Without a question, the Internet makes our life simpler. However, it also poses a risk of spam, identity theft, invasion of privacy, and cyber espionage. This is why internet safety (sometimes referred to as online safety or e-safety) is essential. Internet safety is being aware of the kind of possible hazards that you may encounter when browsing the Internet. It’s time to concentrate on the bright side of digital life and discover secure online browsing security measures. So no matter if you are playing at a mobile casino from your smartphone or making online purchases from your laptop, the below tips will help you stay on the safe side.
1. Update Your Web Browser
Updating your browser allows you to employ the most recent security features since updated browsers become more adept at detecting threats and preventing irritating pop ups. Ignoring to update may result in your browser being infected with malware designed to steal information from your search history. We strongly recommend staying up to date by checking your browser for any available updates.
2. Choose Strict Privacy & Security Settings on Your Browser
Many users overlook the need of optimizing their browser’s security settings. However, it is a necessary step in accessing the Internet discreetly. So take your time to configure strict privacy and security settings in all browsers that you use for surfing the Internet.
3. Stop Browsing Websites That Do Not Use HTTPS
HTTP is a computer protocol that is not encrypted; thus, it is not safe to use. The situation is completely different with HTTPS, which is secured with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). If browsers utilize HTTPS to transmit data, no one will ever be able to gain access to the data. Make sure that the websites you visit are secure as a user. Take note of the left side of the web address. A lock symbol indicates a secure connection; an exclamation mark indicates that the connection is not safe. When it comes to online gambling, BestAuCasinosOnline takes care of Australian players and has selected only the safest and most trustworthy casinos.
4. Be Careful What Files/Apps You Download
We like downloading games, apps, photos, and music. However, this doesn’t mean that you should rush and download the very first app that looks catchy and cool for you. Next time, don’t download programs or assets irresponsibly for the sake of entertainment. This type of behavior can lead to virus or malware issues. To avoid unpleasant surprises, use reliable sites only. Additionally, scan files for malware before opening them. If you are concerned that a file you are about to download is harmful, it is better to cancel the operation in the download toolbar.
5. Clear Your Browser’s Cookies
Every day, you visit tens of websites. All of them generate little pieces of code in order to collect data from your browser history. Cookies can be beneficial in some situations (for example, when preserving site login information), but they also compromise your privacy. Did you know that hackers can use cookies to get access to your accounts? Remember the Yahoo data leak back in 2015? Hackers launched a sophisticated cookie forgery attack to compromise 32 million accounts. Yes, 32 million people.
6. Use an Ad Blocker to Protect Your Privacy
There are far too many advertisements on the Internet nowadays. There are too many. This is precisely what drives 42% of people worldwide to use an ad blocker. This straightforward tool connects with your browser and employs a number of filters to prevent access to specified content. Ad blockers remove annoying advertisements, make pages simpler to read and prevent bogus news. Many advertisements contain malvertising, which is a deceptive practice of concealing malware within digital advertisements. Using an ad blocker reduces the advertising noise and protects you from potentially harmful information.
7. Disable Your Browser’s Request to Save Your Passwords
This safe browsing method will cause some discomfort. We are aware. Password management is embedded into web browsers, prompting you to remember passwords for websites you frequent. This function allows you to forget all of your passwords. However, it entails a loss of security since your login details might be taken with a single mouse click.
8. Think About Utilizing Privacy-Conscious Search Engines That Respect Your Privacy
Just accept it: tech behemoths know a lot about you since they track your online movements. In reality, this is done for a variety of purposes, including providing you with relevant search results. However, there are other search engine choices that can provide you with the amount of anonymity you want. DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, Qwant, Mojeek, and Startpage are some privacy-friendly search engines. The most significant benefit of utilizing these search engines is that they do not record IP addresses or user information.
9. Set up Two-Factor Authentication & Create Secure Passwords (2FA)
Did you know that 81% of enterprise data breaches happened due to poor password usage? In fact, it is so. The more secure your password is, the more secure you will be from malicious activities. Forget about using “your” dates, phone numbers, favorite movies, and sports team names as passwords. Special characters, symbols, capital letters, and numerals should all be included in a strong password combination. Furthermore, activate 2FA to improve the security of your digital accounts. Even if someone knows your password, they will be unable to log into your account. An additional security layer, such as 2FA, makes it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts.
10. Use a VPN
A list of secure online browsing guidelines would be incomplete without a recommendation for using a VPN. In 2020, security (49%) and privacy (40%) were the most important issues. VPN is often used as an ad hoc service between you and your host site. It encrypts data and conceals your IP address. When information is not encrypted, anyone with network access can read it. When you use a Virtual Private Network, thieves cannot decrypt your data. In other words, with a VPN, you can browse safely and securely.
Safeguard Yourself
Cybercriminals are looking for new methods to steal your data. A single mistake might cause you a headache. For this not to happen, you need to browse the Internet responsibly. We attempted to take you on a tour and show which secure online surfing security guidelines you might employ. With our 10 tips, you can take control of your security and privacy.
