Protecting Yourself on the Internet

Igor Telykh & Ilya Martianov

 Introduction
The Internet can be a dangerous place if you're not careful. In this presentation, we'll go over some tips and best practices for staying safe online.

Staying safe online is important because cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. In this presentation, we'll cover the following
topics:

Password security: Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is essential. We'll discuss tips for creating strong passwords and
using a password manager to keep track of them.

Phishing and social engineering: These are common tactics used by cybercriminals to trick you into revealing your personal information. We'll show
you how to recognize phishing emails and what to do if you suspect you've been targeted.

Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can be convenient, but they are also vulnerable to attacks. We'll explain how to use public Wi-Fi safely and what
precautions to take.

Software updates: Keeping your software up-to-date is important for security. We'll explain why updates are important and how to ensure that your
software is always up-to-date.

Social media: Social media platforms can be a source of personal information for cybercriminals. We'll discuss how to protect your privacy on social
media and what information you should avoid sharing.
 Password Security

Creating strong passwords is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself online. A strong password is one that is
unique, complex, and difficult to guess.

Here are some tips for creating strong passwords:

Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information such as your name, birthdate, or
address in your password. Don't reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and
store complex passwords. In addition to creating strong passwords, it's also important to change them regularly. We recommend
changing your passwords every 90 days or sooner if you suspect that your account may have been compromised. Remember,
passwords are the first line of defense against cyber threats, so take the time to create strong and unique passwords to keep your
online accounts secure.
 Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing and social engineering are common tactics used by cybercriminals to steal personal information. Phishing attacks often come
in the form of fake emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or social media platform. The goal is to
trick you into revealing your personal information, such as your password or credit card number. To protect yourself from phishing
attacks, it's important to be cautious and suspicious of any unsolicited emails or messages you receive.

Here are some tips to help you recognize phishing emails:

Check the sender's email address to make sure it's legitimate. Look for spelling and grammatical errors in the message. Don't click on
any links or download any attachments from unknown sources. Be wary of urgent or threatening messages that require immediate
action. Social engineering attacks, on the other hand, rely on psychological manipulation to trick you into divulging sensitive
information. For example, an attacker might pretend to be a trusted friend or colleague and ask for personal information. To protect
yourself from social engineering attacks, it's important to be vigilant and suspicious of any requests for personal information.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to social engineering attacks:

Verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information. Don't share sensitive information over the phone or email. Be wary of
requests for urgent or confidential information. By being cautious and vigilant, you can protect yourself from phishing and social
engineering attacks and keep your personal information safe.
 Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they are also vulnerable to cyber attacks. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, your
device becomes visible to anyone else on the network, which can put your personal information at risk.

Here are some tips for using public Wi-Fi safely:

Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as bank accounts or personal email, when connected to public Wi-Fi. Use a virtual private
network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy. Make sure your device's firewall is turned on to block
unauthorized access. Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections on your device to avoid connecting to unsafe networks. It's also important to
be aware of the risks associated with Wi-Fi hotspots that have fake or misleading names.

Hackers can set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots with names similar to legitimate networks in order to trick users into connecting to them. To
protect yourself from these types of attacks, always verify the name and location of the Wi-Fi network you are connecting to before
entering any personal information. By following these precautions, you can use public Wi-Fi safely and protect your personal
information from cyber threats.
 Software Updates

Software updates are important for keeping your devices secure and protected from cyber threats. When software updates are released,
they often contain security patches that address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential attacks.

Here are some tips for keeping your software up to date:

Enable automatic updates for your operating system, web browser, and other applications. Regularly check for updates manually if
automatic updates are not available. Be cautious of fake software update alerts or notifications, as they may be used to distribute
malware. Updating your software is a simple but crucial step in keeping your devices secure. By keeping your software up to date, you
can ensure that you have the latest security patches and protect yourself from cyber threats.
 Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of authentication in
addition to your password. This can be a text message code, a fingerprint scan, or a security key.

Here are some tips for using two-factor authentication:

Enable 2FA on all of your online accounts that support it. Use an authentication app, such as Google Authenticator or Authy, instead of
text message codes. Store backup codes in a secure location in case you lose access to your authentication device. Two-factor
authentication can help prevent unauthorized access to your online accounts, even if your password is compromised. By using 2FA, you
can ensure that only you have access to your accounts and keep your personal information safe from cyber threats.
 Thank for your attention!

In conclusion, staying safe online is essential in today's digital age. By following these tips and best practices, you can protect your
personal information from cyber threats and enjoy a safer online experience. Remember to always be cautious and vigilant, and
to stay up to date with the latest security measures. With a little bit of effort and awareness, you can use the internet with
confidence and peace of mind. Thank you for taking the time to learn about online safety, and stay safe out there!