The internet has become an enormous part of our everyday lives. It is the largest hub for information and right now, we can hardly imagine life without the internet. But as useful and informative the web can be, it can also be dangerous and pose security threats if not properly utilized. By making use of the internet in a safe manner, we can ensure adequate protection of information and identities to a reasonable extent.
Below is a list of practices that can be carried out to ensure online safety while you surf the net.
Ensure all of your devices that are connected to the internet have updated operating systems, apps and anti-virus software. You're exposed to many viruses, malware and spyware whenever you surf the net, so it is important that you have the latest protection.
Be sure you have multiple passwords for different services. Password managers can help you keep track of your various passwords. In some cases, some even help you generate complex passwords that will ensure the safety of your data from theft. Also, never share your passwords with anybody.
Never respond to emails claiming to be from your bank or other establishment requesting your bank details. These mails are usually phishing attempts and no bank will ever approach you in this way to request your personal detail. You should also be wary of attachments that accompany such mails.
Public Wi-Fi connections are sure convenient, however, they put you at risk of having personal often sensitive data stolen. Networks like these are oftentimes poorly protected, this makes it easy for hackers and cybercriminals to intercept your activities online and steal all they want like your credit card details and passwords.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are the most reliable ways to ensure your online safety and privacy. They transfer data via encrypted tunnels and hide your IP address so no one can see what you are doing online. Even if anybody finds out and intercepts whatever you are doing, the information within will be scrambled and unreadable.
Cookies are small text files that are kept on your computer and phones. They store minute bits of information concerning your personal activity in connection with a particular website. Cookies are impossible to bypass if you want to use sites like Twitter and Facebook where log-in is a prerequisite. What you can do alternatively is to ensure you clear your cookies regularly making less easy to track your online habits.
A lot of mobile apps require certain sets of permissions to function optimally. Some apps however become too demanding in that regard. You should review these permissions as some can be revoked without any true consequence on the functionality of the app. How else would you explain a gaming app wanting to access your contacts?
We hope these tips have been helpful to you and will guide you going forward as you explore more of the internet with a more enlightened approach and greater scrutiny. Don’t forget to verify websites on Safe domain, if you are in doubt.
Happy Surfing!