Safe Internet Browsing Practices

Navigating the Digital Maze: A Guide to Safe Internet Browsing in Singapore

In an era where digital footprints are as telling as physical ones, mastering safe internet browsing practices and maintaining online privacy has become paramount for Singaporeans. In November 2023, CNA reported “Almost all resident households in Singapore - or 99 per cent - have internet access, while local smartphone ownership has reached a new high of 97 per cent. Most Singaporeans agree digital technology has made their lives easier, but are wary of risks like misinformation and scams.” 

The need for robust internet privacy protection tips has never been more crucial. As we delve into this guide, we will explore essential practices that can help you browse safely without compromising your privacy, whether you are a tech-savvy millennial, a concerned parent, or a professional handling sensitive data.

The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats in Singapore

Singapore's highly connected landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. The correlation between unsafe browsing habits and falling victim to cyber threats has never been more evident. 

Victims in the first half of 2024 lost more than $385.6 million, a 24.6 per cent increase compared with the $309.4 million lost in the first half of 2023. According to mid-year scam and cyber-crime statistics released by Singapore Police on August 22, 2024, the number of cases in the first half of 2024 increased by 16.3 per cent to 26,587, a new record high, from 22,853 during the same period in 2023. (Source: Straits Times).

On 30 July 2024, in their Singapore Cyber Landscape (SCL) 2023 publication, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) noted that with around 4,100 phishing attempts reported to the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT) in 2023, phishing attacks continued to be a major threat to organisations and individuals, especially as threat actors improved on the sophistication of their cyber-attacks. CSA observed indications that cybercriminals are shifting tactics to make their phishing attempts appear more legitimate and authentic. For example, more than half of the phishing URLs reported to CSA used the more secure HTTPS protocol, a significant increase from the 9% that did so in 2022. More than a third of reported phishing attempts used the more credible-looking domain “.com” instead of “.xyz”, an increase of about 20% from 2022. The most spoofed industries were Banking and Financial Services (63%) as they are trusted organisations which hold significant amounts of sensitive and valuable information such as personal details and login credentials, Government, and Technology.”

This underscores why learning how to browse safely and anonymously online isn't just technical jargon — it' financial self-defence.

Essential Safe Browsing Practices for 2025

To safeguard against online threats, individuals and organizations should adopt some, if not all, of these actionable steps, as appropriate:

1. Keep Software Updated: Regularly updating operating and other important systems, browsers, and applications with the latest security patches can secure vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
2. Implement Strong Access Controls:Enforcing stringent access controls when accessing sensitive systems and data such as using multi-factor authentication (MFA) add an extra layer of security to user accounts.
3. Educate Employees: Conducting cybersecurity training sessions can educate employees about safe browsing practices, phishing awareness, how to identify suspicious online content and how to combat them.
4. Use Secure Connections: A secure browser is your first line of defence against online threats. When accessing sensitive information, use secure, encrypted connections. Look for the “https” prefix in URLs and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for confidential transactions. Understanding how private browsing works is key to protecting your online identity. Many browsers offer incognito or private browsing modes that limit the storage of your browsing history and cookies. However, these modes are not foolproof. While they hide your activity locally, they might not protect you from online tracking or ISP monitoring. Complement private browsing with tools like ad blockers and tracking prevention extensions.
5. Set up Web Filtering Solutions: In the office/work place, employ web filtering tools that block access to malicious websites and restrict access to non-business-related or dangerous sites.
6. Install and Use Trusted Browser Extensions: Browser extensions can enhance functionality but can also introduce risks. Ensure you only use trusted tools. Always review permissions before installing any extension, as some may request excessive access to your browsing data.
7. Create and Enforce Internet Usage Policies: Establish clear internet usage policies that define acceptable online behaviour and outline consequences for policy violations.
8. Implement Email Security Measures: Deploy email security solutions that identify and filter out phishing emails and malicious attachments. Be cautious of unsolicited emails and verify the sender’s authenticity before clicking on links.
9. Educate Children on Safe Internet Usage: With children spending more time online for education and leisure, safeguarding their digital experience is crucial. The rise of gaming scams targeting young users in Singapore highlights the need for vigilance. Equipping children with knowledge and tools is essential for navigating the internet safely.
10. Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of critical data to ensure quick recovery in the event of a cyber incident.
11. Stay Informed and Updated on the Latest Tools and Threats: Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters and participating in relevant workshops can enhance awareness. Regularly check platforms like Scam.SG for updates on emerging cyber threats, reviews of new privacy tools and real-time scam alerts tailored for Singaporean users.
12. Verify Website Credibility with Scam.SG TrustScore: One of the most effective ways to ensure safe internet browsing is by verifying the credibility of websites. Scam.SG’s TrustScore offers a quick and reliable way to assess the safety of businesses and websites, where a high TrustScore generally indicates reliable entities, while a low TrustScore normally serves as a warning of potential scams. While TrustScore is an invaluable tool, remember to combine it with other checks such as looking for secure connections (HTTPS) and scrutinising online reviews.
13. Incident Response Plan:Develop and regularly update an incident response plan that outlines actions to be taken in the event of a cyber incident. Test this plan periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

Building a Culture of Online Safety

To foster a culture of online safety within organizations and communities in Singapore:

1. Promote Good Cyber Hygiene: Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) encourages users to adopt good cyber hygiene habits to protect digital assets by practising four basic cyber hygiene habits like these:
• use an anti-virus software, 
• use strong passwords and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), 
• spot signs of phishing and 
• update your software as soon as possible.
2. Empower users with measures to protect Singaporeans against online scams: In their press release of 10 January 2024, Ministry of Digital Development and Information highlighted that the “Government has taken bold and decisive moves to combat the risk of scams, and to foster a safe and trusted online environment. This allows Singaporeans to have confidence as they enjoy the opportunities brought by digitalisation.”
3. Encourage Reporting: Establish channels such as ScamShield, Scam.SG for reporting suspicious activities or potential scams so that users can contribute to a safer online community.
4. Enhancing Online Safety in Singapore: Initiative by IMDA to ensure a safe online environment for users in Singapore and protect children from harmful content. Their regulatory approach comprises the Code of Practice for Online Safety and levers to address egregious content

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Online Safety

Safe internet browsing practices are vital in protecting personal information and maintaining privacy in our interconnected world. With resources like Scam.SG at our disposal, organisations and individuals can significantly enhance their online safety.

As we continue embracing technological advancements in Singapore, it is crucial to remain vigilant against cyber threats by adopting best practices and utilising tools designed for our protection.

Engage with Scam.SG today! Explore their TrustScore system and learn how you can safeguard your online interactions effectively. Together, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone in Singapore.