Safety Tips That Might Surprise You -

3 Online Safety Tips That Might Surprise You

Cell phones, smart devices — even kitchen appliances — technology surrounds us. And it doesn’t help that many of these new devices come with cameras and microphones, making us more vulnerable to cybercriminals.

Most of these devices aren’t well protected. By definition, they are small, and you can’t add multiple layers of security to them. These unsecured devices can be easy entry points for hackers, who may then access your home or office network to steal personal information. This creates yet another scamming opportunity for attackers.

That’s why we’ve compiled three surprising online safety tips — straight from the experts.

1. Turn Off Bluetooth When Not in Use

Many of us rely on Bluetooth — for headphones, keyboards, or even smartwatches. While it’s convenient, Bluetooth has evolved. Newer versions transfer data at faster speeds and over greater distances, which also makes them more vulnerable to attacks.

Hackers can exploit Bluetooth in several ways, so here’s how to protect yourself:

Avoid continuous Bluetooth connections, especially with devices like wireless keyboards and mice.
Only pair with devices you trust.
Unpair old or unused devices.
Turn Bluetooth off when not in use.

“Try to stay away from Bluetooth connections unless they’re needed. It should be on only when you need it — otherwise, keep it off.”

2. Shop Safely — Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Shopping online is convenient, but it can also be risky — especially on public Wi-Fi. Experts recommend:

Avoid using public Wi-Fi when making purchases. Instead:
- Use a VPN,
- Wait until you’re home, or
- Use mobile data, which is encrypted and safer.
Never save your credit card information on websites, even trusted ones — data breaches happen all the time.

“Don’t let websites store your credit card or passwords. Keep that information on your own device using a secure password manager. You control it — and only you decide when to give that information away.”

Also, watch out for websites asking for unusual personal information like your mother’s maiden name or date of birth — that could be a red flag signaling a phishing attempt.

3. Practice Personal Safety at Home

Here are a few simple, often-overlooked habits that can make a big difference:

Strengthen and regularly update your passwords.
Turn on automatic software updates to patch vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Secure your home Wi-Fi network:
- Place the router in the center of your home to limit outside access.
- Avoid using signal boosters, which can widen your network’s exposure.

Finally, for any device connected to Wi-Fi — including smart TVs — always:

Disable the microphone when not in use.
Cover any built-in cameras, just to be safe.

“These may sound like small steps, but companies are constantly improving how they secure devices. Keeping your software up to date and your network tight is crucial.”