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Internet Safety  - Introduction to Internet Safety

Internet safety  -, introduction to internet safety, internet safety introduction to internet safety.

Internet Safety: Introduction to Internet Safety

Lesson 1: introduction to internet safety, introduction to internet safety.

There's almost no limit to what you can do online. The Internet makes it possible to access information quickly, communicate around the world, and much more. Unfortunately, the Internet is also home to certain risks , such as malware , spam , and phishing . If you want to stay safe online, you'll need to understand these risks and learn how to avoid them.

Adopting a safer mindset

Computers can often give us a false sense of security . After all, no one can physically harm you through a computer screen. But to stay safe online, you'll want to take a more cautious approach. Here's one way to think about it: Treat the Internet as you would a shopping mall .

Most people don't consider a mall to be an especially dangerous place. You can go there to shop and meet up with friends. But there are also small things you may do to stay safe, even if you don't think about them very often. For example, you probably wouldn't leave your car unlocked or give your credit card number to a stranger.

Apply this same mindset whenever you're online. You shouldn't be afraid to use the Internet, but remember that it comes with many of the same risks you'd face in the real world. Throughout this tutorial, we'll show you how to prepare for these risks so you can be online without putting yourself in danger.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

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Essay on Internet Safety

Students are often asked to write an essay on Internet Safety in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Internet Safety

Understanding internet safety.

Internet safety means being secure online. When we use the internet, we should be careful, just like when crossing the road. It’s important to keep personal information private, like your full name, address, and school.

Creating Strong Passwords

A strong password is like a secure lock. It keeps your online information safe. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use easy words like your pet’s name because others might guess it.

Avoiding Strangers Online

On the internet, not everyone is friendly. Some people pretend to be someone else. Never meet up with someone you met online without a trusted adult.

Safe Sharing

Think before you post photos or share your location. Ask yourself if it’s something you’d want everyone to see. Once it’s online, it’s hard to take it back.

Asking for Help

If something online makes you uncomfortable, tell a grown-up you trust. They can help you. Remember, it’s always okay to ask for help if you’re unsure about anything online.

250 Words Essay on Internet Safety

What is internet safety.

Internet safety is about being secure online. When we go online, we can talk to friends, play games, and learn new things. But just like we look both ways before crossing the street, we need to be careful on the internet too.

Keeping Personal Information Private

Imagine your personal information is like a secret treasure. You wouldn’t want strangers to find it. Online, don’t share your full name, address, phone number, or school name with people you don’t know. It’s like giving them a map to your treasure.

Strong Passwords

A strong password is like a locked door to your online house. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it hard for others to guess. Don’t use easy passwords like “1234” or “password,” and never share your passwords with anyone except your parents.

Being Kind Online

The internet is a place where you can meet people from all over the world. Always be kind and respectful, just like you would be in person. If someone is mean to you, tell an adult you trust.

Staying Away from Strangers

If a stranger tries to talk to you online, don’t answer them. Tell a parent or teacher right away. Just like in the real world, not everyone online is a friend.

Staying safe on the internet is important. Keep your personal information a secret, use strong passwords, be kind, and stay away from strangers. Remember to talk to an adult if anything online makes you feel uncomfortable or scared.

500 Words Essay on Internet Safety

Internet safety is about being protected online. When we use the internet, we share information about ourselves, sometimes without knowing it. It’s like leaving the door to your house open; if you’re not careful, someone you don’t want inside might come in. So, it’s important to keep that door closed and locked by being smart about how we act on the internet.

One key part of staying safe online is to keep your personal information private. This means not telling strangers your full name, where you live, your phone number, or where you go to school. It’s like not telling a person you just met all your secrets. Only share personal details with people and websites you trust, and even then, only when it’s necessary.

Safe Passwords

A good way to protect your information is by using safe passwords. Think of a password like a key to your online room. You wouldn’t give your house key to just anyone, right? Make sure your password is hard to guess. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and don’t use easy things like your name or birthday. And remember, don’t share your password with friends; it’s meant to be a secret.

Be Careful What You Click

When you’re online, you’ll see lots of things to click on, like ads or links in emails. But not all of them are safe. Some can be tricks to take your information or put bad software on your computer. This is like picking up a piece of candy from the ground – it’s not a good idea. If something looks strange or too good to be true, it’s best not to click on it.

Online Strangers

Just like in the real world, you might meet people you don’t know on the internet. Be cautious when talking to strangers online. They might not be who they say they are. It’s like talking to someone with a mask on; you can’t be sure of who’s behind it. Never agree to meet someone in person that you’ve only talked to online without a trusted adult.

Using Social Media Wisely

Social media is a place to connect with friends and have fun. But, be smart about what you post. Don’t put up pictures or information that you wouldn’t want everyone to see. Once something is on the internet, it can be there forever, even if you delete it. It’s like writing in wet cement; once it dries, it’s really hard to get rid of.

Ask for Help

If something online makes you feel uncomfortable or if you’re not sure if something is safe, ask a trusted adult for help. This could be a parent, teacher, or an older sibling. It’s like when you’re not sure about crossing the street; you ask for someone’s hand.

Remember, being safe on the internet is a lot like being safe in everyday life. By keeping your information to yourself, using strong passwords, being careful about what you click, being cautious with strangers, using social media wisely, and asking for help, you can enjoy all the good things the internet has to offer without worry. Stay alert and stay safe!

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Internet Revolution
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Youth Internet Safety: Risks, Responses, and Research Recommendations

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Subscribe to the Center for Technology Innovation Newsletter

Adina farrukh , af adina farrukh rebecca sadwick , and rs rebecca sadwick john villasenor john villasenor nonresident senior fellow - governance studies , center for technology innovation @johndvillasenor.

October 21, 2014

As Internet use by children and teenagers increases, so do concerns about their online safety. Providing a safe environment requires an in-depth understanding of the types and prevalence of online risks young Internet users face, as well as the potential solutions for mitigating risks.

Despite the significant amount of research on these risks, improving child/youth Internet safety remains a challenge. In part, this is because definitions of terms and categories relevant to online safety (such as “cyberbullying”) often vary, making the comparison of statistics and findings among sources imprecise. In addition, there are complex overlaps among different online safety subtopics.

Overall, these factors can make identifying the specific gaps in existing research and knowledge difficult. If these gaps can be better identified and filled, a data-based understanding of issues facing youth could play a key role in driving policy decisions regarding online safety.

In this paper, Adina Farrukh, Rebecca Sadwick and John Villasenor provide:

• an overview of existing online safety research across a wide range of categories
• an analysis of major findings
• an identification of knowledge gaps, and
• a set of recommendations for specific areas of research that can further the policy dialog regarding online safety

Governance Studies

Center for Technology Innovation

Nicol Turner Lee, Jennifer Huddleston , Christopher Wood

January 29, 2024

Nicol Turner Lee, Stephen Balkam, Kara Sundby

November 20, 2023

Ariel Gelrud Shiro, Richard V. Reeves

August 26, 2021

Home » Internet Service

How to Stay Safe Online

10 easy tips for creating passwords, installing antivirus software, and using a VPN to keep you safe online.

We may earn money when you click our links.

It’s no secret that the internet is home to some shady characters, but staying safe online doesn’t require you to turn your internet off. Instead, stay mindful and take a look at these 10 easy tips for internet safety:

• Don’t share personal information.
• Double-check and verify links.
• Use secure public Wi-Fi.
• Only log into sites that start with https://.
• Be careful who you chat with.
• Turn off your Bluetooth.
• Use antivirus software.
• Use secure passwords.
• Backup your data.

Read on to learn more about each tip, plus find out about resources that can help you and your family stay safe while surfing the web.

1. Don’t share your personal information

When it comes to online safety, it goes without saying that you should never share your passwords, banking information, social media account access, or address online. And keep in mind that identity theft isn't the only risk with of a lack of cyber security, so some details are riskier to share than you'd expect. Other information, like details about your relationship, could be used to figure out answers to your security questions or even give hackers a tip-off when it comes to guessing your password.

You should also be aware that anything you post on social media (or anywhere) may continue to exist online even after you delete it. We’ve had prospective employers ask about content from our high school blog—and that’s been offline for about a decade or longer now. (Cue the facepalm emoji.)

2. Double-check any links before you click

When checking your email or scrolling through social media, make sure you know and trust any links before you click on them.

Many cybercriminals seek to infest your computer with malware by tricking you into downloading compromised apps and software. Before you download, be sure you trust the site you’re getting your new game or app from. And just straight up avoid downloading anything that looks suspicious.

One way to tell if a link is safe is to mouse over it. This will show a preview of the full link in your web browser’s status bar. Check to make sure the preview link matches the site it should be from—you can verify the correct site link by googling the company name.

For example, if you get an email from Wells Fargo bank and the link preview shows “www.wells-fargo-bank.com,” it doesn’t match the correct site link that comes up in Google: “www.wellsfargo.com.”

And if you get an email that asks you to log in, it’s safer to not click the login link in the email, and instead go to the brand’s official site to sign in there. You can go to the official site either by googling the brand’s name or, if you know it by heart, typing the site address in the URL bar of your browser.

This tip includes links sent to you by friends on messaging apps. True story time: We’ve had our computer compromised by a link sent by a trusted friend over a messaging app before. The bottom line is, if it seems sketchy, play it safe and don’t click.

If you’re not sure if a link is safe, you can always Google the company to find a link to the official site. Or, if an email or site asks you to log in to your bank or other accounts, you can always call to verify the request.

3. Use secure public Wi-Fi networks

You should never use an unsecured (unlocked with no password) public Wi-Fi network unless you absolutely have to. And if you do use one, avoid logging into any of your accounts online or on apps or entering in any personal or financial information.

Hackers are known to set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to lure unsuspecting web surfers in. Once someone logs into the fake Wi-Fi, the hacker can see basically everything they do online. Scary . 

If you’re out on the town and looking for a Wi-Fi connection, it’s safest to ask a barista or employee what the name of their Wi-Fi network is. And if the password isn’t posted where you can see it, make sure you get that info too.

4. Use a VPN with your Wi-Fi connection

A VPN , or virtual private network, securely connects your device to an internet server so that no one can monitor your activity or access your data through your internet connection. It’s a great (and legal) way to keep your connection secure at home and even while you’re out and about using public Wi-Fi.

The only downside to the increased security a VPN provides? It could slow your internet connection. This is because the VPN routes your info through another server to secure your data. You win some, you lose some, we guess.

Check out our guide on how VPNs work , plus a list of our top VPN picks.

More people are working from home lately, and that means many of us may be targeted by online criminals. One way to keep yourself protected is to use a VPN—and keep it updated, as recommended by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

If you're looking for secure internet providers, here are some of our top picks.

5. Only log into sites that start with https://

Need to see your checking account balance? If you’re about to log into any site, make sure the address at the top of your web browser starts with https:// and not http://. You may also see a padlock symbol next to the site address.

The “S” stands for “secure,” and it means the site is encrypting your data.

Online shopping involves providing personal information such as your bank account, or credit card information. Before checking out, double-check that the site you're on is secure. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to get ahold of credit cards and bank account information. 

6. Be careful who you and your children talk to

Cyberbullying, threats, and harassment are very real online issues. We recommend being choosy about who you talk to and engage with online. And if they cross the line, document the issue and hit that block button. No one deserves to be treated that way.

Children and teens may be cyberbullied by their peers, leaving them in a rough spot because they personally know the people involved. That’s why it’s important for you to get involved in what your kids are doing online and make sure they know what to do in case they’re bullied online .

7. Turn your Bluetooth off

A team of researchers found that Bluetooth communications can be compromised and even manipulated. 1 They were able to exploit a vulnerability in a Bluetooth connection, then listen to and change the content of nearby Bluetooth communications.

That’s not to say you should never use your Bluetooth. But if you’re not paired to another device and actively using it, it’s best to turn it off. You might even save some of your phone’s battery by doing that.

8. Use antivirus and antimalware software

You should never surf the web without protection in place. Even if you’re on a budget, you can find free and low-cost antivirus software.

Whatever the case, paying a little out of pocket for the software is worth it to avoid the headache of dealing with malware—or worse. And if you already have an antivirus or antimalware software installed, make sure you keep it up to date.

Some of our recommended antivirus and antimalware software includes the following:

• Norton AntiVirus Plus
• Bitdefender
• Malwarebytes
• SpyBot Search and Destroy

9. Create and use complex passwords

Yup, we’re gonna beat that drum: you should always use complex passwords to improve internet safety. A strong password can do a lot to deter cyber criminals. And if your password is listed in the top 200 commonly used passwords (or if it’s similar to any of these, to be honest), you should change it. Now. It also won't hurt to enable a multi-factor authentication where possible.

If you need some help coming up with a secure password, here are some tips:

• Make it at least 15 characters long—longer, if possible.
• Mix up letters (both lowercase and uppercase), numbers, and symbols.
• Don’t use sequences of numbers or letters, like “qwerty.”
• Avoid substitutions like leetspeak (where letters are replaced with similar-looking numbers and symbols).

We know, we know. Passwords are hard enough to remember on their own, let alone when you need a unique password for every site. We recommend using a reputable password manager like LastPass or 1Password .

10. Backup your data

Most Macs and PCs have an option to let you backup your data, and it’s worthwhile taking the time to do it every so often. Data backups can be a lifesaver if your computer gets infected with a virus: you should be able to restore your computer to its original state before it got infected.

Here are some guides for different ways to backup data on your Mac, iOS devices, or PC:

• iCloud (iOS devices)
• Time Machine (Mac)
• Windows 8.1 (PC)
• Windows 10 (PC)
• KNOB Attack, “ About the KNOB Attack ”

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Home — Essay Samples — Business — Safety — The different safety aspects of online safety

The Different Safety Aspects of Online Safety

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Staying Safe Online: 6 Threats, 9 Tips, & 1 Infographic

Before the current pandemic, we used the Internet to do a lot of things. Now, however, with everyone confined to their homes, we have been doing almost everything online. We’re not only talking about shopping. People from all around the world can connect via video calls. They can even work or study online. The Internet has become an essential tool to participate in modern life. However, it’s important to remember that online connection comes with a price.

“Stay home, stay safe” is the current motto. But the more time you spend online, the greater the risk of cyber threats. During the pandemic, the frequency of online crimes has risen exponentially. According to an FBI report of 2020, the number of instances has doubled compared to previous years. Since we can’t stop using the Internet entirely, how can we protect ourselves?

This article:

• examines the six main threats you face online
• provides a list of nine effective tips on how to stay safe
• contains an infographic that is easy to print out
• Top 6 Cybersecurity Threats

9 Internet Safety Tips

• Internet Safety Infographic

Top 6 Cybersecurity Threats in 2024

The FBI released a report created by the Internet Crime Complaint Center. It revealed that in 2020 the number of registered cybercrimes almost doubled compared to the previous year. Victims have lost large quantities of money due to different types of online scams. What caused such a drastic rise in online crimes?

One theory is that those who have been left unemployed have begun to make money as cybercriminals. These job seekers are so desperate that they agree to work for organized groups of criminals who scam Internet users. Unfortunately, this is the new reality that the high unemployment rates from the pandemic have created.

Online frauds are becoming more and more sophisticated. Now, successful hackers also use tactics from human psychology and social engineering . Cybercriminals find weaknesses by applying psychological tricks. They blackmail people through social media or their phones. To keep yourself and your money safe, you need to be aware of all the online threats described below.

• Phishing Attacks Phishing is one of the most popular types of cyber-attacks. The method works by sending out personalized messages to people and inviting them to click a link. These links damage the victim’s operating system by installing harmful software or even compromising the victim’s safety through the exposure of private information. Since most people are aware of such attacks, cybercriminals have had to develop new methods to trick users. Now, they use machine learning to create even more convincing messages. The main goal is to fool employees into disclosing sensitive information , such as passwords to the organization’s systems or credit card data.
• Scareware Like phishing, this type of cybercrime is based on social engineering. Scareware describes all software that tricks users into visiting websites that contain viruses. These can be especially dangerous because they can mimic notifications from antivirus software . They show up in the form of pop-up messages that claim to have detected a virus on your computer. Such notifications look authentic. Users don’t think twice before paying for the installation of the software that can fix the supposed problem. However, what they receive instead is malware that intends to steal private data. Often, scareware saves your credit card information so that cybercriminals can use it for identity theft.
• Third-Party Apps Even though third-party apps may have some benefits, they still carry potential risks to your privacy. Such apps ask for your permission to access your accounts. For example, some post on your social media accounts via other apps. This saves time and seems handy, right? Not so fast! There have been many cases where third-party apps have spammed and posted messages on people’s accounts. However, that’s not the worst thing they can do. Those apps can potentially hand your personal data over to other parties . Your security and privacy are undermined with third-party apps.
• DDoS Attacks Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are usually aimed at websites or online services. These attacks try to overwhelm a website with so much traffic that the server can’t withstand the assault. This can be in the form of an enormous number of requests or incoming messages. As a result, the website crashes and fails to operate normally. Sometimes, these attacks are mild or demand that you transfer money. However, with attacks powerful enough, hackers can take control of huge international services, such as Amazon, Netflix, or even Visa. Another way cybercriminals use DDoS attacks is to initiate them as a distraction. While the company or organization is trying to get things under control, the criminal steals data or installs malicious software.
• Cloud Threats The idea behind cloud threats is simple – hackers use cloud services to retrieve personal data stored there. Sometimes accessing cloud data is just a first step in their plan to perform a DDoS attack or blackmail the users. Many companies and organizations have been the victims of these attacks. In 2020, the situation worsened. Individual users and big organizations have been reporting more and more cases of data loss through cloud attacks. Sometimes, cybercriminals remain unnoticed in the cloud system until much later. The time they spend preparing the attacks helps them evade security measures.
• Work-from-Home Threats Since the start of the pandemic, many people have started working from home, which means that they receive less protection from their employers in regards to cybersecurity. The risks have increased for employees, which has IT specialists pretty worried. In addition to all the threats described above, users are exposed to the risks of using public Wi-Fi . Those who work from home are suffering from more phishing attacks as well. In part, this is due to the more active use of email and messaging apps.

All of these threats seem quite dangerous to your privacy, don’t they? What can you do to protect yourself from cyber-attacks? You don’t have to become an IT expert. Just following a few simple rules is enough.

Here are our main tips on how to keep cybercriminals away:

• Capital letters
• Unique signs

There are tools that can make this process easier. For example, password generators provide you with solid and secure passwords in just a few seconds.

• Don’t share personal data on your social media accounts. Sharing pictures of major life events or everyday moments on social media may seem fairly innocent. However, you should probably be more careful. Everyone has access to that information. Skilled cybercriminals have no trouble tracking down your relationships and other details about your life. They may use what they find to trick your friends into giving up sensitive information. It’s not hard to find out dates of birth, email addresses, interests, and details about family members, which makes it even easier for hackers to break into your account (see the first tip to avoid this!).
• Visit only secure websites. Sometimes, website content may seem too appealing not to visit. You might even go ahead and create a profile, sharing your personal information. You should be careful, though, because not all websites are safe places. Who knows what malicious programs and scams are hidden there? Before doing anything, make sure you check the website address. URLs beginning with “https” are safer than ones with “http” because the letter “s” stands for security. Another thing to look out for is a small lock sign near the URL . Nowadays, web browsers are able to recognize safe websites and mark them as secure with this sign.
• Use legitimate software. Yes, we understand that it carries a high price tag, but do you really want to take risks? Going to unsafe websites and using third parties to get free software is not the best idea nor the most ethical practice. Whenever you want to get an app or a program, you should do it through an official provider’s website, whether or not you pay. This ensures the authenticity of the software. Otherwise, you risk downloading a virus or malicious program instead. Don’t forget to keep everything updated!
• Be careful when using credit cards. It is estimated that for every $100 spent by credit card users, about $10 is lost due to fraud . There are many dangers in using your cards for online shopping, but these tips will help you avoid those traps. First of all, try not to use debit cards that are directly linked to your bank account, and use only one card to purchase things online. Another thing to consider is adding a second layer of protection, which is usually offered by your bank. For example, not only will you be asked to put in a password, but a code sent to your email or phone will be required. Lastly, don’t forget to check if the website is safe.
• Use two-step verification. It’s easy for hackers to guess your password and steal your personal data unless they have to verify that they are the rightful owners. How is this done? The most common solution is a process called two-step verification. For example, Google offers this option to all of its users. Instead of simply typing in your password, you also need to enter a code that is sent to your phone in order to log in to your account. Many websites and services offer these security measures (such as banks, which we highlighted in the previous tip).
• Steer clear of phishing scams. Chances are that at least once in your life, you have received a message with questionable content. Keep an eye out for similar ones and never respond or click on any links! Typically, the message contains some irresistible offer or could allegedly be sent from a website you trust. Sometimes, they can appear as notifications about an issue, calling for you to take some action. It is essential to recognize whether the sender of these messages is someone you actually know. Always remember to follow the tips described above, such as using two-step verification and legitimate software.
• After getting a router from your provider, make sure you change its name and password . It is not hard to do by yourself, and such a measure can provide additional security.
• It is also a good idea to see whether your new router has the most recent security protocols since these make it harder for cybercriminals to hack into it.
• Don’t forget to log out. The convenience of staying logged in to your favorite websites is high, but it is dangerous for the security of your personal information. Not only can online services keep you logged in at all times, but they can also save all of your data. Sometimes, websites don’t even ask if you want them to remember passwords. We know that it is more difficult to enter long passwords every time you enter a website, especially from your phone, but this provides additional security. Think about these issues carefully and determine your priorities. We are only here to help you.

Internet Safety Tips: Infographic

In this infographic, we have put together all the best tips to help you stay safe online. These nine tips are easy to incorporate into your daily life. Read over this list of small things you can do every day to protect your private information (it’s easy to print out, too!).

To sum up, in today’s world, you need to stay alert even when you are at home using your laptop. Being aware of the ways hackers steal your sensitive data is essential. Besides, we highly recommend making good use of the tips we provided in this article. You can start making your online life safer right now!

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Not only would I give the tips you gave but for eachvone as a teacher I would try to find concrete examples of how people accomplish the cyber acts. I use to find many in my junk mail. Illustrate to the students how they are worded and take advantage of the innocent.

Thanks for the feedback, Susan. Your opinion is very important for us!

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How to Be Safe on the Internet

Last Updated: February 9, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Scott Nelson, JD . Scott Nelson is a Police Sergeant with the Mountain View Police Department in California. He is also a practicing attorney for Goyette & Associates, Inc. where he represents public employees with a myriad of labor issues throughout the state. He has over 15 years of experience in law enforcement and specializes in digital forensics. Scott has received extensive training through the National Computer Forensics Institute and holds forensic certifications from Cellbrite, Blackbag, Axiom Forensics, and others. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the California State University Stanislaus and a Juris Doctorate from the Laurence Drivon School of Law. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 21 testimonials and 81% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 975,969 times.

The Internet is a huge part of many people’s everyday lives. It’s fun, useful, and informative, but can also be dangerous, no matter how safe you feel while browsing. By getting into the habit of using good Internet safety practices, you can protect your information and your identity for years to come.

Internet Safety Cheat Sheet

Protecting Your Passwords

• Try abbreviating a phrase. For example, “Soda at dinner keeps you up at night” could become “S@dKuU@n!”
• Longer passwords are always stronger, so try using a favorite quote, or a line from a song, book, or movie. Remember that some websites have password length restrictions, so make sure to follow those as well. [2] X Research source
• Avoid using common passwords like “123456” or “password,” or information about you that others might easily be able to find out, like a nickname, your favorite sport, or your pet's name. Also, don’t use the same password on multiple sites as this can increase the likelihood of being hacked.

• You can use some password managers for free, while more premium options are available for a fee.
• Popular, trustworthy password managers include 1Password and LastPass. You can find others by searching for them online.
• You can also use your browser’s built-in password syncing service, although it’s considered less safe and more vulnerable to hacking, so use with caution. [4] X Research source

• To check whether an account has multi-factor authentication, check the site’s Settings page.
• This extra step might seem annoying, but it will keep your information safer than just a password alone.

Brandon Phipps

Enable two-factor authentication on all your digital accounts. That applies to all your personal accounts, business accounts, finances, client information, and productivity apps. Two-factor authentication protects your sensitive data from unauthorized parties and reduces the risk of security breaches.

• Avoid sites with misspellings or bad grammar in their addresses, which could be dangerous copycats of legitimate websites.
• Also look out for sites that have lots of pop-ups, or numbers or gibberish in their addresses.

• Log out of any site you use on a public computer or network.
• Log out of any online banking or shopping site you use, even on your home computer and network.
• It’s typically OK to keep your home computer logged on to accounts like your email or social media, as long as you make sure to lock your computer if you ever step away from it.

Using Social Media and Email Safely

• Go to your account settings and your security or privacy menu to view and change your privacy level.
• Even if you choose to keep your profile public, make sure that crucial information, like your address and phone number, is hidden.

• Do this every few months or so to make sure that everything you want to be private stays that way.

• As a rule of thumb, ask yourself if your post is something you’d want your (grand)parents, teachers, or future employers to see. If the answer is no, don’t post. This is known as the "grandma rule".

• Turn on tag review in your privacy settings.
• You’ll get a notification when someone tags you in a post, then have the option to approve the tag and put the post on your own account, or to deny it.
• If you’re still concerned about a photo even after removing your tag, talk to the poster about taking it down.

• Avoid giving out contact information like your name, address, or phone number, as well as other information that might make it easy to find you, like your school or workplace.

Scott Nelson, JD

Our Expert Agrees: In addition to obvious information that can tell someone where you live (like your school or workplace), make sure not to tell strangers things like your favorite local restaurant, park, or store. This information can be used to get a general idea of where you live.

• If you can’t bring a friend, tell someone where you’ll be, who you’ll be with, and for how long.
• If you’re under 18, never agree to meet someone in-person who you met online.

• The email could also include links that might look legitimate, but never click on them until you can verify that it’s a legitimate message.
• If you know the person whose email was being used, tell them that their account has been hacked and report the phishing by filing a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Fraud Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
• Phishing scammers are often after your bank account or Social Security number, so be extra cautious if you get an email requesting money, login credentials, or very personal information.

Using Safe Sites and Networks

• Spending time on these kinds of websites can give your computer a virus or make it crash.

• Clear your cookies every month or so to wipe out any personal information in them.

• Secure sites should also have a small lock icon in the URL field.
• Although it’s convenient to save your payment information on a shopping site, always do so with caution, as this puts you at risk if the site gets hacked.

• If you often need WiFi on the go, try buying a virtual private network (VPN), a piece of hardware that can create a secure, private connection from anywhere.
• Connect with care on your smartphone, too. If you can, confirm the name and login requirements of the WiFi with appropriate staff before connecting.

• For a fee, you can also download firewall software from authorized sellers like Norton, McAfee, or Microsoft.

Staying Safe on Your Smartphone

• Automatically encrypted phones include iPhones, newer Androids, and Google’s Pixel phones.
• You can enable encryption software on your Android in its security menu.
• For extra protection, you can download encryption applications from the app store.

Encryption is essential to maintain security and avoid disastrous consequences. Encrypt sensitive systems with client and financial data to restrict access to authorized users only. Act promptly and keep this practice in the future.

• If you see an unknown Bluetooth request to pair with your device, ignore or deny it right away.
• Take extra care in crowded areas where potential hackers are within range of your Bluetooth, such as restaurants and public transportation.

• Remember to read over the requirements, terms, and conditions an app has before you install it. This will be long and probably boring, but it’s important that you know exactly what is being installed onto your device.

• Some security packages also come with remote locking capabilities to prevent a stolen phone from being used.

Expert Q&A

• To add an extra layer of security to your phone, create a PIN or use its fingerprint or face ID options. This will make it harder to access your information if your phone gets lost or stolen. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Install antivirus and malware protection if at all possible, as it’s one of the most reliable ways to keep your hard drive safe. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Get identity theft protection through your credit card company or a separate service. This can help catch some identity theft attempts by notifying you of leaked information or suspicious purchases. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• I know that everyone loves posting on Twitter and Instagram, but it's really important to never post anything personal or identifiable. Even something as small as publicly listing your birthday can come back to bite you.
• Make sure to tell an adult if you see something inappropriate, upsetting, or confusing. Learning to be safe online takes some time, so ask tons of questions.
• Share your password with your parents. They'll be able to get you logged on if you ever forget.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/consumer/consumer-threat-notices/10-tips-stay-safe-online/
• ↑ https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32040?hl=en
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/technology/personaltech/managing-your-passwords-with-a-web-browser.html
• ↑ https://www.pewinternet.org/2012/02/24/privacy-management-on-social-media-sites/
• ↑ https://www.pamf.org/teen/life/risktaking/internet.html
• ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-phishing
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2011/jun/17/ask-jack-internet-privacy-web-browsers-cookies
• ↑ https://www.thejournal.ie/phone-encryption-check-2901557-Jul2016/
• ↑ https://www.bullguard.com/bullguard-security-center/mobile-security/mobile-protection-resources/8-ways-to-keep-your-smartphone-safe.aspx

About This Article

To be safe on the Internet, keep your social media profiles private so that strangers can't easily find your personal information online. When you shop online, make sure the website you're ordering from has a small lock icon in the URL field, which means it's secure and your info won't get stolen. Also, when you sign up for new accounts online, use a unique password that contains numbers, symbols, and letters so it's harder for people to steal your information. To learn how to be safe while using the internet on your smartphone, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Top 15 internet safety rules and what not to do online

So much of our daily life revolves around the internet, from work to education and even talking with friends. A  2021 survey  found that the average US household had around 25 internet-connected devices, up from 11 in 2019. The more online accounts and devices you have, the greater the scope for cybercriminals to cause you harm. That’s why it's now ever more essential to understand internet safety rules which protect you and your family from threats that may harm your data and devices. Read on to find out about key internet dangers and the ways to stay safe online.

The Key Dangers of the Internet

When you and your family use the internet, you are (often unknowingly) exposing yourself to a wide range of potential online threats. Digital landscapes as we know them are constantly evolving as cybercriminals devise new ways to target internet users. Here is a list of just some of the biggest internet dangers you and your family need to watch out for:

• Identity theft.
• Data breaches.
• Malware and viruses.
• Phishing and scam emails.
• Fake websites.
• Online scams.
• Romance scams.
• Inappropriate content.
• Cyberbullying.
• Faulty privacy settings.

Essential Internet Safety Tips

To avoid all of these dangers, we recommend following our essential internet safety tips when you or your family are online:

1. Make sure you’re using a secure internet connection

Although using public Wi-Fi is not recommended, it’s sometimes unavoidable when you are out and about. However, when you go online in a public place and use a  public Wi-Fi  connection, you have no direct control over its security, which could leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks. So, if you are using public Wi-Fi, avoid carrying out personal transactions that use sensitive data, such as online banking or online shopping.

If you need to do any one of these, use a  Virtual Private Network or VPN . A VPN will protect any of the data you send over an unsecured network via real-time encryption. If you don't use a VPN, we recommend saving any personal transactions until you can use a trusted internet connection. You can find out more about what a VPN is here .

2. Choose strong passwords

Passwords are one of the biggest weak spots when it comes to cybersecurity. People often choose passwords that are easy to remember and, therefore, easy for hackers to crack with hacking software. In addition to this, using the same password for multiple sites puts your data at further risk. If hackers obtain your credentials from one site, they can potentially access other websites which use the same login details.

Select  strong passwords  that are harder for cybercriminals to crack. A strong password is:

• Long – made up of at least 12 characters (ideally more).
• A mix of characters – upper-case and lower-case letters plus symbols and numbers.
• Avoids the obvious – such as using sequential numbers (“1234”) or personal information that someone who knows you might guess (or that might already be online), such as your date of birth or a pet’s name.
• Avoids memorable keyboard paths.

Using a  password manager  can help. Password managers help users create strong passwords, store them in a digital vault (which is protected by a single master password) and retrieve them when logging into accounts online.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication where you can

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that asks users to provide two or more verification methods to access an online account. For example, instead of simply asking for a username or password, multifactor authentication goes further by requesting additional information, such as:

• An extra one-time password that the website's authentication servers send to the user's phone or email address.
• Answers to personal security questions.
• A fingerprint or other biometric information, such as voice or face recognition.

Multifactor authentication decreases the likelihood of a successful cyberattack. To make your online accounts more secure, it’s a good idea to implement multifactor authentication where possible. You can also consider using a third-party authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator or Authy, to help with your internet security.

4. Keep software and operating systems updated

Developers are constantly working to make products safe, monitoring the latest threats and rolling out security patches in case of vulnerabilities in their software. By using the latest versions of your operating systems and apps, you will benefit from the latest security patches. This is especially important for apps that contain payment, health or other sensitive information about a user.

5. Check that websites look and feel reliable

For any website you visit, especially ones you transact with (such as e-commerce sites), it's crucial that they are reliable. A key element to look out for is an SSL/security certificate . This means, lookout for URLs that start with “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP” (the “S” stands for “secure”) and have a padlock icon in the address bar. Other trust signals include:

• Text which is free from spelling and grammar mistakes – reputable brands will make an effort to ensure their websites are well-written and proofread.
• Images that are not pixelated and fit the screen's width correctly.
• Ads that feel organic and are not too overpowering.
• No sudden changes in color or theme. In some cases, where users have interacted with a particular website and returned to a familiar page from a link, subtle color or design changes might indicate forgery.
• The accepted standards of online payments – legitimate ecommerce websites use credit or debit card portals or PayPal, only. If a website is using another form of digital money transfer to accept payments, it is probably fraudulent.

6. Review your privacy settings and understand privacy policies

Marketers love to know all about you, and so do hackers. Both can learn a lot from your browsing and social media usage. But you can take charge of how much information third-parties can access. Both web browsers and mobile operating systems have settings to protect your privacy online. Social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, amongst others, have privacy-enhancing settings that you can activate. It’s worth taking a while to review your privacy settings across the board and make sure they are set to a level you are comfortable with.

Many of us accept privacy policies without reading them, but with so much data used for marketing and advertising (and hacking) purposes, it's a good idea to review the privacy policies of websites and apps you use, in order to understand how your data is collected and analyzed. However, bear in mind that even if your settings are set to private, very little data online is totally private. Hackers, website administrators and law enforcement could still have access to the information you regard as private.

7. Be careful of suspicious links and where you click

A careless click can expose your personal data online or infect your device with  malware . That’s why it's essential to browse consciously and avoid certain types of online content – such as links from untrusted sources and spam emails, online quizzes, clickbait, ‘free’ offers or unsolicited ads.

If you receive an email that you're not sure about, avoid clicking on any links in it or opening any attachments.

In fact, it's best to avoid opening untrusted emails at all. If you’re not sure whether an email is legitimate or not, go directly to the source. For example, if you receive a suspicious email from your “bank”, call your bank and ask them if the email is genuine.

When you’re on a website, make sure links click through to relevant or expected topics. For example, if you click on a link that you think is about safaris in Africa, but instead you're taken to a clickbait-style page about celebrity weight loss or a “where are they now?” style piece, then quickly close the page.

8. Make sure your devices are secure

With up to 60% of people using mobile devices for shopping and finding information online, instead of a desktop, it’s important that they are secured correctly. With all your devices – phones, computers, tablets, smartwatches, smart TVs, etc. – it's good practice to use passwords or passcodes and other security options like fingerprint readers or face-scanning technology. These measures will reduce the likelihood of a cyberattack or your personal data being stolen by hackers.

9. Backup data regularly

It's important to backup important personal information on external hard drives and regularly create new backups.  Ransomware  – a type of malware – involves cybercriminals locking your computer so you can’t access valuable files. Backing up your data – and your family’s data – helps mitigate the impact of a ransomware attack. You can protect yourself further with appropriate security software. Other forms of malware deny you access to your personal data by overwhelming your system or simply deleting files, so be careful.

10. Close unused accounts

Over the years, many of us accumulate old accounts that we no longer use. These can be a weak link in terms of safety when using the internet – not only are old accounts more likely to have weaker passwords, but some of those sites may have poor data protection policies. In addition, cybercriminals could piece together the information you have left in them, for example, old social media profiles – such as your date of birth or location, etc. – to build up a picture of your identity in an attempt to hack you later. As a result, we recommend closing your old online accounts and requesting that your data be deleted from the relevant third-party servers.

11. Be careful what you download

A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware, which can be used to open a “backdoor” to your machine. Malware might be disguised as an app – anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather. Or, it could be hidden on a malicious website that attempts to install malware on your device.

Malware causes damage – such as disrupting how your device operates, stealing your personal data or allowing unauthorized access to your machine. This usually requires some action on your part, but there are also  drive-by downloads , where a website attempts to install software on your computer without asking for permission first. Think carefully before visiting a new website or downloading anything onto your device, and only download content from trusted or official sources. Regularly check your download folders and if unknown files appear on your system (potentially, from a drive-by), delete them immediately.

12. Be careful what you post and where

The internet does not have a delete key. Any comment or image you post online may stay online forever because removing the original won’t remove any copies that other people may have made. There is no way for you to ‘take back’ a comment you wish you hadn't made or remove an embarrassing image you posted. So, don't put anything online that you would not want a parent or prospective employer to see.

Similarly, be careful about disclosing personal information about yourself online. For example, avoid disclosing your social security number, address or date of birth in social media bios. You wouldn't hand personal information out to strangers individually, so don't hand it out to millions of people online.

Be careful about where you display or submit your email address. It's good to have a secondary, throwaway email account that you use solely for email sign-ups and subscriptions, separate from the one you use for friends and family, and separate from the one you use for work.

13. Be careful who you meet online

People you meet online are not always who they claim to be. Indeed, they may not even be real. Fake social media profiles are a popular way for hackers to groom unwary internet users and pick their cyber pockets. Apply the same caution in your online social life as you would for your in-person social life. This is particularly true with  the rise of online dating scams in recent years .

14. Double check online information

Sadly, fake news, misinformation and disinformation are all present on the internet. It's easy to feel lost with the flood of information we're exposed to every day. If you read something you are unsure of, do your own research to establish the facts. Reliable websites will have references to the original information and source materials. Suspicious pages won’t offer any references at all. Read  our guide to spotting fake news here .

15. Use a good antivirus and keep it updated

As well as following safety tips for online behavior, it's essential to use a good quality antivirus provider . Internet security software guards your devices and data and blocks common threats like viruses and malware (plus complex ones like spy apps, “cryptolockers” and XSS attacks). As with all operating systems and apps, it's essential to keep your antivirus updated to stay ahead of the latest cyberthreats.

3 Online safety rules for the kids

Although many of the tips to stay safe online are the same for adults and children, they are not easy or straightforward to explain. Often, children can accidentally be a gateway for malicious actors to gain access to your digital systems. It is therefore important to teach your kids the essentials of staying safe online in order to protect your home network from any unwanted accidents. Here are 3 areas that you should cover:

Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint, what exists of you online after usage, is an important concept that children need to know about. When teaching children about this, it’s important to focus on how information is readily available and how others could interact with this data (for example, email addresses and usernames that contain identifying information, which could be used for criminal activity). Wider discussions can also come from this, such as sharing content online (through social media, gaming accounts and emails). Make sure to clearly state what content is not allowed on the internet (photos, address, phone numbers and middle names).

Strong passwords are integral to modern cybersecurity measures today. Instructing children from a young age about the importance of strong passwords (ones that consists of at least 12 characters and are a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols) and their appropriate storage is one of the simplest ways to make the internet safer for your family. This is also why it can be very useful to have a password management system that can automatically fill in password credentials for different websites.

Communication

One of the most accessed routes for all manner of cybercriminal, online messaging and communication is a “must-have” conversation for your children’s safety. Primarily, it is important to explain how to identify and avoid messages, suspicious links, downloads or emails from strangers asking for identifying information online. This can also lead to a wider discussion about how to detect phishing scams and fake websites. The second most important part of safe online communication is correct engagement with others. Much like the real world, staying safe can sometimes depend on staying vigilant, engaging in polite communication and learning how to identify and not engage with bullying. Educate your child on what cyberbullying looks like and how to act kindly to others online.

Recommended products:

• Kaspersky Safe Kids
• Kaspersky Home Security
• Kaspersky Password Manager

Further reading:

• Do’s and don’ts for teaching internet safety to kids
• What is a security breach and how to avoid one?
• What is a Digital Footprint?
• Spam & Phishing | Phishing Scam Threats

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Essay on Internet Safety

Any person under the age of eighteen is still in the crucial developmental stage, a beautiful stage that a simple electronic device is robbing them of. With new innovative technology hitting the market constantly, toys are thrown out the window to make room for their new device. With this came questions from parents, wondering if allowing them to be unsheltered on their time and activity on the web. A child should be limited in the amount of time spent on the internet because they lack basic internet protection skills, socialization skills, and time for exploring other mediums of entertainment.

A normal child does not have proper extensive knowledge of internet safety. Most adults are ignoring the ‘stranger danger' rule, they were taught as a kid, which translates into this generation of kids' ignorance. Children spend any time they can attach to their device and it is an accepted fact at this point. What they do in their time online. Sites that are heavily populated with children have put in some effort in their system to block any content not suitable for kids and censor comments before they are posted, but this does not mean a primitive system will catch-all the content before kids are exposed to it. A fragile child's innocence is easy to be taken advantage of. Thus, the expression ‘taking candy from a baby' is so popular. A child can easily send out information about their whereabouts, their full name, and general private personal information that should not be on the internet. A parent can put an abundance of restrictions, but there is always a way to become exposed to the dangers of the internet.

There is not a bona fide way of communication nowadays. Kids find no need to explore socialization and communication skills when they have the safety wall of the internet. On the internet, people can present themselves in any way they please, because they don't have that humane aspect of face to face interaction. Kids will find a deeper comfort in confident strangers in YouTube videos, than their fellow peers and parents. The youth are gluing themselves to their device, to the point where they have thrown out mundane activities such as play dates and local trips with friends for more time on their device. They are losing any humane aspect to them, for more measly time spent online. Kids are making friends so easily on the internet, they do not feel a need to make friends or learn how to behave in face to face interactions. Anyone can put on a suave exterior online, but it does not accurately reflect their true self of being a faux pas.

Most children are spending all their time on the internet, that doesn’t allow any time for exercise. Children even with a fast metabolism, they will start to experience a lack of strength and youth obesity. The youth is becoming increasing lazier, the act of being in a stationary position for hours on end will only be harming the body. There is the inarguable fact that people need to remain active to continue living a healthy life. In most schools, there is a required physical education class, where kids uninterestedly participate and underperform from the level they are supposed to be.

Parents should not only be restricting their child’s time on the computer, but also restricting their allowed activity on it, because of the dangers. Parents allow for their child to be exposed to a profusion of amounts of dangers associated with being online. Kids are going rapidly ostracizing themselves from the world, lacking basic socialization skills. A child’s most valuable developmental time should not be spent indoors online, rather being active with friends. Children are going to grow to be their best self if they are limited on the addictive web and more focused on bettering the reality.

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The intermittent fasting trend may pose risks to your heart

Intermittent fasting — when people only eat at certain times of day — has exploded in popularity in recent years. But now a surprising new study suggests that there might be reason to be cautious: It found that some intermittent fasters were more likely to die of heart disease.

The findings were presented Monday at an American Heart Association meeting in Chicago and focused on a popular version of intermittent fasting that involves eating all your meals in just eight hours or less — resulting in at least a 16-hour daily fast, commonly known as “time-restricted” eating.

The study analyzed data on the dietary habits of 20,000 adults across the United States who were followed from 2003 to 2018. They found that people who adhered to the eight-hour eating plan had a 91 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to people who followed a more traditional dietary pattern of eating their food across 12 to 16 hours each day.

The scientists found that this increased risk also applied to people who were already living with a chronic disease or cancer. People with existing cardiovascular disease who followed a time-restricted eating pattern had a 66 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease or a stroke. Those who had cancer meanwhile were more likely to die of the disease if they followed a time-restricted diet compared to people with cancer who followed an eating duration of at least 16 hours a day.

The study results suggest that people who practice intermittent fasting for long periods of time, particularly those with existing heart conditions or cancer, should be “extremely cautious,” said Victor Wenze Zhong, the lead author and the chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China.

“Based on the evidence as of now, focusing on what people eat appears to be more important than focusing on the time when they eat,” he added.

Zhong said that he and his colleagues conducted the new study because they wanted to see how eating in a narrow window each day would impact “hard endpoints” such as heart disease and mortality. He said that they were surprised by their findings.

“We had expected that long-term adoption of eight-hour time restricted eating would be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular death and even all-cause death,” he said.

Losing lean muscle mass

The data didn’t explain why time-restricted eating increased a person’s health risks. But the researchers did find that people who followed a 16:8 time-restricted eating pattern, where they eat during an eight-hour window and fast for 16, had less lean muscle mass compared to people who ate throughout longer periods of the day. That lines up with a previous clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine , which found that people assigned to follow a time-restricted diet for three months lost more muscle than a control group that was not assigned to do intermittent fasting.

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Holding onto muscle as you age is important. It protects you against falls and disability and can boost your metabolic health. Studies have found that having low muscle mass is linked to higher mortality rates, including a higher risk of dying from heart disease, said Zhong.

He stressed that the findings were not definitive. The study uncovered a correlation between time-restricted eating and increased mortality, but it could not show cause and effect. It’s possible for example that people who restricted their food intake to an eight-hour daily window had other habits or risk factors that might explain their increased likelihood of dying from heart disease. The scientists also noted that the study relied on self-reported dietary information. It’s also possible that the participants did not always accurately report their eating durations.

A trendy form of dieting and weight control

Intermittent fasting has been widely touted by celebrities and health experts who say it produces weight loss and a variety of health benefits. Another form of intermittent fasting involves alternating fasting days with days of eating normally. Some people follow the 5:2 diet, in which they eat normally for five days a week and then fast for two days.

But time-restricted eating is generally considered the easiest form of intermittent fasting for people to follow because it doesn’t require full-day fasts. It also typically doesn’t involve excessive food restriction. Adherents often eat or drink whatever they want during the eight-hour eating period — the only rule is that they don’t eat at other times of day.

Some of the earliest studies on time-restricted eating found that it helped prevent mice from developing obesity and metabolic syndrome. These were followed by mostly small clinical trials in humans, some of which showed that time-restricted eating helped people lose weight and improve their blood pressure , blood sugar and cholesterol levels. These studies were largely short-term, typically lasting one to three months, and in some cases showed no benefit .

One of the most rigorous studies of time-restricted eating was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2022. It found that people with obesity who were assigned to follow a low-calorie diet and instructed to eat only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily lost no more weight than people who ate the same number of calories throughout the day with no restrictions on when they could eat. The two diets had similar effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other metabolic markers.

The findings suggest that any benefits of time-restricted eating likely result from eating fewer calories.

More questions about intermittent fasting

Christopher Gardner, the director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, said he encouraged people to approach the new study with “healthy skepticism.” He said that while the findings were interesting, he wants to see all the data, including potential demographic differences in the study subjects.

“Did they all have the same level of disposable income and the same level of stress,” he said. “Or is it that the people who ate less than eight hours a day worked three jobs, had very high stress, and didn’t have time to eat?”

Gardner said that studying intermittent fasting can be challenging because there are so many variations of it, and determining its impact on longevity requires closely following people for long periods of time.

But he said that so far, the evidence supporting intermittent fasting for weight loss and other outcomes is mixed at best, with some studies showing short-term benefits and others showing no benefit at all. “I don’t think the data are very strong for intermittent fasting,” he added. “One of the challenges in nutrition is that just because something works really well for a few people doesn’t mean it’s going to work for everyone.”

He said that his biggest complaint with intermittent fasting is that it doesn’t address diet quality. “It doesn’t say anything about choosing poorly when you’re eating,” he said. “What if I have an eight-hour eating window but I’m eating Pop Tarts and Cheetos and drinking Coke in that window? I’m not a fan of that long term. I think that’s potentially problematic.”

Do you have a question about healthy eating? Email [email protected] and we may answer your question in a future column.

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April 2024 total solar eclipse guide: How to watch, understand and stay safe on April 8

The surreal midday darkness of a total solar eclipse will pass over the United States on April 8, 2024, and there's plenty you should know before the big day, which won't happen again for about two decades .

Of all the celestial sights , there's none quite like a total solar eclipse , when the sun, moon and Earth align and a narrow stretch of land is plunged into the moon's shadow.

But seeing the sight for yourself requires some planning: You'll want to know where the path of totality is, how to get protective glasses, how bad traffic will be and many other things.

Read on for answers for all your eclipse questions, including how to watch the eclipse , understand the eclipse and stay safe during the eclipse .

WATCHING THE APRIL 2024 ECLIPSE

How do i watch the 2024 solar eclipse.

There are a few ways of watching the eclipse:

• Get the full experience in person : If you're in a narrow band of U.S. land that spans from Texas to Maine, you will see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast a night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You'll briefly be able to look up without eye protection and see the moon block the sun.
• Watch from outside the path of totality : Much of the U.S. will get a partial view of the eclipse that isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth won't be plunged into complete darkness and you'll have to wear protective eyewear to see the moon partially block the sun.
• Watch a livestream : Check back on April 8 for a video feed from the path of totality. It's not the same as being there in person, but hey, at least you won't have to sit in traffic .

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

You can search by zip code to find the exact time for your location.

Where will the April eclipse be visible?

All of the lower 48 U.S. states will see the moon at least clip the sun, but that sight is a trifle compared to being in the path of totality.

Because the narrow path includes or is near some of the nation's largest cities, expect millions of people to crowd into a band of land a little over 100 miles wide that spans from the Texas/Mexico border to the Maine/Canada border.

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Will clouds block the April 2024 eclipse?

It's too soon to say for sure, but history offers some clues.

Chances of cloudy skies are pretty high along much of the eclipse's northern path, with some areas like Buffalo having about a one-in-three chance of clear skies in early April.

Skies are usually more clear to the south. Right along the Texas/Mexico border, chances of a clear sky can be nearly 75%.

Keep in mind that clouds don't always ruin an eclipse. High, wispy clouds won't spoil the show in the same way that low thick clouds would. In that case, you wouldn't be able to see the moon pass in front of the sun, but you would still notice a sudden darkness in the path of totality.

Where is the best place to watch the eclipse?

Texas is considered the best state for eclipse viewing . There's a good chance the skies will be clear and its location along the southern path of the eclipse means totality will last a little longer.

Will traffic be bad?

Most likely, yes — especially after the eclipse ends . Millions of people will crowd into the narrow path of totality, then many will attempt to leave all at once as soon as the eclipse is over.

When a total solar eclipse passed over the U.S. in 2017, reports say some traffic jams didn't fully clear for more than 12 hours.

UNDERSTANDING THE 2024 ECLIPSE

What is a solar eclipse definition explained..

A total solar eclipse happens when three celestial spheres — the sun, moon, and Earth — line up in a specific way in space.

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. That alignment casts a moving shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun's light in some areas. This leads to a period of partial or full darkness on a narrow stretch of Earth. 

The path is so narrow because of the huge distance and size of the sun — as well as the moon's distance from Earth. That focuses the moon's shadow on an area of land much smaller than the moon itself. The movement of the shadow across the land happens as the Earth's rotation interacts with the orbit of the moon.

A total eclipse only happens occasionally , because the moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the sun and Earth do. In addition, a solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon.

What's special about a total solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse on April 8  is causing such a stir because the rare event is an astronomical experience like no other that will be unusually accessible to millions of people.

April's total solar eclipse will fall over more places in the U.S. than the total eclipse before and after it. And the broad length of the path of totality – where Americans have the best shot of getting a clear view – is "much wider"  than it was for the eclipse in 2017 , according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

A total solar eclipse is also far more impressive  than a lunar or an annular solar eclipse. During an annular eclipse, the moon covers the Sun but leaves an outside ring some call a "ring of fire" — it darkens the sky instead of plunging Earth into a night-like darkness, which is what happens during a total solar eclipse. And a lunar eclipse – the appearance of a red moon – happens when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow, according to NASA.

Total solar eclipses can have spiritual significance too . Ancient cultures viewed as a sign of the gods' anger or impending departure. Some religions today are hosting eclipse viewings and services.

Historically, eclipses have left major marks on religious and spiritual civilizations. In Christianity, it's been associated with the darkness that accompanied Jesus' crucifixion and in Islam, the passing of the Prophet Muhammad's son Ibrahim.

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

The  next visible total solar eclipse  to cross over the U.S. after April will come in more than two decades on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

And that eclipse won't be as accessible as the 2024 one: The path of totality in 2044 will only touch the states of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy. Another total eclipse  will pass over the U.S. in 2045  that will be more accessible to Americans, including for people who live in California, Florida and Nevada.

ECLIPSE GLASSES AND SAFETY

What kind of glasses are needed for the eclipse.

Gazing at the bright rays from the eclipse without  protective eyewear  can cause serious damage the retina of the eye, so wearing a pair of safe glasses is important.

There's a technical standard for eclipse glasses, which are designed to block out most light and let you safely see the moon pass in front of the sun: It's called ISO 12312-2 after the International Organization of Standardization.

While there's concerns that not all glasses marketed as eclipse glasses live up to that standard, experts say usually the shortcomings aren't significant .

How can you tell if eclipse glasses are real?

NASA shared an easy method to vet eclipse glasses at home.

Buyers should put on their glasses and look at a bright light, like a flashlight. If the light is "extremely dim," or doesn't appear at all, the glasses are safe, Susannah Darling, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in an instructional video. Viewers should be able to see the filament of the lightbulb, not the glow surrounding the bulb.

How can I watch the eclipse without glasses?

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses do not use regular sunglasses — You need a more creative solution for safe viewing, like a pinhole projector .

Contributing: Ramon Padilla, Karina Zaiets and Janet Loehrke

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A Sweeping New Immigration Law Takes Effect in Texas

There was no immediate response along the border after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Texas police to arrest and deport migrants. Officials have not said when enforcement would begin.

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By J. David Goodman

Reporting from Eagle Pass, Texas

Read the latest on the Texas immigration law .

The most aggressive state-level immigration law in the nation went into effect in Texas on Tuesday after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily sided with Gov. Greg Abbott in his increasingly bitter confrontation with the Biden administration over border policy.

The law makes it a crime for migrants to enter Texas from Mexico without authorization, and creates a process for state courts to order migrants charged with violating the law to return to Mexico, no matter their national origin.

The high court ruled that the law could temporarily go into effect while a federal appeals court further considers whether to override a lower-court ruling that found the Texas measure unconstitutional on a variety of grounds.

“Huge win,” Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, said in a statement. Mr. Abbott, the governor, sounded a slightly more cautious note about the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as “a positive development.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit said that it would hold oral arguments Wednesday morning on whether the lower-court injunction blocking the law should be allowed to stay in effect while the full appeal is underway.

The sudden clearance for the law to go into effect appeared to catch Texas officials off guard. As of Tuesday evening, no date had been set for enforcement to begin. Two state officials said that the timing was still being discussed and that arrests could begin within days.

By allowing arrests to begin in Texas, even temporarily, the Supreme Court injected a new element of uncertainty to what has already been a divisive national debate over immigration, ensuring that the issue remains a centerpiece of the 2024 race between President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump.

Now, the fate of a migrant arriving in Texas could be vastly different than one arriving in New Mexico or Arizona.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said that the Biden administration disagreed with the court’s ruling and that the new law would “sow chaos and confusion at our southern border.”

In a statement, the Mexican government said that it “categorically rejects" any law that allows state or local authorities in the United States to “arrest and return nationals or foreigners to Mexican territory” and that it would not accept deportations made by Texas.

As the Supreme Court’s ruling came down, National Guard troops stationed in the border city of Eagle Pass, as part of Mr. Abbott’s border enforcement efforts, sat in Humvees in a city park that has been taken over by Texas in an attempt to prevent crossings there. Others troops patrolled the waters of the Rio Grande near tall fences topped with razor wire.

Until now, they have only had authority to make trespassing arrests on private land, with the landowner’s permission. There were few signs along the border on Tuesday that the legal landscape had changed.

In any case, there have been few migrant crossings in the area in recent days, officials said, reflecting a sharp overall decline in crossings into the United States from Mexico since a peak in December.

Any new arrests were expected to be primarily conducted by Texas Department of Public Safety officers who have been assigned to the border as part of Mr. Abbott’s border program, known as Operation Lone Star.

Texas officials have said in court filings and interviews that they would focus their enforcement of the law on single men and women observed by officers crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico. Families would be turned over to U.S. Border Patrol agents, as is currently the practice.

“Our focus will be more on single adults, not families,” Lt. Christopher Olivarez, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said in an interview before the Supreme Court’s ruling. “Single men, single women.”

“That’s how we do it right now with criminal trespass,” he added.

For more than two years, state police officers in Texas have already been charging migrants found on private land with criminal trespassing. But the new law would allow them to make arrests anywhere in the state. And any officer is permitted to enforce the new law, empowering sheriffs, county constables and local police officers far from the border to engage in immigration enforcement.

The expansiveness of the law, often referred as Senate Bill 4 or S.B. 4, brought sharp criticism from civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups as well as Texas Democrats. Tempers flared during debate over the law in the State Legislature last year.

“This is a dangerous day for our democracy,” said Representative Armando Walle, a Houston Democrat who strongly objected to the law. “S.B. 4 will not make our border more secure. It will instead spread fear in our communities.”

Anand Balakrishnan, a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, which had sued Texas over the law along with the Biden administration, said the Supreme Court’s decision “threatens the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws and bedrock principles of due process.”

Some county leaders along the border and sheriffs who operate county jails had expressed concern that the new law could lead to their courts and jails being overrun with migrants. A first offense is a misdemeanor under the law. A second offense is a felony.

In a court filing by Texas as part of the federal case, Victor Escalon, a top leader from the state public safety department, said officers would concentrate enforcement in areas near state prison facilities, which have already been used as jails for migrants awaiting trial on trespassing charges.

Mr. Olivarez said in the interview before the Supreme Court ruling that any initial rounds of arrests would probably be limited by the capacity of processing centers in the city of Del Rio and in Jim Hogg County, which were set up to handle trespassing arrests. He said each had space for around 100 migrants during initial court processing.

Mr. Olivarez pointed to a period last summer when large numbers of migrants were crossing and state police officers had to limit the number of arrests they could make at any one time. “We made 30 to 40 arrests within the first hour, and then we had to kind of hold off for the rest of the day because we were at capacity,” he said.

Tensions between the federal government and Texas have played out in several court cases that are focused in and around a park in Eagle Pass known as Shelby Park, where state officers have concentrated many of their enforcement efforts.

In January, the state barred Border Patrol agents from gaining access to the river bank along the park, though federal agents can still use the boat ramp there.

Federal agents have at times cut the concertina wire, placed by Texas National Guard troops along the river bank at Eagle Pass, in order to assist migrants who are trying to climb out of the river. The Supreme Court, in a separate case, sided with the federal government and said the agents could cut the sharp wire when necessary.

Those tensions were not evident along the river on Tuesday afternoon, as federal border agents stood on a pair of U.S. Customs and Border Protection airboats, and two smaller craft belonging to the Texas National Guard stood nearby.

Further north along the river, state troops continued to install new razor wire and fencing to prevent migrants who come ashore, including those who may be legally seeking asylum, from reaching Border Patrol agents and turning themselves in.

J. David Goodman is the Houston bureau chief for The Times, reporting on Texas and Oklahoma. More about J. David Goodman