Staying Safe Online: Practical Tips for a Worry-Free Experience

Introduction

The internet opens doors to connection, convenience, and learning — but it’s natural to be cautious. Whether you’re shopping online, connecting with friends, or reading the news, these practical tips will help you stay safe every step of the way.

Let’s make the internet a safe and welcoming place — together.

1. Create Strong, Unique Passwords

Your password is your front door lock. Make it strong!

✅ Use a mix of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols

❌ Avoid using “123456” or your birthday

🔐 Tip: Try a passphrase like “GrannyLoves2Bake!2025”

📲 Consider using a password manager like 1Password or Apple Keychain — it remembers your passwords for you securely.

2. Watch Out for Scams and Phishing

Scammers often send emails or messages that look real but aren’t.

🚩 Warning signs:

• “Your account is locked — click here!”
• “You’ve won a prize!”
• Poor grammar or urgent pressure

🛑 Don’t click suspicious links or give out personal information. When in doubt, call the company directly using a known number.

3. Stay Safe on Social Media

Social media is great for staying in touch — just use a few ground rules:

• Don’t share your home address or full birthdate publicly
• Adjust your privacy settings so only friends can see your posts
• Be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers

4. Use Trusted Websites

When shopping or entering information online, make sure the website address starts with:

🔒 https:// — the “s” means it’s secure

Also, look for a padlock icon in the browser bar.

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Keep Your Devices Updated

Updates might feel like a hassle, but they often include important security fixes.

💡 Tip:

Turn on automatic updates for your smartphone, apps, and browser.

Bonus: Ask for Help When Unsure

If something feels “off,” it probably is. Reach out to a friend, family member, or our community — no question is too small.

Next Step:

Ready to put these skills to use? Try our guide:

📞 Connecting with Loved Ones Online