26th April 2022 – (Hong Kong) Protecting ourselves, our personal data, and company operations from cyber-attacks, third-party providers, and an avalanche of monitoring agencies we are unaware of is a key responsibility. The internet seems to be about communication, entertainment, financial transactions, and shopping at the first glance. However, it is way more complex
Fraud, cyberbullying, and data theft are all issues we experience as a by-product of internet usage. As a consequence, the personal information you provide with your favourite online retailer or the credit card information stored in your Netflix account cannot be assumed totally secure.
What precautions should be taken to guarantee safe internet use?
Let’s check the methods and software that enable safe internet access for everyone with ease!
#1: Using VPN
To begin, it is possible to disguise internet connection using a virtual private network-VPN. But how? Because a VPN conceals any internet connection by routing it via many encrypted networks, making you seem in a different place than you really are, and it also protects personal privacy and makes it way more difficult to monitor your real location by others.
By using a virtual private network, you can safeguard against data exposure. The best VPNs such as Surfshark (read its review here) – are identified by comparing their performance, speed, and downtime rates across a range of different devices over time. Also, you can personally try a few VPN services during their trial periods.
#2: Using a Proxy Server
Proxy servers are often used to mask the IP addresses of users. When accessing the web, you may protect your privacy with a proxy server. In other words, rather than seeing your IP address, as is the case with a VPN, the websites you visit will see the information given by the proxy server. By contrast, proxies are free services that don’t need any additional software or server resources, such as VPNs. This may introduce security vulnerabilities, and the proxy owners/controllers may retain access to personal information and log your info too.
#3: Using Two-factor Authentication and Password Managers
Two-factor authentication requires you to validate your identity in two stages when accessing any website with ID info or during online payment processing. The second password or link may be sent to you as a text message or shown on mobile phone as a pop-up notification. Even if someone knows your password, they will need to complete one further step to get access. Additionally, password managers may be beneficial if you are having difficulty remembering all passwords and security questions.
#4: Managing the Cookies Allowed
Although cookies aren’t intended to compromise security in the conventional sense, since they are used to identify and store information on your browser, they may be exploited for malicious reasons. Cookies are necessary for several purposes, including password storage, resuming where you left off on a website, and simply simplifying your life.
But in practice, most websites force you to consent to their cookie policies in advance to access a service or website content.
As a consequence, you should regularly delete your cookies. Conduct a review of the websites you’ve visited and the permissions you’ve allowed. If you are unaware, you may unwittingly provide them with an excessive amount of access and authorization to handle personal information.
VPNs may also help you by anonymizing your data and hiding digital footprints. Their success in ad blocking and cookie management to protect your privacy is also well-established.
#5: Installing an Anti-virus Software
Antivirus applications are our venerable but dependable friends in our digital activities. They are an essential vital component of our surfing experience if we are to avoid jeopardizing our safety while online. They are, in fact, an absolute need.
Popular antivirus programs such as Kaspersky, Avast, and others are available for free in a range of configurations. Additionally, new-generation antivirus solutions have built-in virtual private network (VPN) capabilities, which are designed to offer another layer of security.
Wrap Up
Additional free software and utilities, such as secure browsers, backup tools, and email filtering programs, may be added to this list of cybersecurity tips. Here, we compiled a list of the most critical ones to prvide a concise and viable answer.
Since VPN technology offers all benefits of proxy servers, it also contains features that improve efficiency, security, and privacy. Hence, using a virtual private network along with password protection tools and anti-virus programs is without a doubt the most secure technique for using web safely.