We all have suffered the bumpy ride of the year 2020 in some way or another. One thing that the year has taught us all and will be prevalent for many years to come is the significance of the internet in our lives.
But with growing usage of the internet brings new challenges to us especially when the users are children, the elderly, of all age groups, and educational backgrounds. The intent of each user is unique and often requires different strategies for safety. While some use the internet for financial activities, office work, some may use it for entertainment. Hackers are always looking for loopholes to manipulate and extort monies or worse.
Internet could be a savage place if you are not watchful. It is our responsibility to safeguard our investments and identity. We have compiled a list of simple safety measures for each internet user that will help them in making their internet experience knowledgeable and hassle-free.
Use VPN for extra security
Virtual Private Networks will hide your online activities by creating a private network. Although most VPNs are safe to use some might show you unnecessary ads. Also, some of the VPNs come with malware. Thus, you must always use the trusted VPNs for safe and secure browsing
To start with change your passwords regularly
Most of the applications and platforms remind the user to change their passwords on a timely basis. But many of us find it annoying. Series of numbers, names, dates of birth are easiest to crack and are in the front line of vulnerability. Using special characters will make it difficult for the hackers to decode it.
Also, don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. There are many password manager apps available in case you find it difficult to remember the passwords.
Incognito Mode is a blessing
When the web browsers keep track of your day-to-day activities, it becomes necessary to control who has access to your search history, cookies, and or temporary internet files. Using incognito mode will keep your browsing private as you like it. Almost every web browser provides the Incognito Mode option to its users. Using it will also block third party applications and websites from accessing your data by not keeping the browsing history records.
Free Wi-Fi or hackers’ playground?
Hackers are always looking for vulnerabilities, and Free Wi-Fi zones are the most common spaces where unethical hackers could access your sensitive information. Our mobile handsets and laptops have a lot of personal and financial data stored and using the free Wi-Fi may cost you more if the data reaches in wrong hands.
At the same time, sometimes it becomes necessary for the users to use the free Wi-Fi service. It is advisable to refrain from using any financial applications while browsing the internet.
Say no to location tracking
Many applications, websites, and web-browsers track your location even though they may not be in use. This data is used for providing location-based services. Deny permission to such applications, web-browsers, and websites as this data uses your actual physical movement. And this data could be manipulated to use against you.
Don’t trust emails from unverified users
Spammers send thousands of emails with spam files, viruses, and fraudulent messages. Once the receiver clicks on such links, files, or images the device (mobile/laptop/computer) is bugged with the malicious software and thus the hackers get access to your personal information. In some cases, many spammers try to lure the users by promising rewards and cash.
Most of the email service providers have excellent spam detectors but sometimes such emails get through the system. You must mark such emails as Spam and avoid clicking on any folders or links provided in these emails.
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Please remember that children are most vulnerable to the threats on the internet. While it is necessary for them to use the internet for studies it becomes our responsibility to educate them about the safety measures. Explain to them they should avoid communicating to anonymous people and avoid browsing through unverified websites. Additionally, you can use child control feature to control what your child surfs on internet.
That was all folks! These were some simple tips for internet security. Please put good use of internet and remember your safety is your responsibility.
