Google Shares 8 Ways to Keep Your Online Data Safe

February 6 is known as Safer Internet Day, and Google commemorates the occasion by giving a breakdown on online security trends and tips on how they make their users’ data safe from any scams or breaches.

During its Safer Internet Day 2024 presentation at its office in BGC, Google shared that Filipinos have been using the internet to search for fraud and scam–both reaching a 13-year and 17-year high respectively. This shows that Filipinos are more aware of protecting their online presence–especially with a number of them falling victim to online scams.

Other keywords that trended with Filipinos include cybercrime (top 4), phishing (top 7), malware (top 5), cybercrime (top 4), phishing (top 7), malware (top 5), one-time password (top 10), and password strength (top 8).

With the findings that Google revealed to us, they shared a few tips on how users can keep their online data safe:

Install the latest OS and updates. Keeping all your devices up to date is important, as they usually roll out the latest security enhancements keep yourself protected against any threats. Android users are highly encouraged to keep Google Play Protect activated to protect their devices and data from malicious apps and harmful behavior.
Use Google’s Password Manager. This handy tool comes free for every Google account, and helps you create, store, and manage secure passwords for all your online accounts. Aside from the added convenience, Password Manager can analyze your saved passwords for any possible weaknesses or if they’ve been exposed in data breaches.
Make good use of passkeys. Coming in the form of biometrics like your fingerprint or face data, passkeys offer a simple but secure alternative or another layer to the usual passwords for all your accounts. Since they’re stored on your device, passkeys can also keep your accounts safe from possible phishing incidents.
Run regular Security Checkups. All Google accounts have a Security Checkup feature that helps you review and improve your online security. This feature can determine any potential security vulnerabilities across your digital properties from connected devices to third party apps access.
Review your data settings: Aside from all the tools that Google has to offer, always make sure to review your data settings across all your apps and accounts. Make sure you’re 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.
Avoid suspicious links. Always think twice before clicking any online or SMS links. Double-check their legitimacy, and if anything seems off, report them immediately.
Don’t give in to pressure. When you feel like you’re being rushed to make a decision, if it seems unusual, stop, take a moment, and assess the situation. You don’t have to do anything just yet—and if you’re not allowed to pause, something may not be right–chances are that a scam or fraud intends to do bad things to you.
Check the facts. Before posting or sharing, verify first the information you see online and ensure it’s from a trusted source. With tools like Google Search, check the way it’s written or said, who shared it, and other details about the post.