More internet users are looking for tips to stay safe online, and it’s no surprise. With cybersecurity predictions indicating that cybercrime will cost the world around $10.5 trillion each year by 2025, it is safe to assume that cyberattacks and other virtual threats will become more prominent.
Even though cyber-attacks are rapidly advancing, so are the ways in which users can protect themselves online. More internet awareness means many of us are more internet-savvy and can help one another stay safe on the internet. With that in mind, we’ve created this simple guide to walk you through the many ways you can protect your security online.
From using cybersecurity software like VPNs to educating yourself on the dangers on the web, these are our best tips.
1. Install antivirus software
Our first tip is a fairly obvious one, yet something that many internet users fail to do: install antivirus software on all of their devices. Antivirus solutions don’t just protect your operating systems from malware (which can be extremely damaging); antivirus also blocks your access to malicious websites, can scan downloads to ensure they are safe and will block suspicious incoming network traffic with a firewall.
Best of all, premium antivirus solutions are consistently upgrading their software to defend users against new cyber threats. With a rolling antivirus subscription, you can ensure that all of your systems are constantly protected with the most up-to-date software.
2. Get a password manager
Brute force attacks are becoming increasingly common, leading to users having their online accounts hacked. The best way to protect yourself against this is to use a password manager; not only will all of your passwords be stored in a safe place, but you can use the software to create extremely strong and secure passwords, which are hard to guess.
Password managers are also a great tool to have given that data breaches are increasing. Using a password manager will alert you if any of your account credentials appear in a data leak on the dark web. This means you can quickly react if you find any of your attacks affected by an online security attack.
3. Use a VPN
Another excellent tip for staying safe online is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN will ensure that all of your internet traffic is secured and private, regardless of which network you are using. Using a VPN lets you hide your data from third parties such as trackers and hackers and ensure your data is not stolen and misused.
Moreover, many VPN services have started to add additional safety features to protect internet users. So by using a VPN, you’ll not only have privacy protection online, but you can also protect yourself from malware.
4. Only use HTTPS: sites
An easy way to stay safe is to avoid HTTP: sites and only use HTTPS: sites. The difference between the two is simple: HTTPS: sites are secure and have a padlock symbol in the address bar. HTTP: sites are unsecured and may contain phishing links, be used to host phishing scams, or contain adware.
When a site has a padlock symbol in the upper-left-hand corner of the address bar, you know that your activity is encrypted and protected on the website.
5. Don’t click on suspicious links
Leading on from the point above, you must never click on links you don’t trust. This includes links in emails from senders you don’t know, links on suspicious websites, and links sent via social messaging platforms. These may be phishing links, which cybercriminals use more frequently to target internet users.
Clicking on a phishing link could result in malware being installed on your machine or could result in you entering information on a fraudulent site. Only click on links that you trust.
6. Don’t share personal information online
Another important tip for staying safe online is to limit how much information you share online. Cybercriminals can find out a lot about you from your social media profiles and use this to guess your account password. Don’t reveal your full name, date of birth, email address, or phone number to strangers on the web.
Moreover, it is essential not to share too much about your life. There are many dangerous people in the world who might find out your whereabouts by looking at your Instagram page. This could lead to stalking or worse.
7. Keep all your social networking profiles private
Following on from the point above, an easy way to limit how much information you share online is by keeping all of your social networking profiles private. This allows you to share what you want online (within reason!) and still remain safe.
Keep all of your profiles private and only accept friend or follower requests from people you know in real life. In this way, you can have an active social life online without worrying about strangers following your every move.
8. Don’t meet up with strangers online
Finally, don’t meet up with strangers you have met online. This seems like an obvious tip for staying safe on the internet, but many people still fail to follow it. Many people you’ll encounter on the net have pseudonyms or hide behind false online personas, meaning you never really know who you could be arranging to meet.
Given that online dating is increasingly common and not going anywhere, it is important to vet people before meeting them for a date in real life. Ask matches on dating apps and sites for a few video chats before meeting up with them in person. Not only does this show you if they are who they claim to be, but you’ll also be able to get to know their personality more.
9. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are everywhere and are a great way to send emails and contact friends online while out and about. However, Wi-Fi networks are full of cybercriminals who use free and public hotspots to spy on other users and steal their information.
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, all of your data can potentially be seen by other users who have the know-how to find it. It is best to only use internet networks you trust. However, if you really must use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure to activate your VPN before connecting to it.
10. Stay informed
Finally, one of the most essential tips for staying safe online is to keep up to date with cybersecurity happenings. By staying informed, you’ll be able to ensure you have better online protection. Check out websites (like PrivacySharks!) for the latest cybersecurity news and developments and to find out which new software you should be using. The more you know, the better protected you’ll be.
Hi, I'm Madeleine. I'm a British writer with a global background, currently based in the UK.
I have always been interested in the online world and how it connects people worldwide. My keen interest in the internet led me to ...
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