Did you know that according to a study conducted in 2020, the average person spends six hours and 42 minutes online each and every day? And of that time, half of it is accessed through a mobile device. That’s a huge portion of your day, and it may even come as a surprise to you that the number is as high as it is. However, did you know that for all that time you are spending online, you could be leaving yourself open to potential hackers?
Rather than become a victim and have your information stolen, there are some tips and tricks that the experts suggest people use. Remember, these tips can be used at home and in the office place since they are meant to ensure your safety.
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Using Public Wi-Fi – Learn How a VPN Can Provide Security
Before you start browsing the internet via public Wi-Fi, it’s wise to stop and think about what the potential consequences could be. Although you may have a perfectly pleasant and harmless experience, you could end up like one of the thousands of others who have their personal information, passwords, documents, photos, credit card information, and more stolen by a hacker. Hackers love it when people use public networks, as it’s like leaving the front door of your home unlocked with all your most prized possessions inside.
So, what’s the solution? A VPN, or a virtual private network, is a great alternative. This allows you to go about your online browsing and communicating through a private network, thereby encrypting all your data. Even your IP address is kept private. This means you are safe from any potential cyberattacks.
With that said, there are a number of well-known VPNs to choose from out there, which can actually seem quite overwhelming to newbies. This is exactly why Anonymania.com is proving to be such a useful website and tool. Take a look at their list of top VPN service providers that their tech experts have compiled after extensive research. The list breaks down such features as security and privacy, speed, compatibility, pricing, customer support, streaming and torrenting, and more. It can answer all your questions and make it possible to pick the best VPN for your specific needs and expectations.
Don’t Let Your Browser Track You
Another tip is to make sure you aren’t giving permission to your browser to track your browsing data. Again, this is a really simple tip – just enable the “do not track” option.
Make Sure You Enable Updates
Another tip is to make sure you keep your operating system, browser’s plugins, and the browser itself updated. Whenever you receive notification that an update is available, you want to do so immediately. These updates are released by the developers and are meant to provide the best experience possible, and the most secure. If you have an old browser or plugins, there’s a good chance they are no longer supported when it comes to security.
Block the Annoying Pop-Ups
There’s no doubt you are very familiar with pop-ups and how annoying they are, but did you know they can actually contain malicious links that would then compromise the security of your device? The best solution is to block them through the web browser. By blocking them, you completely eliminate the risk. There are even ad blockers that you can use that will block any of the ads you typically see on a website.
Steer Clear of Questionable Sites
This one requires you to use your own judgment and trust your gut. If a website seems dodgy and questionable, you want to steer clear of it. These sites are typically accessed through a link in a pop-up ad, an email, or a graphic. While it may seem harmless on the surface before you know it, you’re on a site that isn’t secure or legitimate and all your data and details are at risk.
Careful About Software Download
It’s also wise to use caution when downloading software from various sites. Again, it’s about making sure the site is reputable, safe, and legitimate. This means a little research on your part, but it can really pay off.
Use Security Software at All Times
The final tip is to make sure you use security software at all times – this means anti-spyware and anti-virus software. There are free and paid-for options available, giving you lots to choose from.
Use All the Tips for the Ultimate Protection
It’s important to note that while each of these tips can certainly help to keep your browsing experience safe, it’s when you use them in combination with each other that you really create that wall around yourself and all your information. Once you get into the habit, it will become second-nature, and you won’t have to worry about becoming the victim of a hacker.
