We live in a world that is almost entirely connected. Everything we do, we use our phones, tablets, or computers for. It isn’t rare to leave our personal information on various websites or pages. But do you ever stop to think how secure that is? From Facebook posts to credit cards, our data will usually stay saved somewhere on the World Wide Web. So what can you do to make your browsing a bit safer? Here are a few ways that can help you with that.
Using A VPN
We’re sure that you’ve heard of this term before, but do you know what it is? Let’s explain it. VPN or Virtual Private Network was initially created to connect business networks safely. But nowadays the use is changed. It allows you to access websites that you couldn’t otherwise, or to keep your searching private when using a public WiFi.
There are a lot of programs that you can install which allow you to use VPN, so go ahead and make a choice. It doesn’t matter if you want to watch Netflix or hide what you are looking for. When you use a secure VPN, the chances that your history stays online become lower than doing it without. That can be the first thing to do if you want to protect yourselves and your data.
Check What You Install
Sometimes when you want to play a game online or watch a movie, the website you use may ask you to download a program for it. In most cases, it is harmless. But it happens that the program is full of viruses and so-called Trojan horses that collect data from your device. This is why it is crucial to know which programs to use and which to ignore.
For most of the big streaming sites, you won’t need anything except the internet connection. Those are usually safe to watch shows or movies on. But if the thing you want to watch isn’t on them, finding smaller pages may work. On this kind of website, you are most likely to get a virus when you click on a commercial or an Agree button. So make sure you read everything carefully before allowing access or installing an unfamiliar program to your computer.
Use An Antivirus Program
Now that almost everyone has Internet access, it was never easier to hack someone’s computer. Cyber threats such as viruses, Trojans, spyware, and malware are more present than ever. What can you use to be protected? Well, having an antivirus program is the first step to take.
Whether you are on a suspicious website or downloading a picture online, the antivirus will scan for threats and remove them if there are any. You can choose from a lot of antivirus software depending on your activities online. One thing is safe to say: it is always better to have it than to risk it.
Even if you take all of the steps, there is always a chance for malware or cyber threats. So remember to pay attention to your history, delete unnecessary cookies, and be careful who you share your data with. We may not be able to hide online, but we can select how much we want to share with the world.
