Digital Hygiene: How To Use The Web Risk-Free

Once you plug the Internet cable into your PC or laptop or when running WiFi on your smartphone, your life becomes more accessible, manageable, and productive. You can do groceries without leaving your apartment’s premises, watch movies, communicate with people, and do many more activities online. Are we missing anything? Oh yes – your digital safety. What about it? Well, it becomes compromised. 

We people tend to underestimate things unless they occur to us. But look at the Statista report, and you will see that using the Internet cautiously is literally vital. Yes, the number of breaches has decreased slightly compared to the last few years. Still, 52 million breaches? That’s a heck of a lot, especially knowing that being risk-averse when using the web isn’t that difficult. We’ve devised several practical ways to secure your digital presence and deter potential hacks. 

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Watch what you click

Doesn’t sound like an insider tip, does it? And it shouldn’t. This recommendation goes first because it’s surprising how many people neglect to check what they click. Broken links and pages are among the easiest ways for hackers to get control over your digital identity. And even browser messages and recommendations do not prevent people from visiting the website. Yes, it doesn’t make time-trusted pages suspicious. Just remember to double-check the links you receive and click.

Mind the websites you log into

The HTTP protocol is a must, period. Without it, the chances are there is something wrong with the web page. Getting HTTP is so simple that sites that don’t have the protocol pose second thoughts regarding their reliability and security. It’s also best not to log into such pages, as you never know what data they get and how they use it. With that said, how do you know which websites are OK to log in to? Two elements: the protocol and the reputation. Take vista create, for instance. It is safe because it has the protocol and numerous verified reviews, so you don’t need to worry about your data upon logging into the resource using your email or Facebook. 

Avoid sharing too much personal information

Given the perpetuating Facebook data issues, you should think twice before filling out social media with plenty of personal information. Undoubtedly, you don’t have to be fully anonymous on the web (after all, that will be too weird), primarily on networks like LinkedIn. Letting others know what you look like, your experience, and some routine (like traveling or doing sports) will be enough. 

Stay away from no-password public WiFi networks

“Let me just catch the WiFi and check the notifications” is the phrase you’d better forget once and for all. Open WiFi networks are often dangerous, and using them isn’t worth the risk. With nearly any smartphone user with a monthly data plan, it’s best to ask your friends to turn the hotspot on, letting you go online for a while. 

Create a habit of turning on a VPN before using the browser

Many cybersecurity experts encourage people to befriend a VPN and use it religiously, primarily when logging in to resources that are valuable to you: social media profiles, banking accounts, governmental apps, etc. A VPN is an excellent tool to protect your gadget and online presence, so don’t hesitate to use a trusted VPN. It is worth the price.

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Use trusted software

Using a firewall and malware is also necessary. “I stay away from unreliable pages. I don’t need a firewall and malware.” You do. Get this: There was phishing malware in Google Docs two years ago. When prompted to Google Docs app, users received a message asking them to allow the app to connect to a Google account. Getting a notification from Google looks credible, right? So did it to people back then. By tapping allow, users’ accounts would get affected. So as we see, you never know where the issue can hide.

Design complex passwords and use multi-factor authentication

There is no denying that passwords are critical and figuratively serve as gates to your mansion. Coming up with complex and large passwords is the right thing, but it’s still an easy target for experienced hackers. Two- and multi-factor authentication aren’t, however. Two-factor authentication is a multi-layered entrance attempt to your account disseminated between several channels. When attempting to log into your account and entering the password, the resource will ask you to confirm your attempt by calling or sending you an SMS. Always turn this feature on and protect your profile as effectively as possible. 

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Opt out of market research

Although there is nothing wrong with market research as a concept (it allows experts to understand customers’ needs better and tap into their interests and preferences), multiple companies often misuse it. Avoid surveys, forms, and other elements that ask you to agree with a privacy statement. If it appears that you want to participate in such things for some reason, carefully read the contents and with what you agree. We recommend you to stay away from installing market research software, as it has received a bad reputation and is often called spyware.  

Bottom Line

The mentioned list can be limitless, as the cybersecurity field faces new challenges and finds new solutions daily. Be that as it may, provided tips will hopefully increase your digital safety, protect your data, and make you a well-aware, confident Internet user.