The Internet has become a part of our everyday lives. The shift to online communications isn’t necessarily a bad thing — that is, when you leave out how risky these places actually are. It’s true the Internet is a dangerous place, but here are some ways you can protect yourself.
Don’ts
With the near-limitless possibilities at your fingertips, it’s pretty easy to fall into certain traps online. There’s plenty you should and can do while browsing online, but there are also several mistakes to avoid, such as:
- Using free Wi-Fi. This one might hurt, but it’s really for the best. The only way you should be using these spots is if you’ve protected your device with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) beforehand.
- Getting scammed. This one seems pretty straightforward. After all, who in their right mind would willingly get scammed? Well, it’s easier to get tricked than you might think. Be sure to know what to look for and what to do when you come across something that seems too good to be true.
- Using public computers. Sure, the computers at the library may seem like they’re well protected. Truth is, they’re not, and the person before you could have easily set a trap to acquire your data. The person after you may also have the knowledge to track your data after you’ve left.
Do’s
Thankfully, there are options available to keep everyone safe from hackers, scammers and other cyber-attacks. The Internet is a beautiful thing, and people shouldn’t have to be scared to use it. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in, and we have to do what is necessary to protect ourselves. Here are some ideas to help keep you safe:
- Review and secure your social media accounts. Many people spend a good chunk of their days on social media. Little do they know their data is basically advertised to anyone that wants it. Change your password frequently to keep your info safe.
- Use a VPN whenever you want to browse the Internet.
- Keep your system software up-to-date. These updates often see the security system improved on your device, making it harder for hackers to gain access.
- Dial down the data sharing. You don’t always have to agree to a website’s demands. Companies want you to share your data so that they can analyze it and use it to better target you with ads; some companies will even share or sell your data.
The Internet has changed the way we live our lives, both for better and worse. We can buy groceries with a few clicks and never have to leave the comfort of our homes, or we can join social networking sites and connect with like-minded people all across the world. To keep all that activity safe, we need to be careful about who we share our data with and why.
Unfortunately, it’s also true for those who wish to use it for nefarious purposes. So, be sure to add a little extra security and change your passwords frequently. You never know when you may be the victim of one of these attacks, if you’re not already.
