How to Stay Safe on the Internet
The internet is like a ‘home’ to many people today. Its widespread and heavy use worldwide welcomed every sort of internet user. Some are genuine but others bear malicious intentions that pose threats to other internet users. In as much as these people pose a security threat, you cannot refrain from using this vital resource. However, you will be required to know some ways to maintain safety while on the internet.
Counter-check Links Before Clicking on Them
A link can be a great threat. Making sure that the link you’re about to click on is safe and does not pose a security threat will save you from great trouble. A single way to ascertain whether the link is secure is by hovering the mouse pointer over it. If the link is genuine, it will show a preview of the full link address on the status bar of your web browser.
Install Antivirus and Antimalware
It is advisable to obtain and install an antivirus application on your gadget while surfing the internet. Some of the viruses or malware programs are picked from your interactions with various websites. To protect your gadget and data from damage or distortion, an antivirus application will serve you well. The antivirus programs will give you notifications in case of a threat and offer mechanisms of curbing the same. In new models of computers, the firewall serves the role of an antivirus adequately. All you need to do is update it regularly.
Avoid Insecure Public WI-FI
Some insecure public Wi-Fi connections are set up by hackers. They target unaware users and lure them into using the network. In the process of browsing, they obtain your personal information. Insecure Wi-Fi connections are a great pathway to internet threats if not well observed. If at all you must use this sort of Wi-Fi, avoid at all costs logging into your financial accounts, personal applications, and your private work accounts.
Keep Personal Details Private
Your passwords and log-in details pertaining to your private accounts should never be known by unauthorized people. Stalkers can use such information to troll you on the internet or even go as far as asking for ransom. Do not save passwords if you can manage to remember them. The inconvenience of logging in every time is far less than that of being hacked.