Technology has changed our lives immensely. Today, most of our lives are spent online, from social media, shopping, banking, to working from home. There is a problem, though. Most of our private information is shared online! This means we are vulnerable to cybercrimes targeting our personal lives and businesses. It begs the question; can you really stay safe on the Internet while browsing? The answer is yes, you can. Let us share some essential tips that will keep you safe on the Internet.
Always use a secure connection
When connecting to the Internet, make sure to use a secure internet connection. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi; just because it is free, it doesn’t mean it is safe. Using it to access sensitive information or conduct bank transactions puts you at risk. Luckily, you can counter this and surf safely by connecting to a VPN. With a VPN connection, all data sent from your device to the private network at the other end is encrypted. In essence, it keeps your online activities private from hackers or eavesdroppers. No one can see what you are doing online.
Clear your Cache
Another great way to stay safe while browsing is clearing your Cache. Caching is meant to speed our overall browsing experience by storing the site’s information in temporary files in its Cache. Every time you visit the site, your browser loads the cached copy rather than downloading it all over again from the Internet. An excellent example of this is the safari cache on Mac. However, while caching saves time, the temporary files may be a target of adware, malware, and virus files. In this regard, here is a detailed guide to help you clear your Cache if you are running macOS or iOS. It is pretty much the same concept if you are using Windows, Ubuntu, Android, and any other OS. You should be wary of cache-targeted attacks on your browser. You can use a cleaner app to help you handle this automatically.
Limit what you share
This is another excellent way of keeping hackers at bay. It’s simple; no one will steal from you if they do not have access to what to steal. If possible, stop sharing too much of your personal information like location, bank details, pictures, and trips. The less you share, the safer for you.
Update your security software
Imagine waking up to wiped bank accounts or to your private information plastered on public forums? Sad right. Well, while there are numerous benefits that the Internet offers, we have to deal with a battalion of malicious entities like viruses, worms, ransomware, etc. The good news is there are great security products or antivirus designed to safeguard your devices from such attacks. You can check out Norton, McAfee, or Kaspersky. Once you buy and install the software, ensure you conduct regular updates to aid with better functionality.
Use strong passwords
We all love to create easy passwords that are easy to remember, right? While that’s okay, it leaves you vulnerable. Passwords need to be complex and unpredictable for hackers. You can use a password management tool that allows you to create strong passwords with an additional layer of security. Incorporate the two-factor identification with an SMS to heighten your password security. Additionally, you need to practice changing your passwords as regularly as you can.
Tip:
- Avoid re-using passwords for every account. Once you create a password, don’t share it with anyone
Wrap
Security experts note that a significant percentage of security breaches are caused by human error. This means your security is in your own hands. You need to stay cautious and alert at all times. A good place to begin is putting into practice the tips discussed above.
