Fit to thrive: Using exercise to combat burnout and boost productivity
For SCDF Major (NS) Cheng Zihua, maintaining a regular fitness routine is the ultimate strategy to stave off burnout, improve productivity and strengthen both body and mind.
For SCDF Major (NS) Cheng Zihua, maintaining a regular fitness routine is the ultimate strategy to stave off burnout, improve productivity and strengthen both body and mind.
The June holidays are here, so pack those books away, it’s time for a month of fun and exploration for the whole family.
From music and film to art and football – these are just some of the gems that have come to embody us in some unexpected ways, right here in Singapore. TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK As the school holidays are upon us, what else can one look forward to besides travelling, shopping and tucking into great food with friends? Why not open yourself to more local influences – think films, music, art and football – and reconnect with all things Singapore? Here are just a few recommendations that’ll get you started on your journey of all things Singapore, and a few HomeTeamNS promotions that shouldn’t be missed. MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuNS5Z-6Bk8 While we often defer to national theme songs as a symbol of Singapore, our local music scene has been brimming with exciting talents that are expanding the island’s soundscape with an evolving identity. The new wave was led by artists like Tabitha Nauser, Shigga Shay and Gentle Bones, and these emerging acts continue to chart new grounds. Keyana: Demonstrating Singapore as the cosmopolitan city that it is, the Ghanaian-Chinese-Singaporean songstress charms with her effortless groove in two R&B singles, Save It and Scorpio. Her honeyed vocals deliver straight-to-the-heart lyrics wrapped up in catchy rhythms, and she even rendered a soulful cover of the classic Moonlight in the City (originally sung by Mavis Hee) at Chingay 2021. Wovensound: Aka Vinod Dass, this music producer/designer/mixer moves between genres but has settled on hip hop grooves that are hypnotic and poignant. Often working with other independent artistes, the music maker weaves rap, vocals, lo-fi and even jazz tracks into a mesmerising sound tapestry. With plenty of sound design work featured in film festivals in Melbourne, Iran, Mexico and New York, he’s finally found time to release a 6-track debut with the EP Vertigos Fulfilled. BGourd: Don’t let his lizard-green bodysuit fool you, the chill rap numbers here hide intimate observations and references both local and nerdy that lets you know this is a Singaporean youth well and truly. He even named his latest album, Veggie Wraps, Vol. 4. FILMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VYfkcadvtQ Singapore cinema had a golden 25-year period from the late 1940s to the early 1970s, when over 300 films were produced locally by Cathay-Keris and Shaw. Screen legend P. Ramlee emerged as an iconic figure in that era, and although we have yet to recover our fame as Southeast Asia’s Hollywood, these rising filmmakers and their projects are a hopeful sign. A Yellow Bird: K. Rajagopal’s debut feature film is as gritty and real as it gets. Extracting from his own personal experiences as a Singaporean Indian, the filmmaker’s authentic captures have been nominated for the Critics Week Grand Prize and Golden Camera in 2016’s Cannes Film Festival. Titoudao: Inspired by the True Story of a Wayang Star: This production is the latest incarnation of the original play by acclaimed theatre director Goh Boon Teck, and as the name suggests, chronicles the path of poor girl’s journey as she rises into becoming a renowned opera star. With a lavish production and stellar cast, this series will delight those who loved seeing Singapore in the 50s and 60s. Wet Season: After Ilo Ilo exploded as the first Singaporean feature film to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival, Anthony Chen joined the ranks of others before him like Royston Tan and Boo Junfeng in becoming bonafide visionaries in the filmic scene. His sophomore follow-up sees him returning with some cast members, and once again deeply examines the nature of bonds and relationships. FOOTBALL Many Singaporeans still have fond memories of watching Malaysia Cup matches at the National Stadium and the sense of pride and unity that the Kallang Roar ignited. The more dedicated among those fans even ventured across the causeway to fly the flag at away games. Now that the FIFA World Cup season is upon us, it’s time to recreate that big-match atmosphere with your friends and family. Matches will be screened at numerous locations across Singapore, including HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, Balestier and Khatib clubhouses, from 21 November to 18 December 2022. HomeTeamNS members can watch the Group Matches for free. To add to the carnival atmosphere, the clubhouses will also be organising fringe activities for members and their guests. Details for entry passes to the quarter-, semi, and final matches will be announced soon. ‘Meet Your Match’ Contest: If you’re looking to score yourself a win, shoot your shot and take part in the HomeTeamNS ‘Meet Your Match’ contest for a chance to win up to S$800 worth of Adidas vouchers in total! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, click the ‘Promotions’ tab and search for the contest under ‘Contest and Giveaways’, and share your favourite team with us. This giveaway is valid from now till 18 December 2022. Wow Wow Wednesday (World Cup Edition): From 23 December 2022, HomeTeamNS members can purchase e-vouchers for specially selected brands such as Decathlon, Nike, Grab Food, and Foodpanda, to commemorate the World Cup season! Keep an eye out for these deals every Wednesday till 14 December 2022, via the HomeTeamNS Mobile App. ART Singaporean artists have always been dealt the short end of the stick when it comes to local recognition, even if a few like late masters Georgette Chen, Chen Wen Hsi and Chua Ek Kay made their way to our national galleries and won international fame. This new brood of artists are making their mark in exceptional ways with their brand of unique expression. Hafiiz Karim: You might have seen his work in Funan. Working with ArtWallstreet – also a local enterprise – the NFT artist turned heads at the mall with his cheeky injection of renaissance figures in distinctly Singaporean settings. A distinguished lady meets an auntie by a HDB corridor. Another is masked up and greets commuters as a bus driver. The visionary designer is pioneering a new course for digital art that’s rich with humour. Tiffany Loy: A graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, she embarked on this
With demand – and therefore prices – for tickets surging and extended passport processing times, here’s why your holiday preparations should begin now. HomeTeamNS is offering a colourful range of promotions to keep your holidays fuss-free! TEXT: MELODY TAN PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, THE BOATHOUSE PHUKET If your holidays in the last few years were spent on staycations (or just staying at home), it might be time to dust off your luggage and head to the money changer. As the world settles into the endemic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are hitting the road. A recent survey found that in the next 12 months, eight in 10 Singaporeans intended to travel for leisure, with most of them heading to Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. So if you want to put your passport to work during the end-of-year holidays, it’s best to plan ahead – so that you can spend your vacation relaxing (and eating, and shopping, and exploring). CHECK THAT PASSPORT After all that anticipation, you definitely don’t want to get to Changi Airport only to realise that your passport has less than six months’ validity. In August, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reminded Singaporeans who want to travel during the December school break to submit their passport applications as soon as possible, to ensure they get their passports renewed on time. To save hassle, submit your passport applications online via the ICA website or MyICA mobile app, and collect your renewed passport from one of the 29 designated post offices. When taking your photograph, don’t forget to refer to ICA’s photo guidelines. A photo that needs to be resubmitted can delay your entire passport renewal timeline. DON’T SKIMP ON TRAVEL INSURANCE Due to the combination of pent-up travel demand and lack of manpower, airports around the world are experiencing higher rates of flight cancellations and delays compared to pre-pandemic days. Buying travel insurance will ensure that even if your holiday gets off to an unexpectedly late start, at least you get back some cash in return for the trouble. Most travel insurance policies cover delays starting from the six-hour mark. Tip: Make sure to read the terms and conditions of a travel insurance policy before you buy it – some policies exclude flight delays caused by operational issues, for example, so it’s best to check before purchasing. HomeTeamNS members enjoy a 20 per cent discount off Singlife Travel Insurance (Single Trip), with an additional 30 per cent discount for MHA Group Insurance members. All you have to do is download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App to retrieve the promo code and enjoy this perk. This discount is applicable for a single trip travel insurance only, and is valid till 31 July 2023. HAVE A PLAN B The days of playing it by ear are sadly, not yet back. Due to the pandemic, tourist attractions and services globally have been affected by shortages in resources and manpower – meaning that your travel experience might be affected by circumstances outside your control. Hotels may struggle to prepare rooms in time for check-in and restaurants might be slow to prepare and serve food. There have also been numerous closures of beloved tourist institutions. For example, the Ferris wheel in Tokyo’s Odaiba waterfront has shut down. Iconic restaurants, bookstores and theatres have all not been spared. In addition, airline ticket prices have gone up by an estimated 25 per cent due to a variety of factors. You might find that your dream destination is no longer as affordable as before. To avoid frustration (and disappointment) on your holiday, keep an open mind and have a Plan B ready. Plan your first choice of destination, accommodation or attraction, but research what’s nearby as well, just in case your original plans fall through. KEEP YOUR HOLIDAY FUSS-FREE, FOR MORE FUN Don’t want the hassle of planning and packing for a two-week itinerary? For a truly relaxed holiday option, consider a nearby getaway in Malaysia, Indonesia or Thailand. Located in the heart of the city, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur is offering HomeTeamNS members promotional room rates that start from RM250. The package includes breakfast for two persons and WiFi access. If you enjoy driving, take an easy three-hour road trip to nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Melaka. Hotel Casa del Rio, which means ‘Home by the River’ in Spanish, is located in the historic town centre for convenient access to Melaka’s heritage attractions and scrumptious food offerings. HomeTeamNS members enjoy an additional 5 per cent off the hotel’s best available rates and selected room packages, as well as 10 per cent off the restaurant’s à la carte menu. Otherwise, you can live that #beachlife over at Casa del Mar Langkawi, which is set on Instagram-worthy Pantai Cenang beach. Casa del Mar, which means – you guessed it – ‘Home by the Sea’, is a Mediterranean-style resort only 10 minutes away from Langkawi Airport, so you can start your vacation ASAP. When the sun goes down, don’t forget to check out the array of restaurants and the night market located nearby. For stays between 1 November to 15 December 2022, HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10 per cent off the best available rates. Overlooking Kata Beach, The Boathouse Phuket is offering HomeTeamNS members 10 per cent off the best available room rates, till 23 December 2022. For luxe living by the sea, The Residence Bintan is offering HomeTeamNS members 15 per cent off room rates with complimentary ferry to resort land transfers from Sundays to Thursday (excluding public holidays) and 10 per cent off recreational activities. If you’re itching to go further afield, there’s always Hard Rock Hotel Bali in the beating heart of Kuta, which is synonymous in Bali with shopping, eating and entertainment. Check out the exclusive room rates for HomeTeamNS members ranging between IDR 1,225,000 per night for a Deluxe Room to IDR 1,475,000 per night for a Deluxe Premium Room. Great accommodation deals also await HomeTeamNS members heading to Hard Rock Hotel Penang and Hard
Bedok Reservoir has lots to offer, whether you live in the east, west or somewhere in between. TEXT: MELODY TAN PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, SUM DIM SUM Playing tourist in Singapore doesn’t have to mean going out to Sentosa or wandering around the Orchard Road mall strip. The suburbs can be a great way to spend the weekend, if you’re willing to explore off the beaten path. One up-and-coming destination in the East is Bedok Reservoir and its surrounding estates, which are home to hidden gems like an inline skating venue and indie cafes serving up quirky fare like charcoal waffles with ice cream and salted egg sauce. And if you’re enjoying yourself too much to go home, visit HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir’s soon-to-be-launched East Villa for a weekend staycation surrounded by greenery, water and nature. As you admire the view, you’ll find yourself agreeing that the East side might just indeed be the best side. REASON #1: CAFES TO SUIT EVERY TASTE Why cafe-hop in town when the area around Bedok Reservoir is home to a wide variety of chill-out spots? It has something for everyone, from those who crave something wildly different (youtiao and soymilk ice cream from FATCAT Ice Cream Bar, anyone?) to Refuel Café. Located a short trot away from Bedok Reservoir itself, diners can swing by for brunch after jogging, cycling along the reservoir park, or take a leisurely stroll after dinner to watch the sunset. The HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir Clubhouse will also be home to some notable eateries, that will have you calling your buddies to hang out, or even have a hearty feast with your family. If you’re looking to unwind after a long day of work, Georges Bar would be the place you want to be. Soak in the Balinese concept bistro, as it offers a decent variety of homemade snacks and Western grill as well as a wide range of international alcoholic beverages. For a stuffing meal, families and friends can dine at Sri Bistari, a halal eatery that’s made a name for itself with its famed Nasi Ayam Penyet. Other offerings include Western and barbecued dishes. Sum Dim Sum will also be opening a new outlet at the waterfront-facing clubhouse that will continue to serve handmade dim sum delights. REASON #2: TAKE GAMING TO NEW, AUGMENTED HEIGHTS Craving a new spot to play with your friends and family? Anticipate the arrival of Action Motion, a digital active experience arena that will soon be open at the HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir Clubhouse. The facility will feature Digital Active Experiences such as an Augmented-Reality (AR) Bouldering Wall, an AR Trampoline Game as well as a Multi-Level Obstacle Course, Climbing Walls and Net Maze fitted with a gamifier system. The gamifier system records participants’ timing and activity scores and displays them on a leaderboard in the Arena offering an enhanced, interactive experience. REASON #3: HIT THE BOOKS After all that eating and adventuring, it’s time to slow things down a little. What about paying a visit to Bedok Public Library? While you might have fond memories (or not) of studying for exams at your local National Library Board (NLB) branch, the two-storey Bedok Public Library will change your mind about libraries in general with its fun, design-oriented approach to reading. Created with a soothing natural vibe in mind, the library has Instagram-worthy reading corners filled with plush benches and organic curves, a Story Circle in the children’s area for performances and activities, and senior-friendly features such as electronic magnifiers and keyboards with large alphabets – making it perfect for a multigenerational family outing. Fun fact: Bedok Public Library is home to an especially large curated collection of Malay titles, as well as books on topics like Malay culture and architecture in languages other than Malay – so that everyone can learn more about Bedok’s rich history and heritage. REASON #4: TAKE A DIP AND A RIDE The highly anticipated HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir clubhouse is scheduled to open from December 2022 – and one of the most exciting features to look forward to is the clubhouse’s Indoor Water Adventure Centre, Aqua Adventure. As befits a waterfront-themed clubhouse, Aqua Adventure consists of two levels of wet and wild fun. The first and largest indoor water adventure facility in Singapore will showcase the longest indoor water slide, a laze pool and Urban Climbing Walls for those who can’t decide whether to climb, or chill. Have your kids’ birthday party there or throw a pool party that your entire graduating class will remember. The best part? It’s all indoors – so rain or shine, your day out in the water won’t be affected. REASON #5: ENJOY WATERFRONT LIVING You can sip your coffee while basking in the greenery and serenity of Bedok Reservoir, all from the comfort of the upcoming HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir’s East Villa. A relaxing getaway from the stress of daily life, the villas are perched on a hill slope with the Premier and Deluxe Waterfront Villas overlooking the gently lapping waters of the reservoir. Unwind solo with a book on the breezy roof balcony or get the family together for an evening of barbecue grilling and chilling in the villa’s ample outdoor space. With so many things to explore in and around Bedok Reservoir, one night at the Waterfront Villas will soon stretch into two – and you’ll want to come back for more. For the latest updates on HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, visit our website or follow us on the official HomeTeamNS and Bedok Reservoir clubhouse Facebook pages.
This Deepavali, brighten up your household with these joyful activities for the Festival of Lights. TEXT: MELODY TAN PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK Despite the grey, drizzly monsoon season, there’s something bright to look forward to – Deepavali, which takes place on 24 Oct this year. Known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali comes from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “a row of lights”. The holiday marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, and is celebrated with gatherings of family and friends, colourful decorations and a smorgasbord of food and sweets. Here are some activities to make this Deepavali special, whether you’re celebrating it with loved ones or just looking to add a little light into your life. SWEETEN THINGS UP IN THE KITCHEN When visitors come by at Deepavali, it’s traditional to welcome them with sweets that are often made with milk, nuts, spices and jaggery (unrefined sugar). You could visit Little India to buy mithai – the Hindi word for sweets – and arrange the different varieties on a platter to serve up. To really impress your guests, though, why not make your own? For an easy recipe that kids can help with, try making peda, a type of sweet milk fudge comprising only four ingredients: milk, milk powder, sugar and ghee. Finish off each peda ball with a decorative slice of chopped pistachio, edible silver leaf or a piece of dried fruit. DIY YOUR OWN DECORATIONS In the spirit of sustainability, you can look around for recyclable materials to make colourful and festive Deepavali decorations. Get the kids to paint used cardboard and cut it into shapes like flowers, leaves and peacock feather motifs, then punch holes and make a garland using string or ribbon. Add sparkle with glitter or sequins left over from other art projects. Hang your finished garland on a door, or wall. Got a bag of expired flour? Don’t throw it away. This recipe shows you how to use flour and water to make an oil lamp known as a diya. Once baked and painted, you can pour oil into them and add a cotton wick. Presto, a little light for Deepavali! If you’d rather not get messy at home, head on down to HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok with the little ones for a Sand Art Rangoli activity on 22 and 23 Oct 2022, from 11am to 5pm. Also known as kolam in Tamil, the kid-friendly activity sees participants creating beautiful and traditional floor decorations with coloured sand. Rangoli kits are limited to two per member, and slots are reserved for the first 250 HomeTeamNS members daily. VISIT THE INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE The Indian Heritage Centre is hosting its annual Deepavali Open House, an extravaganza of events, workshops, performances and more, till 23 Oct. Take part in a Mandala dot painting workshop, watch a Deepavali cooking demonstration (yes, food samples are provided), enjoy an interactive storytelling session and even come together to create a community LEGO mural based on a classic kolam (a floor drawing made from coloured flour) design. On weekends, admission is free. For the latest updates on HomeTeamNS promotions and events, visit our website and Facebook page.
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HomeTeamNS goes digital for a seamless, more convenient experience on your next clubhouse visit. TEXT: MELODY TAN IMAGES: HOMETEAMNS Everything’s going digital these days – and HomeTeamNS clubhouses are no exception. Now, you can plan an entire day of fun at your preferred clubhouse with just your smartphone or tablet – no need for phone calls, in-person bookings or queuing up. While clubhouse ambassadors are still available if you prefer to speak to someone, why not try the digital experience? Read on for our handy guide on how to make the most of HomeTeamNS’ digital resources. TALK TO THE CHATBOT, 24/7 If you’re just knocking off work in the middle of the night and suddenly remember that you had a membership query, the tireless HomeTeamNS Chatbot is available around the clock. For instance, if you want to enjoy free T-Play membership for your child, the AI-powered chatbot would tell you that all you need to do is: Sign up for HomeTeamNS Family Membership for your child, and then enjoy free T-Play membership for a corresponding duration of two or five years, depending on the package. You can speak to the chatbot on the mobile app or visit HomeTeamNS on its Facebook page or website to talk to “Hey Irene”, the HomeTeamNS chatbot. If you can’t find the answers via chatbot, you can reach out by submitting a request through the online help centre. If you prefer personal interaction or have an urgent query, call 6708 6600 between 10am and 8pm to speak with a HomeTeamNS staff. BOOK FACILITIES, ON MOBILE OR WEBSITE Besides the mobile app, you can book HomeTeamNS clubhouse facilities via the facilities booking website. Locate your desired facility from the complete list, or search by clubhouse or category. For example, selecting Khatib Clubhouse brings up all available facilities. Adding “Recreation” to refine your search displays options like the Khatib ManCaves, BBQ Pits and Adventure HQ. Whether you choose to book via the mobile app or website, you’ll be able to view all the pricing lists and packages, as well as make payment. There’s no need to be transferred elsewhere, or pay upon arrival. GOT MORE QUESTIONS? ASK HOMETEAMNS HELP CENTRE There’s also a one-stop cloud-based help centre introduced in November 2021. Powered by Zendesk, the help centre offers a library of useful articles on popular topics, such as clubhouses, HomeTeamNS membership, facilities and facility booking, and cohesion and corporate team-building. Rather than having to call in to ask, members can help themselves to the needed information, saving time and effort. You’ll find answers to everything from “Is the Kids’ Pool open?” to “What do I need to bring for Pilates classes?” This system is enhanced by allowing staff from different departments to have oversight of every customer interaction, whether it happens via e-mail or phone, in order to respond to queries in a more prompt and effective manner. Furthermore, the data collected from these interactions can be processed and analysed, so that customer service can continue to improve. In addition, the help centre features a “Submit a request” portal that allow members to simply fill in the necessary information and even attach photos or files through a guided form to seek help on queries they have. There’s no risk of your request going missing or forgotten, as every request – also known as a customer support ticket – is tracked, prioritised and resolved. DOWNLOAD THE HOMETEAMNS MOBILE APP, FOR ACCESS ON THE GO Can’t remember where Clip ‘n Climb is located, or its opening hours? There’s an app for that – the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, to be precise. Simply download the HomeTeamNS mobile application on Google Play or the Apple App Store, depending on your chosen device. Register your membership and tap to explore a host of useful functions, such as managing your bookings, learning about the latest promotions and getting recommendations based on your location, as well as reminders on upcoming courses you’ve signed up for. Under the HomeTeamNS Family Scheme, your family members can sign up for their own accounts on the app and take advantage of its benefits as well. Can’t think of what to do on a weekend or during the school holidays? Sort events on the mobile app by Me Time, With My Buddies, With My Partner or With My Family, and pick from the recommendations.
Ever wondered how much personal information you’ve revealed online? Here’s why it’s best to keep your digital life private. TEXT: MELODY TAN PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK In the age where every Google search inevitably results in customised ads showing up on your screen, and social media platforms suggest friends of friends to follow, it’s understandable why many people give up on digital privacy. After all, why bother when the Internet already knows so much about you (and all the cat videos you watch)? In reality, we should all be doing our best to maintain our digital privacy. More than just having your embarrassing social media photos shared in public, a lack of digital privacy can have far-reaching consequences. For example, password leaks and hacks can lead to your accounts being hijacked. Even if your passwords are safe, your identity may not be: If your full name and IC number are retrieved by a malicious actor, they can be used to apply for credit cards or loans, or even commit fraud at medical institutions. In some cases, the victim might not even be aware that their accounts or information have been compromised until they attempt to log in or are notified by the authorities. Here are six ways to keep your personal information safe from potential breach. 1. CHECK YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS It’s good practice to check on the privacy settings of your social media accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If your profiles are set to public, it’s easy for people to scrape data from them and learn far more about you than you want them to – for example, the times and days you’re most often at work or the gym (so they can break into your home). You should also turn off any location tagging functions. If you frequently tag your neighbourhood as your location, it’s not difficult for someone to ascertain which block or house you might live in. This could be based on landmarks or other recognisable features in the background. Besides making it easier for stalkers, this information might assist impersonators pretending to be you online in order to scam your friends. 2. YOUR PASSWORD STATUS: IT’S COMPLICATED More complex and unique passwords make it more difficult for hackers to break into your online accounts or hijack your identity. The more complex and unique your password, the better. These days, many websites and platforms will ask for a password that contains a combination of capital and small letters, numbers, and sometimes even special symbols. Don’t be tempted to use your favourite go-to password or your child’s name, just because they’re easy to remember. Old passwords – especially if used repeatedly across multiple accounts – are more likely to have been leaked or hacked at some point. And you don’t want your leaked email password to also helpfully unlock your Facebook, Instagram, Shopee and SingPass accounts for the hackers. Remember, names of family members and pets are often shared on social media which makes them easy to guess as passwords. 3. DON’T REMEMBER PASSWORDS, MANAGE THEM Instead of putting your memory skills to the test, you can use password manager software – such as Apple’s strong password generator – to create and remember long, complex passwords that are unlocked with one master password. A password manager also allows you to disable the save password feature in your Internet browser. When you allow your browser to save passwords, you also enable anyone who has access to your device – whether physically or remotely – to view the saved passwords. In comparison, even the companies running the password manager software won’t know what your stored passwords are. 4. STAY UNDER THE RADAR Similarly, you should clear your browser’s cache regularly, in case any sensitive information is stored there – making it easy pickings for a hacker. If you aren’t a fan of targeted ads, or you simply feel uncomfortable with the fact that many websites sell your collected data to third parties, you can consider anonymous search engines. Your search topics and results won’t be recorded or tracked, helping you to minimise your digital footprint. Use different email addresses for signing up to different accounts, so that if one gets hacked or compromised, your other accounts won’t be affected. Don’t worry about having to check multiple email inboxes: You can implement automatic forwarding to the inbox you use most. 5. ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION Two-factor authentication generates a unique, time-sensitive one-time password and send it to your phone, helping to increase the security of your online accounts. Two-factor authentication – known as 2FA – offers an additional layer of security when you’re logging in to an account. You might have seen it on your Internet banking app, or on your Gmail account. If you haven’t enabled it yet, make sure to do so. By asking you to confirm your identity after you input your password – usually through the generation of a unique, time-sensitive one-time password sent to your phone – the 2FA process safeguards your account and the personal information within. 6. DON’T FORGET ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE Finally, a piece of advice that’s been around since the ’90s, but is still deeply relevant today: Make sure you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your desktop or laptop. No matter how careful you are in your digital activities, you won’t be able to evade all malware or malicious online actors. Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses, spyware, malware and more. It can block spam, prevent loss of your personal information, scan dubious devices and files and most importantly, offer you greater peace of mind when it comes to your digital privacy. In this digital age, it’s important to be aware of the types of online crime that may surface, be they on social media or websites. Here’s how you can prevent yourself from falling victim to cybercrimes and phishing scams.
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