The 21th century is the century of technology. Humankind is surrounded, affiliated and associated with various devices that were unknown to people even a decade ago. In today’s fast-changing world, life seems incomplete without technological tools in hand.

Undoubtedly, one cannot become isolated from technology completely, because of the benefits it delivers. But simultaneously, technology and the internet pose a serious threat to its users. Hacking, the influx of viruses and cyber bullying are common nowadays. The internet is no longer secure, and neither are its users. Children are bullied, accounts are hacked, and information is stolen. A dilemma is created.

At one end are the innumerable benefits the internet gives, and on the other end are its potential dangers. Children are even more vulnerable to these dangers as they randomly click on sites, download and update.

Is there a way to shield from the hazards while enjoying the advantages? Let me discuss some of the precautions taken while using the internet, which can help increase your security.

Use trusted websites

Whenever you need to seek information, be it for a school project, a syllabus topic or any other purpose, try clicking on known and authentic websites such as BBC, Wikipedia, Bing, etc.

Some websites display information for the purpose of stealing the information of the user. When you click on them, they can get your private information, such as passwords, etc. These websites are usually low-rated and poorly designed. Similarly, some websites ask your permission to ‘accept cookies’ and often, we just click on it. Remember that cookies can track the data of users, including the websites they previously visited, their on-site behaviour, such as scrolling speed, their IP addresses, etc. Cookies can also store passwords! Thus, it is advised that we should not accept cookies present on websites.

Avoid too many ‘online’ friends:

This guidance is specifically for children and young adults. Hypocrisy is prevalent in society; everyone who looks and appears friendly might not actually be. Often, we receive ‘friend request,’ from unknown users appearing to be of our age. Dear readers, you need to exercise caution in this regard. It is very easy to hide one’s real identity on the internet. Someone who looks as if he is your friend might be a criminal aiming to harm or use you in some way. Someone who is your follower might be tracking every detail you post!

The reality of cyberspace is frightening. Evil is very dominant and children are one of its favourite and easiest targets. Do not be too ‘social’ on social media apps and websites, or you might be spotted by these bullies. Never ever accept ‘follow requests’ and ‘friend requests’ from strange and unidentified accounts, no matter how appealing they may look. Restrict your friends’ list to your school friends, neighbours and cousins, and those that you and your family know well.

Accepting requests randomly to increase followers is an undesirable approach. Furthermore, do not post private information on your social media accounts, such as ‘going to Islamabad’, ‘Leaving alone for a hike’, ‘Spending the night with friends’, etc. These details might be precious for these bullies or bad guys, and they may exploit you by using them.

Download only from authentic sites

I believe that one of the main reasons why viruses enter a computer is due to downloading virus-containing materials from the internet. This risk is not too dominant in cell phones because apps are mainly downloaded from Play Store or iOS.

But in laptops, many applications are downloaded from websites, which inject viruses in the computer. It is suggested that applications should be installed from official websites. For example, if you want to download a game, check its original developer and download it from the developer’s website.

Sometimes, unknown websites offer installation of games and software into our laptop. Though the download does occur, they bring with them a bundle of viruses. Viruses usually slow down the working of devices. Hence, if your laptop is slow to respond, it might have been victimised by a virus!

Secure your accounts

Whenever you make an account on Gmail, Coursera, Facebook, etc., make a strong password. Avoid using standard passwords like ‘12345’, ‘abcde’ or your date of birth. Furthermore, do not share your password with any website.

Often, websites do ask your email address. Giving them the email address is not too risky. However, if a website asks for your password or asks you to login into your Google account to proceed, something might be going on. In such cases, do not use the website if you do not trust it. Avoid sharing your passwords with friends on chats, as these chats might be insecure and your information may get leaked.

Do not get into a trap!

There is a saying; “Whenever you get something for free, you are the product.”

Many advertisements and offers are appearing nowadays, promising you great returns if you give them some information, such as your bank account number. Messages announce the news that your name has been selected for prize distribution and you will get your prize if you give them your address. Even calls from unknown numbers are received in which the caller claims to represent an official bank or telecommunication company, asking some information. All these are frauds for the same purpose — your information.

Your information matters a lot for these fraudsters. They can sell it for money. You need to be quite vigilant while dealing with such schemes. Whenever you get such a message or call, ponder upon this reality: ‘Why would this person/institution want to benefit me?’.

Believe me, these people are not as sincere as they appear to be. Never ever share sensitive information like your address, bank account details, etc., even if the scheme seems authentic and realistic.

Be vigilant in online transactions

The trend of online shopping is gaining popularity day by day. Doubtlessly, it is a convenient and smart way of obtaining goods and grocery. However, the risk of bank accounts being hacked also increases as online payments involve sharing account information with sellers. In this regard, it is advised that we should prefer “Cash-on-delivery” payment method over “online payment.”

Although at your age, it is not possible that you get into transaction fraud, etc., but you must keep these things in mind and never provide your parents’ bank information to anyone.

Avoid clicking on random links

Sometimes, we receive links from unknown contacts and, when we click them, our phone/application gets hacked. Remember that you are not bound to read all the messages that you receive. Show alertness, maturity and precaution. Do not click on links sent by unknown contacts.

All in all, this article is meant to make the readers aware of the dangers that lurk in cyberspace, and warn them against the evil intents of some organisations and people. If we handle our social media accounts responsibly, and carefully browse on the internet, it is possible to fully shield ourselves against cyber risks. Every time you are active on the internet, remember that there are eyes that are seeing every action that you take and waiting for an opportunity to attack and harm you.

So be vigilant, be careful, stay secure and enjoy the cyberspace!

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 8th, 2022