Safe Browsing and Social Media

Most of our time online is spent in a browser and on social media apps. A few simple habits make both much safer.

Safe Browsing Habits

Keep the browser updated

Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari update themselves, but only after a restart. If your browser shows an "Update" or "Relaunch" button, click it.

Look for HTTPS

The address should start with https://. HTTPS means the connection is encrypted. But remember: a fake website can also have HTTPS. The padlock tells you the line is private, not that the owner is honest. Always check the domain name too.

Be careful with extensions

Browser extensions can read everything on the pages you visit. Install only a few, from the official store, with many good reviews. Remove the ones you no longer use.

Download carefully

• Download software only from the official website or app store
• Avoid "cracked" or "free premium" versions; they often contain malware
• Be suspicious of a download that starts by itself

Use privacy features

• Use a private (incognito) window on a shared computer, such as at a net cafe, and always log out
• Block third-party cookies in browser settings to reduce tracking
• Do not let the browser save passwords on a shared computer

Checking a Site Address with Code

Developers sometimes build a small allow list for their own apps, so links open only for trusted domains. Here is a simple Python example:

from urllib.parse import urlparse

trusted = {"workownix.com", "www.workownix.com"}

def is_trusted(link):
    host = urlparse(link).hostname or ""
    return host in trusted

print(is_trusted("https://www.workownix.com/courses"))
print(is_trusted("https://workownix.com.free-gift.top/"))

True
False

The second link starts with the right name but really belongs to free-gift.top.

Social Media Safety

Lock down privacy settings

Every app has privacy settings. Check these on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp:

Think before you share

Attackers and scammers collect information from your profile. Avoid posting:

• Photos of your CNIC, passport, boarding pass or bank card
• Your home address or live location
• That your whole family is travelling and the house is empty
• Answers to common security questions (your school, mother's name, first pet)

Recognise fake accounts

• A friend who already added you sends a new friend request
• An account with very few posts, a stolen photo, and a sudden request for money
• "Customer support" pages that message you first

When a friend suddenly asks for money, call them on their normal number to check.

Protecting Your Accounts

Two features save accounts again and again:

1. Two-factor authentication on every social account
2. Recovery options: a current phone number and recovery email, so you can get your account back

You can also review where you are logged in. In most apps, go to Settings > Security > Where you're logged in (or similar) and log out of devices you do not recognise.

A simple checklist to copy into your notes and review every few months:

[ ] 2FA is on for email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, bank
[ ] Recovery phone and email are correct
[ ] No unknown devices in "logged in" list
[ ] Browser and phone fully updated
[ ] Unused apps and extensions removed
[ ] Privacy settings checked

Helping Family Members

Older parents and young children are often targets. Teach them:

• Never share codes sent by SMS
• Banks never ask for a PIN on the phone
• "You have won a prize" messages are almost always scams
• Ask you before installing an app someone sent on WhatsApp

Exercise