Nowadays, the internet offers a lot of information for everyone, from kids to adults. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are also common at school and home. Therefore, every family needs to have a conversation about internet safety and habits contributing to online security or affecting it. Through the internet, you can get The PirateBay entertainment. And still, it can cause harm in various ways. Therefore, online safety is vital for everyone who can access it. But it begins with the online habits people have. Thus, find ways to outsmart the bad guys. Reference these online habits to know how to be safe online by changing these habits.
- Adopting a new app without checking safety features
Many times individuals download apps without thinking about how secure it is. You may like it because it is a new start-up, you read about it somewhere, or you are looking for an app to help plan your routine better. Irrespective of the intent or purpose, most people have done this. But, this habit can cause more harm than good. A good app should protect your privacy and be easy to use. But only a few can do this, whether they are big or small companies. Therefore, always go to the software maker’s website before installing it to check the details. You need to confirm it is not a security risk.
- Ignoring updates
Not all enjoy the prompts to update their application. Yet, updates are vital for applications that are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. An up-to-date software ensures that it closes security holes before cybercriminals can access and exploit them. Therefore, stop thinking you do not have time to let your PC update and you have better things to do. You can opt for products that can update your software silently and automatically, and they do not even interrupt your workflow.
- Assuming your antivirus provides all the protection
In the 90s, viruses were the concern of most people. But today, viruses are not the main issue, but malware is. Therefore, having an antivirus is not enough, for it will not give you 100% protection. Today, attackers are constantly looking for new ways to infect PCs without detection. Plus, the more they stay in the system without being noticed, the more information they keep fetching. So, the best thing to use is a multilayered security system to protect you from different angles. The more the layers, the better. Remember, an antivirus is not a possibility for protection anymore.
- Not cleaning up your online accounts once in a while
Do you have a list of all the accounts you have ever created? Having such a list is vital, and if you have none start now to ensure you clean up those you rarely use. These can be apps, several platforms, and other services. If you have accounts you are no longer using, delete them. You do not need a company storing your data if you do not use their service anymore. Also, if you reuse passwords, this is one way to ensure you reduce your vulnerabilities.
- Poor Wi-Fi usage
Do you keep Wi-Fi on even when you are not using it or auto-connect to Wi-Fi? This is a poor online habit that can cost you your online safety. Almost everyone loves the idea of having Wi-Fi auto-connect and remain that way for convenience purposes. But, it is better to turn it off if you are not using it. Cybercriminals can easily take advantage when your Wi-Fi is on and launch attacks that the antivirus cannot detect, and you will not be able to spot it. So, this security solution is just a tap away. Enforce it.
- Lacking cybersecurity knowledge
Knowledge and skills in concern to cybersecurity are vital. To follow up on the advice you get on how to stay safe online. You need to know what to look for and how to go about it. You may need technical knowledge but understanding the basics comes in handy. Thus, read more about cybersecurity from various articles to have an idea. You do not need to be an expert to be safe, a strong password, a cautious attitude, and the right security products are a good place to start.
Leave a Reply