Online privacy is subjected to various threats all the time. There are suspicious websites and even a few secure ones that spread all sorts of viruses. They use spyware to access personal data and phish information directly from internet users. Some hackers seize computers, encrypt personal data, and hold it ransom. With such privacy attacks on the rise, you need to take action. This article highlights a few tips you could use to ensure safe internet browsing.
Mask Your IP Address Using VPN
Generally, all the data you receive or send through your device is rounded up into readable and neat data packets. By doing so, it is easy for just about anyone to read and monitor your IP. Generally, VPNs work by channeling a user’s online data traffic using random and untraceable IP addresses. Anyone intercepting your data only sees incomprehensible information that is unreadable. vpn testing has many reviews on some of the best VPNs you can use today. You can also find out more about one of their favorite VPNs from this StrongVPN download guide.
The Onion Browser (TOR)
Utilizing TOR provides you with an additional privacy layer. It achieves this through encasing questions made by your browser in three encryption layers. TOR then bounces them thrice before they ultimately reach the intended server. It is crucial if you are on sites that are illegal in a few places, such as gambling websites. To get a secure browser, you need a compatible VPN coupled with TOR. Not all VPNs are compatible with TOR, and as such, it is good first to consider the compatibility of your preferred VPN.
Invest in Security Software
Though most people ignore this fact, security software is a necessity. With a reliable antivirus, you can safely enjoy your time surfing on the internet. Suspicious websites have malware, although malware also prowls in popular sites such as social media and torrenting sites. Spyware is another way through which your personal data may suffer a security breach. You can use an anti-spyware program though many renowned antivirus firms offer this through their antivirus program provisions. It is also crucial that you put up a firewall to shield your local network. This is necessary when dealing with an unreliable external network such as the internet.
Clear Your Cookies Occasionally
Cookies are tiny data packets sent by a site and saved on the computer. These cookies have various information, such as what you prefer from a particular site and your shopping cart contents. The information in such cookies can create a pattern of your online activities. It implies that these cookies can be utilized to infringe on your privacy. The fact is that at some point, you will have these cookies on your computer. Without them, most websites would be unusable. However, you need to clear your cookies from time to time.
Sign out of After Using Secure Sites
After you are done surfing on a secure site, it is best to sign out your account before closing the browser. That way, you lower the risk of hackers getting to your account.
Routine Upgrade of Your Operating System
Always ensure that once an update is available, you upgrade your operating system to facilitate safe browsing. That way, when security threats are detected, the operating system makes a quick update to block these threats. However, some users fail to make these updates since they find their timing rather inconveniencing. Hackers move swiftly to exploit your operating system within this period. For this reason, always utilize the most recent version.
Suspicious Sites
It would be best to steer clear of any suspicious sites mostly because they are susceptible to malware. Conduct your delicate online transactions through secure websites. By looking at the URL, you can quickly tell if a website is safe or not. For instance, every secure URL begins with HTTPS and has a green padlock next to the name secure. This implies that all activities are encrypted, and the domain ownership of these secure websites is validated.
Keep Your Password Private
You have to come up with a new password each time you register for an online account. Every time you do, ensure that you create secure passwords. This is particularly true for sensitive accounts such as banking or social media. Avoid using the more obvious passwords, such as a combination of the current year and your username. It is best to create through using symbols, numbers, and capitalized letters.
Hackers will have a more challenging time guessing your password. You could also engage a trusted source to gain access to a password manager application. That way, you do not need to write down your various passwords on a paper sheet that can easily be stolen or even lost. If you have encountered a security breach, you need to make changes to your password at once.
Grant Access Through Two-Factor Authentication Process
You will find that virtually all secure websites have a two-factor authentication step. The process is designed to protect you against people who may attempt to impersonate you. For instance, if you are attempting to sign in to your banking account online from China, they will raise the alarm. These websites then inquire from you whether you have attempted logging into your account.
At this point, the hacker will be denied access to your account unless they can access your email or phone. Two-factor authentication can also help if anyone tries to guess your password or hack into your account. You can utilize this process to change your password and gain back possession of your account.
Keep Away from Torrenting Websites
You should avoid using torrenting and file sharing websites. Such sites encompass the sharing of private files belonging to other users. Torrenting websites are common with those seeking to spread malware. Immediately you download and open a file containing malware; the file owner can seize and use your computer.
Steer Clear of Public Wi-Fi
You may not know who set up the public Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee shop or even what data they are logging. At times, others could create clones that copy the name of a public Wi-Fi. Such people could have unauthorized access to the devices connected to their network. In case you have to connect to a public Wi-Fi, utilize a VPN to make a secure internet connection.