How to Stay Safe Online (Security & Privacy Tips for Beginners Step-by-Step)

Online safety is no longer optional.

Today, almost everything we do happens through our phones:

• WhatsApp messages
• Bank apps
• Social media accounts
• Online shopping
• Email communication

And because of that, scams and hacking attempts have increased worldwide.

The good news is this:

You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself.

I’ve personally helped many people secure their phones and accounts using simple steps like the ones in this guide.

Let’s go through everything clearly, one step at a time.

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What Does Online Security and Privacy Mean?

Before we begin, here’s the simple meaning:

• Security means protecting your device and accounts from hackers or scams.
• Privacy means controlling who can access your personal information.

Both work together.

If you improve security, you automatically improve privacy too.

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Step 1: Use Strong Passwords (Most Important Rule)

Weak passwords are the number one reason accounts get hacked.

A Strong Password Should Have:

• At least 10 characters
• Uppercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols

Example of a strong password:

• Mypass#2026Secure!

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Password Safely

1. Open the app you want to secure (Google, Facebook, etc.)
2. Go to Settings
3. Select Security
4. Then choose Change Password
5. Create a strong password
6. Save it somewhere safe

This one step has helped many people recover from repeated hacking attempts.

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Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection.

Even if someone knows your password, they still cannot log in without the code.

Step-by-Step: Enable 2FA on Your Google Account

1. Open your Google Account settings
2. Tap Security
3. Scroll to 2-Step Verification
4. Then select Get Started
5. Add your phone number
6. Confirm the setup

I always recommend this because it stops most attacks instantly.

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Step 3: Avoid Clicking Unknown Links

Many scams begin with one click.

Scammers send links through:

• SMS
• WhatsApp
• Email
• Facebook messages

Common Scam Link Examples

• “Your account will be closed today!”
• “Claim your free prize now”
• “Urgent payment needed”

Rule to Follow

If you don’t trust the sender, do not click.

This simple habit has saved people from losing accounts and money.

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Step 4: Protect Your WhatsApp Privacy Settings

WhatsApp is safe, but only if your privacy settings are correct.

Step-by-Step: Secure WhatsApp Privacy

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Tap Settings
3. Then select Privacy
4. Change these settings:

• Last Seen: My Contacts
• Profile Photo: My Contacts
• About: My Contacts
• Groups: My Contacts Only

I’ve used this fix personally to stop strangers from viewing my profile.

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Step 5: Lock Your Phone Properly

Many people forget that physical phone access is also a risk.

Best Screen Lock Options

• Fingerprint
• Face unlock
• Strong PIN (not 1234)

Step-by-Step: Set a Strong Screen Lock

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Security or Lock Screen
3. Select Screen Lock
4. Choose PIN or Password
5. Set something difficult to guess

This is one of the first things I check when helping someone secure a phone.

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Step 6: Watch Out for Fake Apps

Some apps look real but are designed to steal data.

How to Avoid Fake Apps

• Only install apps from Google Play Store
• Check reviews before downloading
• Avoid apps with strange names or few downloads

Step-by-Step: Remove a Suspicious App

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Apps
3. Find the unknown app
4. Select Uninstall
5. Restart your phone

This fix worked for me on an Infinix device when an app was draining my battery and acting suspicious.

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Step 7: Keep Your Phone Updated

Updates are not just for new features.

They fix security weaknesses.

Step-by-Step: Update Android Phone

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll to System
3. Tap Software Update
4. Then select Check for Updates
5. Install any available update

Outdated phones are easier targets for hackers.

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Step 8: Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities

Public Wi-Fi networks can be unsafe.

Avoid using them for:

• Banking
• Password logins
• Private messages

Safer Alternative

Use mobile data or a trusted VPN.

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Step 9: Recognize Common Online Scams

Here are the most common scams beginners face:

• Fake job offers
• WhatsApp account takeover
• “Send money urgently” messages
• Fake customer support calls

Quick Tip

If something feels too urgent or too good to be true, it is likely a scam.

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Step 10: Backup Your Data Regularly

If your phone is stolen or hacked, backups save you.

Step-by-Step: Backup Android Phone

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Google
3. Select Backup
4. Turn on Backup by Google One
5. Confirm your data is syncing

I’ve seen many people recover everything because they had backups enabled.

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Best Security Habits to Practice Daily

Here are the safest habits:

• Use strong passwords
• Enable 2FA everywhere
• Don’t click unknown links
• Secure WhatsApp settings
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking
• Keep your phone updated

Small habits create big protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts (Important)

Staying safe online is not complicated.

With the simple steps in this guide, you can protect:

• Your phone
• Your WhatsApp account
• Your email
• Your personal information

I’ve helped many beginners apply these same methods, and they work because they are practical and easy.

Security is not about fear — it is about being prepared.

Written by Akindele Akinfenwa — Founder of Smsmobile24.com.