The world is going through a digital transformation. The web now looks a lot different to what it did just a few years ago, with AI-powered apps and blockchain providing never-seen-before benefits.
Yet with these advantages come new dangers. Keeping up to speed with the problems caused by new technologies is a full-time job for huge teams of IT experts that must advise the general public on what they can do to keep them and their families safe.
This guide looks into the things we must consider with the new year ahead of us. Read on to find out what you can do to stay safe online in 2025.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe Online in 2025?
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Keeping Children Safe
The AI era presents unprecedented risks to kids who are probably not fully aware of its dangers.
Measures parents can take include using advanced parental controls on devices, apps, and browsers to restrict access to inappropriate content and monitor online activity. Many platforms now offer useful tools to customize what kids can see and do online.
Apps and toys now also often use AI-powered chatbots, so reviewing and supervising how children interact with these tools is crucial to prevent exposure to unsafe conversations.
Excessive screen time can also expose kids to more risks. Setting healthy boundaries for device usage and encouraging offline activities to maintain balance should be part of every parent’s handbook.
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Steering Clear of Problem Gambling
As part of broader online safety discussions, the issue of problem gambling has also come under scrutiny in recent years.
The internet offers countless opportunities to gamble, so it’s essential to recognize the risks associated with this behavior, including financial losses, mental health struggles, and addiction.
One effective way to avoid these dangers is by opting for free casino games instead of real-money gambling. These games provide the enjoyment of gaming without financial risks. Websites like Temple of Games make this easy to do by collating free casino games from around the world into one place and providing filters for players to search for their favorite games.
Encouraging people to play free versions of popular games helps to curb gambling-related harm while still indulging in a form of entertainment.
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Get Smart With Passwords
A strong password is your first line of defense. Advice like avoiding common words, keyboard patterns (like “123456”), or easily guessed details like birthdays have been around for years.
Instead, create passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. For example, a password like M@rket!ng2024 is much harder to crack than password123.
It’s also advisable to use a unique password for each account. This way, if one gets compromised, your other accounts remain safe.
Yet, in today’s era of multiple accounts, many complex passwords can be overwhelming, which is where password managers come in handy. These apps securely store your passwords and allow access through a single master password.
Password managers not only keep your credentials safe but also generate strong passwords for new accounts – and keep you safe from ever-improving criminal techniques.
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Keep Software Updated
Keeping your software up to date is crucial for online safety. Software updates often include fixes for security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit, but many people forget to apply them.
Make it a habit to install updates as soon as they’re available for your operating system, apps, and web browsers, even if it means the inconvenience of closing browsers and waiting for your computer to restart.
Enabling automatic updates whenever possible is one way to ensure you never forget to install an update.
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Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. In addition to your password, you’ll need a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone or an app.
This way, even if someone steals your password, 2FA makes it nearly impossible for them to access your account without that second factor.
More sites than ever now offer 2FA so it’s worth the time to complete its simple steps and get yourself protected.
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Think Twice About What You Post (Especially Personal Stuff)
Once something is online, it’s difficult to take it back. Before posting, consider how the content might affect your privacy or reputation.
Always avoid sharing sensitive personal details like your full name, address, or phone number, for example. Remember: potential employers, schools, or even strangers might see what you post.
Scammers and hackers often use information like your school, workplace, or birthdate to guess passwords or answer security questions. Stay vigilant and think twice before sharing private information.
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Back Up Your Data
Now more than ever, backing up your personal data is essential. Having that all-important physical copy will make sure you don’t lose important files due to hacking, hardware failure, or accidental deletion.
Cloud storage services like Google Drive are one digital alternative, but if you want full control then physical backups like external hard drives are the answer.
Final Thoughts
Staying safe online doesn’t require expert knowledge or fancy tools. Just by following these simple practices, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to online threats.
Make these habits a part of your daily routine, and you’ll enjoy the internet with greater peace of mind. Stay safe and surf smart!