Stay Secured in the Web

The use of information and communication technology in our daily life is gradually increasing. The use of the Internet and online is increasing along with mobile phone and computer. When a computer or mobile device (phone, pad, tab, etc.) stays connected to online, it falls in security risks. The risk factors can be reduced being alert and taking special measures.

An Internet user surfs the website for many reasons. The process of maintaining the security on the web is discussed below:

A. General site: Many users take the general and cost-free services of yahoo, hotmail, and gmail. The possibility of hacking in every site can not be ignored. If our account is hacked, many of our necessary mail will be lost. Again, the act of cheating or work like this can be operated by using the account, but the liability will be on the account holder. The precautions given below should be followed:

• An easy password should not be used. Many users use their own names and the easy orders of the keyboard (such as qwerty or asdfg or 123456789) as the password of their email account. It is very unwise as everyone knows that for email, the account is the user's or account holder's name. That is why anybody can hack your account just giving it a few try. So a complicated order or combination for a password such as letters, digits, and signs (!@#, etc.) should be used.

• Password should be changed on a regular basis;

• Use 2-steps verification where there is a scope. For example, the security of your gmail account can be strengthened by your mobile phone. The 2-step verifiaction option of gmail can be used:

➤ Point to the account setting from the profile;

➤ Get 2-step verification. Click the edit option;

➤ Type the number of your mobile phone and click the 'send' button.

➤ A security code will be sent from gmail to your mobile phone. Click 'Verify' option typing the verification code;

➤ Turn on 2-step verification;

Now, if anybody seeks unauthorized access to your account, he requires the mobile code, but even after knowing the code, he will fail to access the account as the code can be used just once. So, your account will be secured. Similar security measures can be adopted in yahoo! mail in the same way.

• If you send any email from a cyber cafe or the computer constantly used by numerous people, log out the account after using it.

Besides, if you follow some additional security measures, you will remain safe. In some websites, different kinds of programmes are kept installed. If cookie is activated on the web browser, the information stored in the computers and browsers of the users of these pieces of software will be sent to other destination. So, it is necessary to be alert while using the website. Some websites seek different personal information from the users. You should not provide them with the information if there is no particular cause.

B. Social Site: Nowadays, many users keep their personal information on social networking site. They share photographs too. So if the password of facebook account is stolen, the security of personal information can be interrupted, and the female should be more careful. The security measures suggested for the email site should be adopted for these sites too. The following precautions should be taken for using the social networking sites: ✦ Have information before developing friendship with someone. Don't be a friend of anybody who does not deserve it;

◆ If you make virtual friendship with people abroad, be absolutely sure

about their identity. Check their profile and friend list to identify common friends and acquaintances;

Don't share any personal photograph on facebook;

◆ Log off everytime after using facebook or email;

◆ Sign out after browsing the Internet in school or cyber cafe;

Be cautious about using the laptop or computer of your friend or acquaintance;

◆ Don't click on any facebook application sent by a stranger if you are not absolutely sure of about its reliability;

C. Age Compatible Site: There are some websites only for the adults. These sites are not suitable for you. This kind of website may put the safety and security of your ICT device at risk and hinder the normal operation of your ICT device. In order to protect the device, you must restrain yourself from clicking on any suspicious photos, links, or advertisements on the website. You should give an effort in developing your knowledge and skills in ICT as well as your moral character.