Get the Facts – Protecting Yourself Online

The Internet is an easy and convenient way to conduct everyday business and communicate with others. However, the medium is not without its perils. Below are some tips to help you to protect yourself and your information while online.

1. Be cautious about how you use your personal information. Never give out information, such as account details and identification numbers to unverified sources; if you are not sure that the person or website requesting this information is authorised to have it, do not disclose it.

2. As much as possible, connect only to secure Wi-Fi networks when you are using a site that requires you to log in with personal details.

3. Use secure websites. One way to determine the security of a website is by looking at the site address. Secure websites usually begin with the letters ‘https’.

4. Do not overshare. Be careful about how much of your information you share on social media.

5. Install an anti-virus programme and regularly make sure it is up to date.

6. Set up unique passwords for all your log ins. Usually, the most secure passwords contain a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numerals and symbols.

7. Do not open links or emails if you are uncertain of their source.

8. If you become victim to an internet scam, report it to the authorities. You may do so through the Cybercrimes Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

For more information, please contact:
Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
Cyber Crime Division
8-10 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston
Tel: 876-922-3288
Email: mail@jcf.gov.jm
Website: jcf.gov.jm