What is Cyber Space?
Cyberspace is the Internet. We use the Internet in many ways - to talk
to our friends and family, play video games, download music, watch TV
shows, and much more. Our families use the Internet to conduct work
and business. Companies manage transportation, electricity, banking,
and other important everyday activities online. Can you imagine the
world without the Internet?
But there are few best
practices and ethics to follow when we use internet and devices
related to information technology. Make sure the connection is https
before you enter your login credentials for a website.

And try to use different
passwords for your online accounts. As an example, don�t use your
Gmail or Hotmail password as your Facebook or twitter password and
always try to use strong passwords which are hard to guess as an
example never use your pet name or friend�s name as a password. And
the most important thing is never share your password with anyone. We
don�t share our toothbrush with anyone. Don leave your pc or mobile
device unlocked. Lock it with a pattern or a password as a best
practice.

Always try to use two
factor authentications for your social media accounts like Facebook,
twitter and mail accounts.

Be mindful of what you reveal online specially on social medias. You
don�t know who is watching you. So, you must be very careful when you
post something online. Think about how many real friends you have on
your social media account be careful when you talk with strangers. And
if there�s any sign about bulling inform your parents.

And don�t use pirated versions of software�s as it may contain
malicious scripts attached, backdoors for hackers to access your
device. And the other important thing is never skip operating system
or software updates security updates and patches. Always try to use an
antimalware software and keep it up to date.
Remember that responsible companies like banks and other services like
PayPal will never ask for your passwords through emails so if there is
a suspicious email in your inbox never reveal your sensitive
information it could be a phishing attempt. Don�t get hooked. Never
respond to email requests for your passwords.

Always keep a backup of your important data as a best practice so that
you can use it in case you lose your data. Because malwares like
ransomwares are very common these days. Factory reset your mobile
phone, full format your pc before you give them for repairs.
Everything on the internet are not true so check for reliable sources
before you read something. Don�t open files that ends in .exe unless
you know who sent it.

And the most important thing is don�t get addicted to social medias
and other gaming activities. It�ll affect your mental and physical
health too. Go out and play with your friends spent more time with
your family members.
By
Akhila Shan
Keerthisinghe
Shan
is an undergraduate of Sri Lanka Institute of Information
Technology who is currently following BSc(Hons) IT Specializing Cyber
Security. Currently he is working as Intern - Information Security
Engineer at Sri Lanka CERT|CC
|