• Don’t share any personal information that you do not wish to be public.

• Do have strong passwords that are difficult for others to guess.

• Do change passwords every 30 days to make sure that your information is kept private.

• Do encrypt files when sending them over email, sharing etc to make sure they are protected.

• Do make sure to use privacy settings on any social media apps if you want to be protected.

• Do use different email addresses for different purposes (work and personal).

• Do understand your rights when it comes to GDPR and other legislation.

• Be vigilant for scam emails, texts, and calls. If in doubt, call the organisation via a verified number from their website. 

• Do log out of accounts on shared devices. 

• Do be cautious accepting people you do not know or have not met onto your profiles. 

• Do delete any unused apps or extensions to protect your browser history.

• Do use VPNs where possible to protect privacy.

• Do disable data tracking on apps/websites to keep your app browsing private.

• Do use secure and reputable search engines and browsers e.g. Google and Google Chrome.

• Do understand the ways that cybercriminals may try to use your data - hacking, scams, and malware.

• Don’t click on suspicious email links if you are not sure they are trustworthy.

• Do make sure that you log into reputable public Wi-Fi hotspots.

• Do make sure to install virus protection software to your devices (and keep them up to date).

• Do make sure that any of your digital belongings are stored safely.

• Do keep your devices secure by using passwords and biometrics e.g. FaceID.

• Do use Firewalls to protect private data on your devices.

• Don’t install applications on your devices if you are not sure about their use.

• Do use Password Managers to make sure that all your passwords are saved in one place.

• Do use Two-Factor Authentication to make sure that no-one other than you can get into your accounts.

• Do back up your data using Cloud Services e.g. Google Drive.

• Don’t keep copies of data on multiple different devices as it will make it easier for scammers to find them.

• Do make sure to lock devices when not being used.

• Do make sure to set up your device to lock after a certain amount of time of inactivity.

1. Keep Personal Information Professional and Limited

Potential employers or customers don't need to know your personal relationship status or your home address. You wouldn't hand purely personal information out to strangers individually—don't hand it out to millions of people online.

2. Keep Your Privacy Settings On

Marketers love to know all about you, and so do hackers. Both can learn a lot from your browsing and social media usage. But you can take charge of your information. As noted by Lifehacker, both web browsers and mobile operating systems have settings available to protect your privacy online. Major websites like Facebook also have privacy-enhancing settings available. These settings are sometimes (deliberately) hard to find because companies want your personal information for its marketing value. Make sure you have enabled these privacy safeguards, and keep them enabled.

3. Practice Safe Browsing

You wouldn't choose to walk through a dangerous neighbourhood—don't visit dangerous neighbourhoods online. Cybercriminals use lurid content as bait. They know people are sometimes tempted by dubious content and may let their guard down when searching for it. One careless click could expose personal data or infect your device with malware. By resisting the urge, you don't even give the hackers a chance.

4. Make Sure Your Internet Connection is Secure

When you go online in a public place, for example by using a public Wi-Fi connection, PCMag notes you have no direct control over its security. Make sure your device is secure, and when in doubt, wait for a better time (i.e., until you're able to connect to a secure Wi-Fi network) before providing information such as your bank account number.

5. Be Careful What You Download

A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather. Don't download apps that look suspicious or come from a site you don't trust.

6. Choose Strong Passwords

Passwords are one of the biggest weak spots in the whole Internet security structure, but there's currently no way around them. And the problem with passwords is that people tend to choose easy ones to remember (such as "password" and "123456"), which are also easy for cyber thieves to guess. Select strong passwords that are harder for cybercriminals to demystify. Password manager software can help you to manage multiple passwords so that you don't forget them. A strong password is one that is unique and complex—at least 15 characters long, mixing letters, numbers, and special characters.

7. Make Online Purchases from Secure Sites

Any time you make a purchase online, you need to provide credit card or bank account information—just what cybercriminals are most eager to get their hands on. Only supply this information to sites that provide secure, encrypted connections. You can identify secure sites by looking for an address that starts with https: (the S stands for secure) rather than simply http: They may also be marked by a padlock icon next to the address bar.

8. Be Careful What You Post

The Internet does not have a delete key. Any comment or image you post online may stay online forever because removing the original (say, from X, formerly Twitter) does not remove any copies that other people made. There is no way for you to "take back" a remark you wish you hadn't made, or get rid of that embarrassing selfie you took at a party. Don't put anything online that you wouldn't want your mum or a prospective employer to see.

9. Be Careful Who You Meet Online

People you meet online are not always who they claim to be. Indeed, they may not even be real. Fake social media profiles are a popular way for hackers to cosy up to unwary Web users and pick their cyber pockets. Be as cautious and sensible in your online social life as you are in your in-person social life.

This is also how people can be groomed and radicalised for both sexual and criminal exploitation – which primary aged children are commonly victims of.

10. Keep Your Antivirus Program Up to Date

Internet security software cannot protect against every threat, but it will detect and remove most malware—though you should make sure it's up to date. Be sure to stay current with your operating system's updates and updates to applications you use. They provide a vital layer of security.