We use the internet for everything. And it contains a lot of our private information: from banking details to our photos, as well as your data. Keeping this information – and your PC – safe on the internet is therefore crucial. But some many hidden dangers and pitfalls could trick you. Below we explore how to protect yourself on the internet.
Strangers on social media
Be it Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, it’s perfectly natural to want to share the exciting moments of your life on social media. However, you need to show a little caution before sharing something you wouldn’t want the world to see. If you get a follow request from a stranger have a long think about whether you want to provide them with a window into your life.
Never open odd-looking links
One of the most common ways in which a virus gets spread is via hyperlinks and dodgy email attachments. Only open a link if you can be sure that it’s reliable. Even if a friend has sent it, if the message or the link itself looks weird and out of the ordinary, don’t open it.
Don’t reuse passwords
Treat your accounts with the security they deserve. Use different passwords for different accounts. You don’t want to get into a position where your main password is compromised leaving 100s of accounts vulnerable. Having multiple different passwords can sound unmanageable, but a password manager is a safe way of sorting through them.
Make sure to have an antivirus installed
Antivirus software is one of the most comprehensive defenses you can have on your computer. Top software will be able to intercept viruses and malware before they’re downloaded on your computer, or even warn you. On top of this, antivirus software can also run checks to make sure that a virus hasn’t crept onto your system unnoticed.
Try not to use public networks
Logging onto public computers or WI-FI will leave you vulnerable, no matter how tempting it is. Public computers could have all sorts of spyware downloaded before you use it. Meanwhile, your data won’t be safe on public WI-FI, unless you use a secure VPN.
When online shopping, try using a prepaid card
A prepaid card isn’t usually linked to a bank account. This means that if its details are linked online, you stand to lose less money – only the amount loaded up on the card. This can give you peace of mind that your savings are protected online.
Staying safe online can feel overwhelming sometimes. But by following the above advice you should be able to protect your data and browse the internet with freedom.
