Possible Dangers on the Internet
	General Internet Safety Tips

Possible Dangers on the Internet

Over here is a list with primary categories of possible threats on the Internet, affecting individuals, businesses and even governments:

		Cybersecurity Threats
		Hacking: Unauthorized access to systems or personal accounts.
		Phishing: Fake emails or websites tricking users into giving away passwords, credit card info, etc.
		Malware: Includes viruses, spyware, worms, and ransomware that can steal data or damage devices.
		Ransomware: Encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them.
		Privacy and Identity Threats
		Identity Theft: Stealing personal information to pretend to be someone else for committing fraud.
		Data Breaches: Unauthorized disclosure of private or financial information.
		Tracking & Profiling: Websites and apps collecting personal behaviour data without consent.
		Social Media and Communication Risks
		Cyberbullying and Harassment: Abusive messages, doxing (publishing private info) or coordinated attacks.
		Fake News & Disinformation: Intentional spreading of false information to influence opinions or cause confusion.
		Scams via Messaging: Romance scams, tech support scams or identity theft.
		Financial Threats
		Online Shopping Scams: Fake websites that take your money but deliver nothing or junk.
		Investment & Crypto Scams: Fraudulent investment offers promising high returns.
		Payment Fraud: Interception or misuse of online payment data.
		Child and Youth Online Safety
		Cyber grooming: Adults posing as children or teens to exploit or abuse minors.
		Inappropriate Content: Easy access to violent, pornographic or harmful material.
		Addiction & Mental Health Risks: Overuse of social media or online games can impact well-being.
		Wider Societal or National Threats
		DDoS Attacks: Overloading a server to take a website or service offline.
		Critical Infrastructure Attacks: Cyber attacks on hospitals, energy grids or government systems.
		Political Manipulation: Foreign influence campaigns via bots, fake accounts or targeted ads.

General Internet Safety Tips

In an era dominated by digital connectivity, ensuring your safety on the internet is crucial. Follow these general tips to navigate the online world more securely:

	Strong Passwords: Make complex passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information, like birthdays or names.
	Unique Passwords: Use  passwords for each of your accounts to prevent a security break in one compromising all of your accounts.
	Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification step.
	Update Regularly: Keep the operating system, all your programs and especially the antivirus program up to date. Regular updates often include security patches that protect against new threats.
	Backup: Store your own data on a regular basis on an external device, e.g. USB stick, external drive or in the cloud. This will prevent the loss of your files in case of an hardware failure or ransomware.
	Be Cautious with Emails: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Be mistrustful of phishing attempts, and double-check email addresses before responding to any requests for personal information.
	Secure Wi-Fi Connection: Set a strong password for your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized access. Use WPA3 encryption if available, as it provides the highest level of security.
	Review Privacy Settings: Regularly check and adjust privacy settings on your social media accounts and other online platforms. Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly.
	Think Before You Share: Be mindful of the information you post online. Avoid sharing sensitive details like your home address, phone number or financial information unless absolutely necessary.
	Use a VPN:  Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) protecting your internet connection when using public Wi-Fi. This might be extremely valuable when providing sensitive information, like for online banking.
	Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest online threats and scams. Being aware of potential risks enables you to make safer choices while navigating the digital world.