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Internet Safety Rules You Should Not Ignore
Even though apps play a crucial role in most people’s daily online interactions than traditional websites, the fundamental Internet safety rules have not changed. Hackers are still looking for personal information that they can use to gain access to your credit card and bank account information.
Unsafe surfing can also lead to other dangers, such as embarrassing personal comments or images that are nearly impossible to remove once they are online or getting mixed up with people you’d rather not have anything to do.
Here are the top 10 Internet safety rules to follow to avoid getting into trouble while surfing the web (and offline).
1. Maintain Personal Information in a Professional and Limited Manner
Potential employers or customers do not require information about your relationship status or home address. They will need to know about your expertise and professional background, as well as how to contact you. You wouldn’t give out purely personal information to strangers individually; don’t give it out to millions of people online.
2. Maintain Your Privacy Settings On
Marketers and hackers both want to know everything about you. Your browsing and social media usage can teach both of you a lot. You, on the other hand, have control over your data. According to Lifehacker, both web browsers and mobile operating systems have settings to protect your online privacy. Privacy-enhancing settings are also available on major websites such as Facebook. Companies want your personal information for its marketing value, so these settings are sometimes (intentionally) difficult to find. Make sure you have these privacy safeguards enabled and that you keep them enabled.
3. Be Cautious When Browsing
You wouldn’t choose to walk through a harmful neighborhood, so don’t visit dangerous neighborhoods websites. Lurid content is used as bait by cybercriminals. They understand that people are sometimes get tempted by questionable content and may relax their guard when looking for it. The Internet’s demimonde is riddling with hidden dangers, where a careless click could expose personal information or infect your device with malware. You don’t even give the hackers a chance if you resist the urge.
4. Use a Secure VPN Connection
When you shop online, a VPN will conceal your bank account information and other sensitive information that could compromise your safety.
A VPN secures your internet connection by masking your IP address. It also conceals sensitive data you send over, such as bank account information when shopping online and other private information that could be compromised.
5. Implement two-factor authentication
2FA, or two-factor authentication, is used to add an extra layer of security to your account. When you sign in to your account using 2FA, you must enter the correct password along with the generated code sent to your device. If someone obtains only your password, they cannot access your profile unless they enter this additional code.
6. Always keep your antivirus software up to date
Although Internet security software cannot protect against every threat, it can detect and remove malware, though you should be sure it is up to date. Make sure to keep up with operating system updates and application updates. They add a crucial layer of security.
7. Take Caution When Meeting People Online
People you meet on the internet are not always who they say they are. Indeed, they might not even exist. According to InfoWorld, fake social media profiles are a popular way for hackers to get close to unsuspecting Web users and pick their cyber pockets. Be as cautious and prudent in your online social life as you are in your offline social life.
8. Make Online Purchases from Trustworthy Websites
When you make an online purchase, you must provide credit card or bank account information, which cybercriminals are eager to obtain. Provide this information only to sites that offer secure, encrypted connections. According to Boston University, you can identify secured websites by looking for an address that begins with https: (the S stands for secure) rather than simply http: A padlock icon next to the address bar may also indicate them.
9. Select Robust Passwords
Passwords are one of the most vulnerable points in the Internet’s security architecture, but there is currently no way around them. And the issue with passwords is that people tend to choose easy-to-remember ones (such as “password” and “123456”) that are also easy for cyber thieves to guess. Choose strong passwords that are difficult for cybercriminals to decipher. Password manager software can help you manage multiple passwords and keep track of them. A strong password is one-of-a-kind and complex, with at least 15 characters that mix letters, numbers, and symbols.
10. Be cautious of free Wi-Fi and downloads.
The most common sources of online security issues are free downloads, online services, and Wi-Fi networks. If you choose a free solution, make sure it has a good reputation: look up the name of the service or software and, you should be able to find some feedback on how it works.
Using free public Wi-Fi is not always safe, but we need to get online quickly sometimes. Remember to avoid using free Wi-Fi to access your bank accounts or make purchases. If you have to do so, use VPN software to protect the data you send over an unsecured network. If it’s not an emergency, it’s best to put off any transactions until you get home.