In this day and age, you can practically do anything with the help of the internet. If you want to order a pizza, find how-to-order videos, and even make a few friends along the way. Now, there are certain rules to follow when striking up a conversation with strangers chat online. Important to keep this in mind; remember safety always comes first! While chatting up a stranger online may seem new and exciting, we want to make sure that you stay safe while still having fun. Here are a few do’s and don’ts of chitchatting with strangers chat online.
What information shouldn’t I put online while chatting with stranger chat online?
Don’t give out any personal information chatting with a stranger online as people may use it to contact you when you don’t want them to.
Unless you have an adult’s permission, never give out:
- Your real name or your friends’ names
- Home, school or email address
- Home or mobile phone numbers
- A photo of yourself
- Your parents’ bank or credit card details
Keep security software current:
Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.
Can I meet people online in person?
Don’t arrange to meet anyone you’ve met online, no matter how well you think you know them, without your parent or carer’s permission.
Meeting someone you’ve only been in touch with online can be dangerous as they may have been lying about who they are.
Even if you get permission, make sure you have an adult with you when you meet for the first time.
Learn to avoid clicking link:
Responding to ads, and opening emails when they come from someone you don’t know or appear suspicious. Just take that extra moment to call your friend (“Did you post that link?”), type the URL for your bank, or otherwise display your worldly wisdom by not falling for these social engineering tricks.
Use a good password:
(Unique and complex) by all accounts and devices. The two most important account passwords are for your social network and your email account. The hacker gets control of your social network, he can scam your friends on the Internet. When he has your email, he can reset the password on all your other accounts by using the ubiquitous “forgot my password” link.
Change your passwords regularly:
There is a reason your office requires regular password changes for your e-mail. Even if your password is compromised, by changing it regularly across all your accounts, you remove the chance of your account being accessed. A pro-tip would be to set a reminder for every 90 days on your calendar with a link to all your account settings pages. It makes it easier to click through and make the changes regularly.
