New to the internet? This is our honest advice to you!

Exercise these 11 astonishing steps if you want to be safe on the internet and never regret it. You will thank us when you feel safe on the internet!

1: Choose, use, and protect your passwords carefully, and use a different one for every online account in case one or more get hacked.

2: Look after your mobile devices. Don’t leave them unattended in public places, and protect them with a PIN or passcode.

3: Ensure you always have internet security software loaded on computers and a similar app on your mobile devices, and that this is kept updated and switched on. Remember that smartphones and tablets can get compromised as much as computers.

4: Always download software, operating system, and app updates when prompted, as these frequently contain security fixes and improvements. If possible, set them to update automatically.

5: You mustn’t assume that Wi-Fi hotspots in places like cafes, bars, and hotel rooms are secure, so never use them when you’re doing anything confidential online. Instead, use 3G or 4G, or if it’s for work, a VPN (a virtual private network).

6: Never reveal too much personal or financial information in emails, on social networking and dating sites, and in person. You never know who might see it, or use it.

7: Always consider that online or on the phone, people aren’t always who they claim to be. Fake emails and phone calls are a favorite way for fraudsters to approach their victims.

8: Don’t click on links in emails, posts, tweets, or texts – and don’t open attachments – if the source isn’t 100% known and trustworthy, or it seems strange that you’d be receiving them.

9: Never pay for anything by direct bank transfer – including goods, services, tickets, travel, and holidays – unless it’s to someone you know personally and is reputable.

10: Take your time and think twice, because everything may not be as it seems.

11: Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.