Whether you are a person who access the Internet occasionally or you use it frequently for more demanding tasks, this article is a must-read for any person who surfaces the Internet.
In the last century, technology developed at an amazingly fast pace, allowing the Internet to expand into the Network that is used today by most of the population, but not everybody is aware of the risks that come with it and how to keep our devices and personal data safe while accessing the WWW. Here are our top 4 picks for online practices that any Internet surfer should practice.
1. Set up complex passwords
Many accounts on different platforms contain your personal information and the best way to keep them secured is to use strong passwords for all your online accounts.
A complex password must be at least 8 characters long, contain both capitals and uppercase alphabetical characters, contain at least one number and at least one special character.
Also, never repeat passwords online as if one of your passwords gets leaked, then all your accounts using that password will be compromised.
2. Install a firewall on your computer
A firewall is a piece of software that once installed on your device protects you from outsiders trying to obtain unauthorized access to your device or even your entire network, by monitoring all the incoming sources and blocking the unwanted ones. Therefore, a firewall must be installed on any device used for web surfing.
3. Don’t overshare information
Many websites on the Internet will ask you for your data like name, age, financial information, etc., but keep in mind that this data can prove to be very valuable and must never be overshared online. Try to give data about you only to trusted sources and do not give more than is needed. If the completion of a field from a form is not mandatory, then dismiss it.
4. Keep your devices updated to the latest software
Updating your device every time a minor software update launches might look unnecessary, but many of these small updates include important security updates, which although cannot be observed with the naked eye, can prove essential for preventing unwanted malwares.
Conclusion
While Internet has become an essential part of our lives, it is important to know the best practices to keep our devices and personal information secured while accessing the WWW.
References
- https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/tips-tricks/10-tips-stay-safe-online/
- https://staysafe.org/10-tips-to-stay-safe-online/
- https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-emerging-threats-what-is-firewall.html
- https://thriveglobal.com/stories/are-you-oversharing-online-your-mental-health-may-be-in-danger/
- https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/internet-security/software-updates-important/
- https://its.lafayette.edu/policies/strongpasswords/
