Top 10 tips for staying safe online

The internet is an amazing resource, allowing people to form social connections and support networks, as well as accessing more information than ever before… all at the click of a button.

Caution should be exercised when using the internet and social media as it can leave some users vulnerable to things like online scams, exploitation and the oversharing of personal information.

However, when used correctly, the internet and social media can be excellent tools for brain injury survivors, their families, and carers.

We’ve put together some top tips for staying safe online:

1. Passwords

To protect yourself and your information you should use passwords that are difficult for someone else to guess, while still relatively easy for you to remember.

Avoid setting passwords that include personal information, such as your name, birthday or email address.

A strong password should be more than six characters long and include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Randomly generated passwords are the strongest, however, they are also the hardest to remember.

Try not to use the same password for every website you’re using because if someone guesses it, they will be able to access all your accounts.

Remembering passwords is hard for anyone but will be particularly difficult for brain injury survivors experiencing memory problems. Instead of writing your passwords on paper where someone might find them, you can use a password manager to generate passwords and store them securely online. Many password managers are available, such as Google Chrome’s Password Manager, Last Pass, Dashlane and Keeper.

2. Be a selective sharer

Social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great places to connect with friends and share updates on your life.

However, it is important to remember that when you share something on social media it has the potential to reach many people. It may be shared by others outside of your network and can still be seen even after you’ve deleted the post.

Therefore, be careful about sharing personal information that could leave you vulnerable. Never reveal your address, personal telephone number or bank details on social media.

Be cautious about posting photographs of yourself on social media and, if you’re unsure whether a photo is suitable consider asking a friend or family member what they think first.

3. Privacy settings

Different social media networks have their own privacy settings. You can usually find these under ‘settings’ or ‘options’ on your profile.

It is advisable to set your privacy settings to enable only ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ to see what you post. Otherwise, anyone can visit your profile and see everything you have shared.

It’s important to remember that setting your profile to private doesn’t mean that your posts can’t be seen by others outside of your network. One of your friends could share the post to their network, for example, so remain cautious about what you’re sharing.

4. Be careful who you're talking to

One of the biggest advantages of the internet and social media is the ability to communicate with people from all over the world. It’s a great way to connect with others, seek support and share information.

However, this comes with its own issues and may leave brain injury survivors particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

Unfortunately, a small minority of people see the internet as an opportunity to take advantage of others. They may pretend to be someone they’re not to extract personal information or convince people into doing things they don’t want to do.

Never send any personal information to someone you have never met in person; this includes telling someone where you live or giving them your bank details.

Never send anyone a photo or video that could leave you in a compromising situation. For example, a photo that exposes intimate areas or a video of you doing anything you wouldn’t want other people to see. If anyone is pressurising you to send a photo or video, close the chat and report them.

5. Meeting people in 'real life'

Sometimes friendships formed online can develop into an offline relationship. The rise of online dating has contributed to this and can be a very helpful way for brain injury survivors to connect with others.

However, extreme caution should be taken when arranging to meet someone in ‘real-life’ for the first time. The following should be applied:

• Always arrange to meet in a busy public place, such as a café.
• Always tell someone else who you are meeting, where you are meeting and at what time. Keep them updated so they know everything is okay.
• Never meet anyone if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. 
• Never feel pressured into doing anything you don’t want to do.
• If possible, take a friend, family member or carer along to the first meeting.
• Ask for help if things aren’t going well.

6. Avoid online scams

When using the internet, it’s important to be mindful of things that don’t seem right.

Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Sometimes it can be hard to know whether something is genuine or not. If you’re unsure, get a second opinion from a family member, carer or support worker.

Some common scams include:

• Emails from addresses you don’t recognise asking you to click on a link – these may say you’ve won a large amount of money or that you need to renew a subscription or TV licence by clicking the link.
• Requests for money – these may advise you to transfer your money into another account. Never send or transfer your money in response to these emails, instead contact your bank.

7. What you see on the internet isn't always true

In fact, a lot of it isn’t!

Many websites spread untrue or exaggerated news stories, often called ‘clickbait’ or ‘fake news’, to encourage people to click on their links. Don’t assume the first thing you read is true, instead be open to reading different sources to get a more accurate overview.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the posts your friends are sharing might not always give a true representation of their lives.

8. Respect other people

Occasionally on the internet people forget that behind every post is a real person.

Your comments could upset someone without you even realising, so don’t say anything to anyone online that you wouldn’t say to their face.

Think before you post!

9. Report any issues

You should never accept being abused, bullied or harassed online. There are people to talk to if this is happening.

• Most social networks have an option to report someone. You will usually be asked to pick from a selection of options saying why you are reporting that person. After reporting, you may be given an option to ‘block’ that person so they can’t contact you anymore.
• Tell a friend, family member, carer or support worker if you are worried about anything online.
• Abusing someone online is a criminal offence and you can report online abuse to the police. Contact your local police force by calling 101.
• Online scams can be reported to www.actionfraud.police.uk

10. Keep a healthy balance

The internet can be addictive and it’s important to strike a healthy balance between the online and offline worlds.

Try not to spend hours endlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram to the detriment of getting out and meeting people in ‘real-life’.

Consider doing an activity that doesn’t involve the internet, such as a sport or hobby. Attending your local Headway group is also a great way to meet new people.

Join the Headway online community

Following Headway on social media is a great way to keep up to date with the latest brain injury-related news and to join in the conversation.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We also have an online forum – HealthUnlocked – which is the perfect place for brain injury survivors and their loved ones to ask questions, seek support and make connections.

Further resources

Get Safe Online www.getsafeonline.org
Age UK: Staying safe online https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/internet-security/
Child safety online https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers-whose-children-are-using-social-media
Facebook privacy settings and tools https://www.facebook.com/help/325807937506242
Instagram privacy settings and tools https://help.instagram.com/116024195217477