Whatever internet browser you decide to use is like your portal to the world of the internet. You want to ensure that this portal is as secure as can be. Most browsers come equipped with certain features that are included to ensure your online safety. You could enable the privacy settings on your browser, a more viable option would be to install online safety plugins to your browser. You could also try surfing the internet incognito.
As the internet is a whole new world on its own, it possesses dangerous neighborhoods just like in real life too. In the same way you would try to avoid dangerous places real life, you should endeavor to avoid shady websites online. Most of them are usually crawling with cybercriminals and you don’t want to fall victim because they are always ready to exploit whatever personal information you let on via one careless click. You also protect yourself from the risks of getting your devices infected with malware. Verify pages you visit with No Risk Domain to make sure you can trust them.
‘The internet never forgets’ - This is a quote you should always live by as your weave your way around the online world. The internet does not have a delete button, so you should be careful what personal information you share online. Keep it strictly on a professional and limited basis. You would probably be reluctant to share your private information with a stranger you just met real life, why then would you be careless with such details online where millions of potential strangers will have access to it.
When you go online on a public Wi-Fi, you basically have no control over its security, so try as much as you can to surf the internet over secure connections only. If you must use an unsecured connection, be sure to never share private information over it, even if you can vouch for the authenticity of the party you are sharing with because you never know who’s watching.
One of the ways by which cybercriminals gain access to your information is by tricking you into downloading malware. These malwares try to steal information from your device and relay them back to whoever planted them in the first place. As a precaution, never download programs or apps that look shady or come from a site that is suspicious.
Don’t be tempted to use easy passwords so you can remember easily, cybercriminals are smart too and they will probably guess right. Instead, use strong passwords that will be difficult to demystify by criminals. You can also use a password manager so that you don’t forget your passwords when they become too much. A strong password is one that is complex and unique. It should be about 12 or more characters long incorporating letters (upper and lower cases), numbers and special characters.
To make a purchase online, you will be most likely required to provide credit card or bank account information, make sure you only do this over secure encrypted connections. Always look out for the https: at the beginning of the address instead of just http: The ‘s’ stands for secure. You might also notice a padlock icon next to the address
Keep these 7 basic rules and you will be on your way to avoiding the evils of the internet.