Highlights
Internet Safety is a significant part of life. The internet today is not the way it once used to be. Now, it is home to millions of websites that are a far cry from their earliest predecessors. Moreover, it offers more digital entertainment than was once thought possible.
Its popularity has also grown a lot due to cheap ISP costs in the last two decades. In the U.S, the ever-decreasing Cox internet prices are a good indicator of this trend. Pretty soon, we would be in for a fully connected world. An issue which has spurned many movies and TV shows. As it has several newer streams of science fiction lore.
The Internet – Today – is More Prone to Attack: –
However, despite its advances, the internet is also increasingly susceptible to attack today. Because hackers have grown more sophisticated in their assaults. So they have found newer ways of breaking into private systems.
I’ve worked as a systems security analyst or the last seven years.
During this time, I’ve learned that there is only so much that you can do to stop all incoming attacks completely. Be they from individual hackers, viruses, Trojans, or any malicious code. However, strictly abiding by a few of the more established security measures of the trade does help. What’s more, it can lead organizations to save countless dollars in losses — money which would otherwise have gone into the hands of cyber-criminals.
Read Also: Facebook fixed the flaw, 50 million accounts affected
Six Internet Safety Methods: –
In this post, I’ll share 6 of the most effective (tried & tested) internet security tips. If you chose to follow these in your online sessions, there’s a good chance that you’ll stay safe. As well as entirely in charge of your confidential information.
These points, very briefly, include the following:
1. Keeping System Security Software Updated
2. Only Visiting Sites with HTTPS Certification
3. Using a Different Password for Every Online Account
4. Minimizing Foreign Device Links to Home Networks
5. Keeping Suspicious Emails Unopened
6. Never Disclosing Personal Information over Open Networks
I’ve elaborated on each of these points below.
Updating Security Software for Internet Safety: –
Thankfully, system security software is nowadays primed to update their directories automatically. This feature is vital because new online threats emerge with every passing second. Also, so it is crucial to have defenses in place which can neutralize them.
I like my computer’s inbuilt Microsoft Security Essentials program. In contrast to many other antivirus applications, it is very light on the RAM. It keeps on running in the background. Moreover, it does not interfere with the performance of other open programs.
If you want foolproof security on your home network, it’s wise to get a service with server-ended safety. Many of the leading ISP companies nowadays offer this provision.
Ensuring that all your security software is up-to-date is crucial. It is the first step towards keeping your devices protected.
Only Visiting Sites with HTTPS Certifications: –
Recently, the Google Chrome web browser changed gear. It started notifying users whenever they tried to open insecure sites. These are the web platforms that don’t come with any HTTPS certification.
Seeing this new dynamic emerge, many webmasters hurried to put this protocol in place.
Insecure websites are open to attack from expert hackers. Also, users who perform transactions through them risk getting their confidential info stolen.
Using Different Passwords internet safety: –
Many people keep the same password for each of their internet accounts. With the reason being that it is hard for them to remember them all at once. Nowadays, many nifty mobile apps and online utilities help to keep a record of these codes.
The use of only one password risks natural exposure of the contents of all accounts — something which wily hackers always seem to count on.
When setting passwords, it is important to include special characters and numerals. It made them harder to crack for both people and hacking programs.
Minimizing Foreign Device Linkages internet safety: –
Using unknown devices on home networks is a surefire way of infecting them. So it is essential to prevent them from gaining access to your domestic hotspots.
USB flash drives are commonly known to carry all kinds of viruses within their databanks. Minimizing their use, generally, helps to keep hackers at bay.
Not Opening Suspicious Emails for internet safety: –
Every week, people get hundreds of spam email messages in their inboxes. These can often come laced with cleverly concealed viruses. So, as part of any wholesome safety regimen, it is crucial not to open them.
No matter how very legit they may seem.
Never Disclosing Private Info Over Open Networks: –
These days, many public venues come with open & free WiFi hotspot facilities. Found in airports and school/college campuses. Among other locations. Initially, these catered only to emergencies. However, until recently, these networks came under use for all sorts of reasons,
From streaming videos to downloading entire game files.
Recently, I came across an interesting news story. It detailed how a single subscription made it possible to deliver high-speed internet. All the students enrolled in a modern university setting. This feat was made possible through discounted Optimum internet prices. So last I checked, these included the cost for the company’s premier antivirus program. It promises both speed and security.
