Stay alert while going online, says UAE expert

Dubai - "The updated law on cybercrime is not a silver bullet but will definitely help in reducing cases."

 In this technology-driven world, one cannot escape the use of the Internet but surely can become alert while using it. From banking to searching for schools/colleges and grocery shopping to booking a movie ticket, everything happens online. The threat of data theft increases with the number of things we do with the help of the Internet.
According to Mohammad Amin Hasbini, senior security researcher, Kaspersky Lab, UAE residents spend an average of five hours a day on social media. He thinks people who are mostly exposed to cybercrimes are in the age group of 35 to 50 as they are not tech-savvy.
He noted: "The updated law on cybercrime is not a silver bullet but will definitely help in reducing cases. It doesn't mean that people should rest and rely on the law and use Internet with carelessness, rather they should take precautionary steps to overcome this particular problem."
Cyber experts believe it is always advisable for Internet users to consider a few things before making their personal or professional data available online.
Remember before going online:
· Protect passwords of your online accounts with a two-factor authentication system which is generated through messages.
· Update your devices from time to time as they offer latest security fixes.
· Use security tools to protect devices from theft of data.
· It is very simple but very important that you don't share information with strangers on social networking websites.
· Avoid using public WiFi as someone might be snooping in your account.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com Twitter: @ankitachaturvedi

• UAE