You must have heard about instances when someone had to deal with identity theft. Being reckless on the internet may not seem like that big of a deal, but you could become the next target of someone who has the tools to take advantage of online user carelessness.
Thankfully, there are ways to boost your online privacy. If you have been feeling anxious and uncertain about potential cybersecurity threats, rethink your strategy by using these effective tips.
Use Reliable Antivirus Software
Starting with reliable antivirus software is a good approach. Malware, ransomware, phishing, and other threats could attack your device and expose personal information that could end up in the wrong hands.
Some people believe that their computer is not prone to malware. MacBook owners are one of the examples. While macOS is known as a reliable system, you should still not underestimate how much effort virus developers put in to get what they want. Having a reliable virus checking mac tool that is running in the background all the time is a good piece of advice.
And it is not just MacBooks or other computers. You should also install antivirus software on your smartphone and tablet in case you use them.
Browse in Incognito Mode
Incognito mode is one of the best features an internet browser has. If you want to have a clear browsing history, enable the incognito mode.
The mode prevents the browser from storing cookies and other temporary data that could be used against you.
If nothing else, at least make sure that you stick to private or incognito modes if you use public computers.
Stick to Less Popular Search Engines
Google is the most popular search engine on the internet. However, it does not mean that you should feel safe while using it. In fact, the engine is the opposite of safe, at least as far as your online privacy goes.
Google may claim that they never sell user information to third parties, but the reality is quite different. Your data could become part of a company’s database without you realizing it.
Instead of Google, you should stick to DuckDuckGo – a search engine that is becoming more popular recently, particularly because they are known for their online privacy philosophy. Switching to another search engine may seem difficult at first, but it should not take too long to get adjusted.
Get a Virtual Private Network
Virtual private networks are another service you should invest in. A reliable VPN costs about a couple of dollars per month, so it should not put too much of a strain on your finances.
The purpose of virtual private networks is to encrypt your data which makes it harder to access it. Besides, you will have an option to change your location and IP address and access geo-restricted content.
VPNs are particularly useful when you have to connect to the public internet. Wi-Fi you find at cafes or hotels may need a password to join the network, but that is not enough to provide security.
Usually, the internet at public places lacks the necessary security protocols. If you have to join public Wi-Fi, make sure that you are doing so via virtual private networks. Otherwise, you may become the next victim of a hacker attack.
Install an Ad Blocker
Ad blockers may not seem like a direct way to boost online security, but they are. Some websites have an aggressive ad policy, and they do not bother checking where the ads redirect as long as a website owner gets money for it.
Even if you are aware of the dangers of clicking on a random banner that may redirect you to a malware-infested landing page, there is also a chance that you may end up clicking on such an ad accidentally.
In some cases, even your antivirus software might not be enough to save you from malicious processes that will attack the device.
A simple way to eliminate the problem would be to install an ad blocker on your browser. An extension that blocks incoming advertisements improves your internet browsing experience significantly.
Create Difficult Passwords
Avoid using the same password combinations for multiple online profiles. If someone gets their hands on your password, they will have access to more than just a single account.
Using different passwords may seem too bothersome because you need to memorize different combinations. If you have a bad memory, get a password manager that stores your password information safely, and only those with a master password can access it.
Avoid Oversharing Personal Information
The last piece of advice in this article is to avoid oversharing personal information. Be it social media or communication platforms like Discord, you need to keep personal stuff to yourself even if a person you talk to seems trustworthy.
