s ideal that you avoid opening such files and delete them right away. Always double-check the source of any email or message before downloading attachments. Antivirus software can help. It can detect and block threats before they cause damage.

Check the Padlock Icon and the Certificate

When shopping online, use secure sites, especially for your credit card.

A common trait of risky websites is their lack of security. After typing the URL, you can check this by looking for the padlock icon and certificate. Always ensure you enter a website that will not harm your personal information.

Be wary of sites with strange URLs. Don’t give sensitive info without a good reason. Don’t click links in unknown emails or messages. They may lead to unsafe websites.

Check the E-mail Addresses

The outgoing e-mail will show the sender’s e-mail address. But, incoming e-mail will not. Yet, you can usually find the sender’s address by checking the email’s header or details.

Safeguard Your Computer

Check your computer’s anti-virus software. Make sure it’s the latest version. This will help prevent viruses. 

Be Careful What You Post

Think before you click.

It’s fine to post updates about big life events. But be careful about what you share online (e.g., your job, position, and where you live).

Be careful what you share online. Oversharing could make you a target for thieves. After posting that, you’ll be away for a grand vacation in a wonderful place.

Do Not Ever Post Your IDs Online

Especially your government IDs such as BIR, SSS, and TIN IDs

These IDs are the primary sources of your identity in the Philippines. Sharing the info on those IDs online can lead to identity theft. It happened to Mark Joseph Lontok.

Scammers can use these details to open accounts, apply for loans, or commit fraud in your name. To stay safe, keep sensitive ID information private. Don’t post it on social media.

Use Your Credit Report to Borrow Money

Starting next year, banks should lend to Filipinos based on their credit. The Credit Information Corporation (CIC) will use its credit system. The CIC’s database will let lenders access accurate, up-to-date credit info. This will make lending more transparent. This initiative aims to make credit easier for responsible borrowers to access. It should also encourage better financial practices among Filipinos. It also aims to reduce reliance on informal lenders. It will do this by promoting fair, regulated financial services.

Similar Posts