Internet safety tips

Account safety

• Always use multi-factor authentication when possible.

• Use passkeys instead of passwords whenever supported (e.g., for Google or Apple accounts). Passkeys are a form of multi-factor authentication, often utilising biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition), making them more secure than passwords. The safest option is to store passkeys on a USB device.

• Use a unique password for each account and device. This prevents someone from accessing all your accounts using the same password. Password managers like 1Password or LastPass can help you maintain unique passwords for each account while requiring you to remember only one master password.

• When creating passwords, ensure they are as secure as possible. Use a combination of words and numbers that only you would know and are hard to guess. Avoid using names or dates that are significant to you and easily known by others.

• Do not save passwords in your web browser.

• Create security questions with answers that only you would know.

• Log in and out each time you access a device, email, or other websites with personal information.

Secure Internet connection

It’s a good practice to regularly change the password on your wireless network (WiFi) to prevent unauthorized access or monitoring of your online activities.

For maximum security, use a VPN to prevent your communications from being intercepted. Learn more about using a VPN.

Email Security

Your email may contain sensitive information, so it’s crucial to ensure its security. Use your email primarily on devices you know are secure. The safest option is to use encrypted email.

It’s easy to set up email forwarding that runs in the background without notice. Check the following in your email settings:

• Secure password and multi-factor authentication. Ensure your account is protected with a strong password and multi-factor authentication.

• Recovery email. Verify the recovery email address linked to your account for forgotten passwords.

• Email forwarding. Check for any unauthorised forwarding rules in both the web interface and desktop applications (e.g., Outlook and Outlook Web Access).

If it’s a work email, it’s best to seek help from your company’s IT department to ensure everything is set up securely.

Computers and Smart Devices

If someone gains access to your devices, they can retrieve information and use your accounts. Therefore, it’s best to secure them carefully. It’s advisable to have good antivirus protection to prevent suspicious programs. On the VirusTotal website, you can check files, URLs, and IP addresses for malware or other harmful code free of charge.

Never allow strangers to take control of your computer using programs like AnyDesk. This is a known method used by scammers. If someone has taken control of your computer, you can seek assistance from computer service providers or CERT-IS.

Spyware

If you open a link or software from an untrusted source, your computer may become infected with spyware that sends information to third parties. Customers of Hringdu, Síminn, and Vodafone can contact their provider for help if they suspect spyware is installed on their smartphone.

Secure updates for computers and software

Software vulnerabilities are discovered daily. Hackers may exploit these flaws to install spyware or ransomware.
Regularly update your software to stay protected. Ensure updates come from a trusted source and be cautious if you receive an unusual request from the software.

Microsoft Office Risks

• Microsoft Office documents received via email may contain dangerous macros.

• Do not enable or download Microsoft Office documents unless you are absolutely certain it is necessary.

• If you weren’t expecting an email with an attachment, exercise extra caution.

Private Mode

When using a browser in private or incognito mode, you can hide the websites you’ve visited. This is especially important when using a computer that others have access to. Keep in mind that bookmarks are still saved, and downloaded files need to be deleted manually. However, note that spyware on devices may still monitor what is being viewed in private mode.