In this article, Chris Parker, founder, WhatIsMyIPAddress.comOpens a new window , shares five tips for safe internet browsing. He discusses different ways users can protect personal data, keep finances secure, and avoid building up a history that could plausibly be used against them.
The internet had already come to dominate our lives when the events of early 2020 came along, and the COVID-19 pandemic secured its position as an undeniable utility. Whether you’re doing your job, keeping in touch with friends, or buying supplies, the online world may be your only viable avenue — and that’s cause for concern among those who worry about security.
In all likelihood, so many elements of your life are tied together in the digital landscape, and just one weak link in the chain can cause the entire thing to fall apart. What happens if someone gains access to a pivotal account, such as Google? They might then be able to damage every part of your life, from your social calendar to your financial situation.
And then there’s the possibility of having data stolen or terms altered during transactions. It’s really tough to avoid paying for things online, but do you really know what happens when you issue a payment? How can you be confident that you’re not going to fall victim to fraud?
In this post, we’ll discuss five ways you can ensure safe internet browsing. Using these methods, you can protect your data, keep your finances secure, and avoid building up a history that could plausibly be used against you. Let’s get to them.
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1. Make All Your Passwords Strong
Yes, this is one of the most obvious tips. However, it does deserve to be on the top spot because people who know that they should have strong passwords will still find excuses for using the same short passwords over and over again. If you want to browse safely, it’s absolutely imperative that you get into the habit of using strong passwords.
It isn’t even difficult at this point. In addition to having browsers that can automatically generate secure passwords, you have access to services like LastPass and Password Safe that can log all your passwords and keep them behind biometric authentication. Install a service like that on your phone and use it as your authentication service — that will allow strong convenience and excellent security.
2. Hide Your IP Address With a VPN
When you connect to the internet, the computer you’re using communicates via an IP address, and that IP address can be used to identify you. Over time, records about the sites you visit and the actions you take will build up. This isn’t inherently dangerous, of course, but it’s unlikely that you want your actions to be tracked in that way (even if you’re quite innocent).
Thankfully, you can securely hide your IP address using a VPN (or virtual private network). When you connect to the internet through a VPN, all your online activity is routed through a throwaway IP address elsewhere in the world. Since that address won’t be associated with you in particular, tracking won’t be a concern, and you can simply change to another address whenever you deem it necessary.
The VPNs linked above are mostly paid services, and you’ll need to pay if you want excellent speeds, but you also have the option of using a free VPN. There are roundups out there (such as this list) to help you find one that actually does what it claims to do (many aren’t particularly trustworthy or reliable), so take a look if you’re unwilling to spend on additional security.
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3. Stay in Incognito Mode When Possible
You may already be familiar with incognito mode (otherwise known as private browsing mode). It is a browser feature that allows you to open up a window that pointedly avoids trackable data. It won’t share your location, use your browsing history, or save any of the addresses you visit (past the duration of the browsing session, that is).
Once you’re done browsing, you can simply close the window, and it’ll be forgotten. The great thing about the incognito mode is that it doesn’t lead to major changes in ads you get served, nor does it allow old logins to stay open. Unless you need a specific login running or want your browsing history updated, you might as well use it for added safety.
4. Read Store Reviews Before Buying
Not all online stores can be trusted with your data (fraud is actually quite common). If you’re looking for niche products outside the comfort of huge sites like Amazon and eBay, then you’re likely to happen upon some that are undeserving of your custom. So what should you do? Well, it’s simple enough: look up some store reviews before you place any orders.
Don’t just trust the reviews on the sites themselves. Do some searches of their brand names plus “reviewsâ€, and look for comments on social media to see what people say about them. If you spot a trend of social media users complaining about their payments being taken with no products being shipped, steer clear.
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5. Avoid Questionable Links and Files
Lastly, though it’s another suggestion that you should have heard before, you need to stay away from questionable links and files. When internet users pick up viruses and malware, it’s almost always because they clicked on things without really thinking about it. Sites with a lot of ads often have multiple decoy calls-to-action that can fool you if you’re not paying attention.
Before you click on the big orange button, check that it’s the action you’re looking for. A common trick is to have the action you want as a much smaller and less obvious link next to that button. That way, you’ll reach that link eventually, but not before you try the button and get a download for something you never wanted.
If something starts downloading and you’re not absolutely certain that you want it, cancel it, or find the file and delete it. And if you’re led to a site with a strange URL and a form trying to take your login data for something, just leave the site. You’re not obliged to stick around.
Wrapping up, browsing safely isn’t anywhere near as hard or complicated as many people think, but it does require discipline and consistency. If you choose decent passwords, use a VPN and incognito mode to cloak your activity, and stick to trustworthy sites and links, you should be fine.
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