10 internet safety tips to keep you safe while browsing online.
Try Tor browser
It is a highly secured version of Mozilla Firefox which keeps the user’s identity hidden over the Internet. Tor offers high-end security to the user and keeps the IP address under wraps.
Complex passwords are a safe bet
It is always advised to create unique and strong passwords for all the critical accounts in order to keep hackers away from personal as well as financial information. Also, never ever reuse your password for multiple accounts as it makes it easier for a hacker to enter different accounts and steal crucial data. Thus, it is best to use a trusted password manager to create and store different passwords for different accounts. Also, check if the online account offers multi-factor authentication. This makes sure that the password is secure.
Enhance your Network Security
Another way of ensuring internet safety is to make sure that the connections are secure. If you use public Wi-Fi, you are providing hackers an open ground to get into your mobile or laptop. This is because most of the public Wi-Fi systems are nor secured. One way you can avert the hackers is by opting for Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows to create secure connections over the internet, thus keeping hackers at bay.
Don’t use public storage for private information
Never ever online services to store your private data. Google Docs, for instance, is not a safe place to store your list of passwords, and neither is Dropbox safe to hold password scans unless they are stored in an encrypted archive.
Protect your mobile
Internet safety is a must for mobile phones. From risky apps to virus-filled links, mobile devices are more prone to attacks. Therefore, it is important to be careful while opening links. It is also recommended to only visit secured websites and to download apps from official stores. Another way of ensuring internet safety is by not responding to strangers’ emails and messages. Also ensure that the security software is enabled on your mobile as well as other devices.
Be a smart clicker
Be careful when clicking on links, websites, pictures, etc. In today’s digital world, hackers are using social engineering or phishing to capture personal information. Also, it is better not to click on links that offer tempting discounts. They are too dangerous and can cost you a lot more than you ever expected.
Update the software
Always keep your software updated to make sure you have the latest security patches installed. Turn On automatic updates and ensure the security system on your device runs regular scans to protect your personal data.
Be wary of latest scams
Technology is evolving every day. It is important for a user to be abreast of the different tricks hackers use to get into the device. Latest is “ransomware” where hackers are threatening users to lock them out of their personal files unless a hefty amount is paid to them. Therefore, keep yourself informed and accordingly update your software to safeguard crucial information and data.
Private browsing
Browsers like chrome and Firefox come with incognito or private browsing mode through which users can browse the Internet without revealing their identity. This mode does not store any cookies so users do not leave their history behind. The private browsing mode can be accessed in chrome by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + N and CTRL +SHIFT + P in Mozilla Firefox.
HTTPS and removing tracking widgets
Using HTTPS protocol will provide you with an additional layer of security since it creates a high encrypted link between the user and the website. The messages communicated through HTTPS cannot be read or intercepted and this is the reason why most ecommerce website uses this protocol. The users can also use disconnect add-on which is available for all major browsers. This adds on offers one of the best features, which excises the tracking elements from the webpages that you have visited recently. It also removes tracking cookies from the browser and enables safe surfing for the users.
