How often are you getting on your computer at work and/or at home?

If you’re like millions of other people nationwide, likely multiple times a day.

That being the case, keep in mind that you might be putting your online safety out there each and every time you sign-on to your desktop, laptop, mobile device etc. Check those guides about how to secure your internet connection with a VPN : Anonymster.com

Unfortunately, one of the negative parts of the computer age is the fact that countless cyber criminals are out there just waiting to strike. Although many of their attempts are unsuccessful, it just takes one successful strike to make your life rather miserable.

With that in mind, being as safe as possible on the computer should always be a goal of yours, especially if you have kids also spending time online.

Be Cognizant of Your Online Surroundings

So that you can greatly decrease the odds of someone striking fear into your life online, remember these pointers:

1.    Your own police force – With all the different ways cyber-criminals and others with bad intentions seek to strike, having what amounts to your own police force guarding you and your loved ones is important. One of the ways to accomplish this is with an identity theft protection plan. Such a plan allows you to be monitored, thereby alerting you if something fishy shows up regarding your personal information, notably finances. Now, how do you know which provider to go with? That is actually not all that difficult, especially since there are companies out there reviewing the different provider plans, allowing you to select which one best suits your own needs. Knowing that someone is looking out for you makes life a little less taxing; Check out a parent's guide to online safety from TheBestVPN.com

2.    Don’t volunteer information – One of the dangers of online activities is that you can fall into a sense of complacency. You might be perfectly fine for years on your computer or mobile device, and then you ease up on protective measures. By doing so, it can open the door to someone getting ahold of things such as your credit card information, where you live, perhaps even a Social Security number etc. Always keep in mind that only legitimate companies and agencies etc. would want such personal details. Never give out such information if it seems even the least bit suspect. From IRS scams to pyramid schemes on social media etc. be wary. It only takes one scam to really hit you in your wallet or purse.

Keep Your Kids as Safe as Possible

3.    Strangers and your children – The safety of your kids is undoubtedly your biggest concern as a parent. That said you know that the introduction of the Internet several decades ago open up an entire new world of possibilities for criminals to strike. Assuming your child has a hankering to get online, be sure you sit them down and go over computer safety from day one. This includes things such as never giving out personal information online, not exchanging photographs with anyone, avoiding the temptation to meet someone etc. Until you feel that your child is of the right age that they do not need monitoring, oversee what they are doing with social media accounts etc. The same holds true for any adults (yourself included) in the home when it comes to online dating etc. Always put the personal safety of you and your family first;

4.    Letting others use your computer or mobile device – Lastly, it can be real tempting to let a friend or a family member visiting your home get on your computer momentarily. They may just need it to check an address, phone number, date for an event etc. That said letting them use your username and password to get online can become a problem. They may jot it down on a slip of paper, stick it in their wallet, and then ultimately lose it. If you see where this is going, you know it can lead to possible trouble. If someone you know must use your computer or mobile device, set up a guest entry, and then do away with that username/password combo.

With as much time as you likely spend online; there is never a thing such as being too safe.