Net security

What can I do to ensure my security and my anonymity on the Net?

When using online counselling, you are possibly sharing some very intimate and sensitive information about yourself with us. For our part, we will do everything that is technically possible to protect your information. But you can also ensure your own security. The following tips can be useful particularly if you are using a computer which is also being used by others.

Your nickname.
In order to preserve your anonymity when using our online counselling, we recommend that you create a username which does not relate to your real identity and which you do not use elsewhere on the Internet (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, chatrooms etc.). By using the same nickname and maybe even the same password across multiple sites, you will encounter problems if anyone would get at your login data and use it to break into your accounts at other sites. Basically, this also applies to your e-mail address!

A secure password.
Create a secure password! Create a password that has at least ten characters, use upper and lowercase letters and add punctuation and symbols as well as numbers (?!%+…). Do not use obvious passwords like “sosdetresse”, “454545” or “123456” or the like, or important data or proper names. Create a password that is easy to remember. Take a personal sentence. For example, you can use „My son’s birthday is 12 December 2003”. Take the words from the sentence, then abbreviate and turn it into a password, like Msbi12/D,3. Don’t write down your password in plain sight and never give out your password to anyone. Also consider a “password” for your computer, laptop and smartphone or tablet.

Password manager? Watch out!
Many browsers use a password manager which stores usernames and passwords. If you are unsure whether somebody can access your compute, then don’t store your password for the online counselling here! You can also deactivate the password manager.

Don’t forget to log off!
After visiting our online counselling it is very important to log out by clicking the “Log Out” icon. If you do not log out, other users could use the return button and gain access to the system and to your account.

Updates are important!
Every program, like for example your browser, is man-made and developments in software progress rapidly. For this reason, security vulnerabilities may occur. Software updates fix these vulnerabilities. Therefore applying updates regularly is an important thing to do with all programs.

A sound approach in dealing with this subject is important for your own security on the Net!