June is Internet Safety Month—but keeping yourself safe online isn’t just for the tech-savvy or the paranoid anymore. It’s for everyone. Whether you’re shopping, scrolling, streaming, or just sending memes to your cousin, you’re leaving behind a digital footprint. And that means you’re also a potential target for cybercriminals.
The good news? You don’t need a degree in cybersecurity to protect yourself. With a few smart moves, you can make your online life a lot safer—and keep fraud, scams, and digital headaches at bay.
1. Use Email Aliases for Every Site You Sign Up For
Sick of endless spam and phishing emails? Stop handing out your primary email address like candy. Services like Apple’s Hide My Email, Firefox Relay, or SimpleLogin let you create app-specific email aliases. If one gets compromised, your primary inbox stays clean—and more secure.
2. Take a “Paranoia Pause” Before You Click
Scammers want you to act fast. So don’t. Pause before clicking links in texts, emails, or social DMs—even if they look legit. That five-second hesitation can save you from malware downloads, fake login screens, or financial scams pretending to be urgent messages.
3. Clear Out Old Online Accounts You Don’t Use
If you can’t remember the last time you logged into that random fitness app from 2016, it’s probably still holding your data. Use tools like JustDeleteMe or Mine to find and remove old accounts. Every unused account is one more crack in your digital armor.
4. Isolate Smart Devices on a Guest Network
Your smart thermostat doesn’t need access to your email. Create a separate Wi-Fi network for smart home devices, such as doorbell cameras, refrigerators, and speakers. That way, if one device is compromised, it can’t be used to access your more sensitive devices.
5. Shop Safer with Virtual Credit Cards
Online shopping scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Virtual cards from your bank or services like Privacy.com allow you to use burner-style payment methods that automatically expire or limit charges. They’re great for subscriptions and one-off purchases—plus, they keep your real card data hidden.
6. Opt Out of Data Broker Listings
Ever searched your name and found your phone number, address, or even your income floating around online? That’s thanks to data brokers. Sites like Spokeo or BeenVerified collect and resell your info. Use services like Incogni or PrivacyBee to opt out and keep your data off the market.
Why This All Matters
These aren’t just digital spring-cleaning tips—they’re real fraud-fighting moves. Cybercriminals feed on overshared data, reused logins, and default settings. Every one of these small actions makes you a less appealing target and gives you back control of your online life.
Being safe online isn’t about living in fear. It’s about making smarter choices to protect your identity, your money, and your peace of mind. This Internet Safety Month, take the time to tune up your habits. Internet safety is for everyone. And now, it’s easier than ever to own it.
LibertyID Identity Theft Solutions for Individuals, Couples, and Families* provides its subscribers with 360° fully managed identity fraud concierge restoration services. We are experts in resolving all common forms of identity fraud. Our subscribers can also enroll in our Proactive Detection, which monitors and sends alerts when their SSN, Address, Dark Web, criminal record, and credit reports change.
*LibertyID defines an extended family as you, your spouse/partner, your parents and parents-in-law, and your children under the age of 25.