Google reveals TOP TIPS on how to be safer online

Mervin Wenke of Google Philippines met with leading publications and thought leaders to illuminate how to be safer when connected online.

How to be #SaferWithGoogle?

Google Philippines recommends the following practices to be safer online

The Philippines is among the top countries in the world searching for keywords malformation: 'Cybercrime', 'Phishing', 'Malware', 'Fraud', 'Scam', 'One-time password', and 'Password Strength'.

Google says these trends reflect the evolving internet landscape and the netizens' rising interest in cybersecurity. As such, this Safer Internet Day and beyond, Google is sharing insights and internet safety practices to help anyone be protected online.

Live from the Google Philippines office

1. Download and Install the latest version of the OS and updates - The brand recommends turning on auto-updates and not ignoring warnings and notifications. Aside from performance improvements, updates offer security enhancements and protections to new threats. If you are using an Android device, Googe Play Protect should be turned on as it automatically protects your phone and data from malicious apps and harmful behavior.

2. Strong Passwords - Aside from changing your passwords regularly, make sure your passwords are unique and hard to figure out. This may make your passwords hard to remember, but Google offers Google Password Manager, a free built-in tool that helps you remember your password. It also helps you create, store, and manage secure passwords when logging into new websites.

3. Add another layer of security like a Pass Key, 2FA - Passkeys like fingerprints or Face ID can offer simple but secure alternatives or another layer to passwords. They help keep your accounts safe against phishing since they are not stored on-device.

4. Regularly run Security Check-ups - Google's Security Checkup is a simple step-by-step tool within your Google Account that helps users review and improve your online security. This will allow users to identify and fix potential security vulnerabilities across your digital properties from connected devices to third-party app access before problems arise.

5. Review your data settings - Make the effort to run a deeper checkup to see whether all your apps and accounts are above-board. Make sure you are not sharing any data you're not really comfortable giving away, and look through each app and site to see if you're okay with their terms and conditions, and settings.

6. When pressured, Stop and don't give in - Scams and frauds online or offline rely on getting their victims to be pressured, nervous, and careless to work. When you feel like you are being rushed to make a decision and if you feel it seems unusual then stop. Take a moment and assess the situation. You do not have to do anything just yet and you are not allowed to pause, something is definitely not right.

7. Always check the facts -  Before posting or sharing any form of information, make sure to verify its veracity first and to make sure that it comes from a trusted source. Using Google Search, check the way it was written or said, who shared it, and other details about the post.

For more information, you can visit safety.google.com.

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