In today’s digital world, browsing the internet safely is essential to protect your personal information and maintain your online privacy. Whether you’re checking emails, shopping online, or streaming content, taking the right precautions can help you avoid scams, malware, and data breaches.
This guide will help highlight practical ways to stay safe while browsing online, from using a password manager to recognizing suspicious websites and using secure networks. These simple habits can greatly affect how protected you are while online.
Use a password manager
Passwords are designed to keep unauthorized users out of an account, and if your account is a personal one, then you are the only person who should be using it. Of course, many websites impose restrictions on what your password has to include, and some even make you change it every 6 months.
This can make it impossible to remember which passwords are for which accounts. That’s where password managers come in. While writing your password down on paper or post-it notes is a massive security breach, a password manager offers a secure place to store all your account information. In other words, you won’t have to remember a different password for each website.
Watch out for phishing and scam websites
Have you ever made a mistake when typing in a URL? Many scammers try to capitalize on basic mistakes with spoofing and phishing attacks. In other words, creating replica webpages and hosting them on nearly identical websites. The whole purpose of these scam and phishing websites is to convince you to put your private information into their website.
Scammers can then use your information to steal your data and personal information, such as card numbers, phone numbers, and addresses.
Before you put your information into a website, make sure you’re on the genuine site. Look for any typos in the URL, or look for any mistakes in the website itself.
Always browse on secure networks
Another way your data can be stolen is by using an unprotected network. Open WiFi connections, like those found at coffee shops and airports, can be set up by scammers trying to steal your information.
If you use these networks, the scammer’s router can keep a copy of your usernames, passwords, and other information. For instance, logging into your emails or bank accounts on unsecured networks can give hackers easy access to almost all your data. With access to your email, they can even reset passwords or hide evidence of the theft.
Keep your software and devices updated
All technological systems have flaws. Whether it’s a browser, mobile app, or operating system, there may be issues with the technology which make it susceptible to security threats.
Over time, these issues are found and fixed through updates. If you don’t update your software, however, then your devices may be running a version that’s easily susceptible to cyberattacks.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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