The internet offers a limitless wealth of information — all just a few clicks away. Unfortunately, though, hackers use the internet to steal data, distribute malware and perform other malicious cyber activities. Whether for business or personal purposes, you can still use the internet, but you should follow these six cybersecurity tips.
#1) Update Your Web Browser
Always use the latest version of your web browser. If a new version has been released, you should download and install it. Failure to update your web browser could pave the way for a cyber attack. Like with other types of outdated software, outdated web browsers often contain security vulnerabilities. A hacker may exploit a vulnerability in your outdated web browser to perform a cyber attack.
#2) Look for the HTTPS
Never submit financial, personal or otherwise sensitive data to a website that doesn’t have the HTTP prefix. Found immediately before the website’s address, the HTTPS prefix indicates the site uses SSL or TLS technology to encrypt its traffic. Therefore, you can rest assured knowing that any data you download from or upload to the website is secure.
#3) Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi
You should avoid using public Wi-Fi when browsing the web. Public Wi-fi is prone to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks where a hacker intercepts a user’s data. By using a private and secure Wi-Fi, you’ll be better protected against MITM attacks.
#4) Run Anti-Virus Software
Of course, running anti-virus software will help keep you safe when browsing the web. Most anti-virus software will catch cyber threats on websites. Anti-virus software is only effective, however, if it’s running in the background while you browse the web.
#5) Beware of Links
Use caution when clicking links on websites and web pages. Even if a link has a harmless-sounding text title, known as the anchor text, it may direct you to malware. Hackers often hijack websites to change their links. After taking control of a website, a hacker may change the site’s links to a malware file. And if you happen to click on a link like this, you’ll download the hacker’s malware.
#6) Create Unique Passwords
Finally, you should create unique passwords for the websites with which you have online accounts. Reusing passwords is just asking for trouble. If one of the websites experiences a data breach, all your online accounts will be compromised. Therefore, you should create a unique password for each website with which you have an online account.
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