The internet has become an essential part of modern life, offering endless opportunities for communication, learning, and entertainment. However, with this convenience comes significant risks. Cybercriminals, hackers, and malicious software are constantly evolving, posing threats to personal privacy, financial security, and even identity theft. From phishing scams to ransomware attacks, navigating the online world can be dangerous if you’re not vigilant. Understanding these risks and learning how to protect yourself is crucial for staying safe in today’s digital age. This article will explore the most common online dangers and provide practical tips to help you safeguard your personal information.
Antivirus Software and Regularly Update
While antivirus software is often associated with stopping viruses, it protects against much more, such as ransomware that locks your files, Trojans that steal data, and bots that turn your computer into a tool for attacks. A good antivirus defends against these and other threats.
Though antivirus programs run in the background and update automatically, it’s wise to check them occasionally. Green indicators show things are fine, but if you see yellow or red, follow the steps to resolve any issues.
Windows has built-in antivirus, Microsoft Defender, but it doesn’t match the quality of third-party options, including some free ones. It’s worth considering better alternatives for stronger protection.
Whether you choose a basic antivirus or a full suite, remember to renew it annually. Automatic renewal can offer peace of mind and may come with extra guarantees.
Lastly, if your antivirus lacks ransomware protection, consider adding a free, specialized tool for extra security.
Security Tools
Security apps and settings are only useful if you know how to use them effectively. To get the most protection, familiarize yourself with their features. For example, your phone likely has a “find my device” feature—make sure you know how it works in case you lose it.
Most antivirus programs can block Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs), but this option may not be enabled by default. Check your settings to activate PUA detection and ensure all security components are turned on. When installing new security tools, review the settings and take any onboarding tour to understand the features.
Many antivirus tools offer browser protection through extensions that block dangerous websites. Ensure these extensions are installed and active in all browsers you use.
For added assurance, use the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization’s (AMTSO) security check to verify your antivirus is functioning properly. If it fails, contact tech support for help.
Unique Passwords
Hackers often steal login credentials from one source and try them elsewhere. If they get your email password, they might use it to access your banking or shopping accounts. The best way to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple accounts is by using a unique, strong password for each one.
A password manager simplifies this by generating and storing complex passwords for you. Some great password managers are free, though paid versions offer extra features. With a password manager, you only need to remember the master password, and it will log you into your accounts automatically, saving time and boosting security.
Additionally, some password managers allow you to designate a “password heir” who can access your accounts if something happens to you.
VPN
Whenever you connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi network you don’t own, it’s essential to use a virtual private network (VPN). For example, if you’re at a coffee shop and connect to public Wi-Fi, you have no way of knowing how secure that network is. Hackers or others on the same network could potentially access your files and data without your knowledge. Even the network owner could be spying on your activity. A VPN encrypts your online traffic and routes it through a secure server, preventing anyone, including the Wi-Fi provider, from snooping on your information.
Additionally, a VPN masks your IP address, making it difficult for advertisers and trackers to pinpoint your location or identity. By using a VPN server in another country, you can also access content that may be restricted in your region. VPNs are particularly useful for journalists and activists in oppressive countries to ensure secure communication.
In short, if you connect to Wi-Fi on a laptop, phone, or tablet, using a VPN is essential. If you’re unfamiliar with VPNs or how they work, don’t worry—our guide will walk you through setting up and using one effectively.
Multi-Factor Authentication
While multi-factor authentication (MFA) can feel inconvenient, it significantly enhances the security of your accounts. MFA requires you to verify your identity with an additional step beyond just a username and password, adding an extra layer of protection. If an account holds sensitive information and offers MFA—like Gmail, Dropbox, or Evernote—it’s important to activate it.
MFA typically involves two or more forms of verification: something you know, something you have, or something you are. The password is “something you know.” “Something you have” could be your mobile device, where you receive a code or confirmation request. “Something you are” could include biometric methods like fingerprints or facial recognition. Physical security keys are another option, and both Google and Microsoft are promoting their use.
If you only rely on a password, anyone who discovers it can access your account. With MFA, the password alone isn’t enough. Many password managers also support MFA, often requiring it when logging in from a new device. Enabling MFA for your password manager is essential.
Passcodes
Always enable a passcode lock on your devices, even if it’s optional. With all the personal data stored on your smartphone, going without one is risky. Many phones offer a default four-digit PIN, but you should opt for stronger security. Use biometric authentication when available and choose a robust passcode, avoiding easy-to-guess four-digit options.
On iOS devices, skip the six-digit option and create a stronger alphanumeric passcode by going to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and selecting Change Passcode. For Android devices, navigate to the Screen Lock settings, and if available, switch to a password for enhanced security. Once you’ve set a strong passcode, store it securely in your password manager as a backup.
Smartphone pay
Traditional credit card use is outdated and insecure, but you can take control by using smartphone payment options like Apple Pay or Android alternatives wherever possible. There are plenty of mobile payment apps to choose from, making the switch easy.
Setting up your smartphone for payments is simple: just snap a photo of your credit card, and you’re ready to go. Stores with compatible payment terminals display an icon, such as a smartphone or radio wave symbol. To pay, place your device on the terminal and authenticate with your fingerprint or face ID.
Why is this better than using a credit card? The app generates a unique code for each transaction, so even if someone intercepted it, they couldn’t reuse it. Plus, paying with your smartphone avoids the risk of credit card skimming.
Some apps even allow for online payments with one-time codes. If your app doesn’t offer this, check with your credit card provider—they may offer temporary card numbers that expire after use. For additional protection, third-party apps like IronVest can mask your credit card, email, and phone number during transactions, ensuring your personal information stays secure.
Different Email Addresses for Different Accounts
Highly organized individuals often use separate email addresses for different purposes to keep their online identities distinct. This approach makes it easier to spot phishing attempts; for example, if you receive a “bank” email on an address reserved for online social media, you know it’s a scam.
Consider creating one email specifically for testing apps or services that may not have strong security or might bombard you with spam. Once you trust the service, switch to a more permanent email. If the test account gets flooded with spam, simply close it and start a new one. This strategy mimics disposable email services like IronVest, which mask your real email address.
Since many sites use your email as a username, consider choosing unique usernames whenever possible. Your password manager can remember these, adding an extra layer of security by making hackers guess both your username and password.
How to Handle Email Spam
Spam emails, or junk emails, are unsolicited messages sent in bulk. While most email services use filters to catch them, some still slip through. Here are steps to manage and reduce spam:
- Mark spam emails: Flagging unwanted messages as spam helps your email provider improve its filtering system. The process varies by email client—whether it’s Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or Yahoo Mail.
- Avoid clicking links or opening attachments in spam emails. This could download malware onto your device or confirm your email is active, encouraging spammers to send even more junk.
- Limit where you share your email address: Use a separate, disposable email account for sign-ups and subscriptions to avoid cluttering your main inbox. Keep personal, work, and public-facing email accounts separate.
- Review your email provider’s privacy settings: Check and adjust your email account’s security and privacy options to a level that suits your needs.
- Consider using a third-party spam filter: These tools add an extra layer of security by filtering emails through two systems—your provider’s and the external filter—before they reach you.
If you’re receiving excessive spam, it may indicate that your email has been compromised in a data breach. In such cases, you might need to change your email address to better protect your privacy.
Cache
Your browser’s cache holds more information about you than you might realize. Stored cookies, saved searches, and browsing history can reveal personal details like your home address or family information.
To protect this data, regularly clear your browser history and delete cookies. It’s simple to do: in browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Opera, press Ctrl+Shift+Del to bring up a menu where you can select which data to remove. If you’re using a different browser, try the same key combo or look for the option in the settings menu.
Keep in mind that deleting cookies may reset website preferences. Most browsers allow you to whitelist certain sites, so their cookies aren’t deleted during the process.
‘Save Password’ Feature
Most browsers offer built-in password management, but relying on them for password storage isn’t the best idea. We recommend leaving password security to dedicated password managers, which are designed specifically for that purpose.
Consider this: when you install a third-party password manager, it often gives you the option to import saved passwords from your browser. If a password manager can access that information, so can malicious software. Plus, using a standalone password manager allows you to securely access your passwords across all browsers and devices, providing a more comprehensive and secure solution.
Clickbait and Phishing Scams
Protecting yourself online requires being mindful of what you click on. Clickbait isn’t just limited to viral videos or enticing headlines; it also includes dangerous links in emails, messaging apps, and social media. Phishing scams disguise themselves as legitimate websites to steal your login information, while drive-by download pages can automatically infect your device with malware.
Be cautious when clicking links, especially in emails or texts, even if they seem to come from a trusted source. That sender’s account could have been compromised. The same applies to social media—if a friend’s post seems out of character, it could be the result of a hack. Always think twice before clicking.
Social Media Privacy
There’s a popular saying: if you’re not paying for a service, you’re the product. Social media platforms allow you to connect with friends and share content, but they can also lead to oversharing personal information.
You can download your data from platforms like Facebook to see exactly what they know about you—especially if you frequently engage with quizzes and apps that access your profile. Often, those fun quizzes are unnecessary and expose more information than you realize.
Be wary of hackers pretending to be friends. Scammers may send you private messages, eventually taking control of your account to trick others. If you receive an odd message from someone you know, verify it through a different communication method—your friend’s account might be compromised.
To limit data exposure, consider disabling Facebook’s sharing platform, which stops third-party apps from accessing your information. This also prevents you from using Facebook to log in to other sites, which is risky in itself.
Don’t forget about other platforms. Google likely knows more about you than Facebook, so managing your privacy there is crucial too. Adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts to prevent your posts from being public (except on platforms like Twitter designed for broadcasting). And always think before sharing personal details, as even your friends can pass them along to others. With some attention, you can enjoy social media while maintaining control of your privacy.
Online Banking and Shopping Tips
Here are some key tips for secure online shopping:
- Ensure the website you’re using is secure—the URL should begin with “https://” rather than “http://.” The “s” stands for “secure,” showing that the site has a valid security certificate. A padlock icon to the left of the address bar is also a sign of security.
- Double-check the URL to ensure it’s legitimate. Cybercriminals often create fake websites with URLs that are slightly altered to trick users.
- Avoid entering financial details when connected to public Wi-Fi.
For online banking, keep these security tips in mind:
- Refrain from entering personal or financial information while using public Wi-Fi.
- Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
- Enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
- Always type your bank’s URL directly or use the official banking app, rather than clicking on links in emails, to avoid phishing scams.
- Review your bank statements frequently for any suspicious activity.
- Keep your operating system, browser, and apps up to date to ensure that vulnerabilities are patched.
- Use a reliable internet security solution, such as those offered by Kaspersky.
With so much of our lives conducted online, staying informed about internet security is essential. By understanding common threats and how to protect yourself, you can safeguard your data and enjoy safer online transactions.