Internet security is crucial for email, networking, and shopping. Tips include changing passwords regularly, using a personal firewall and antivirus software, checking links before clicking, and avoiding suspicious email attachments. Keep software updated to reduce the chance of threats.
A basic understanding of Internet security is essential for anyone who uses the Web for activities such as e-mail, networking, and shopping. Some of the best internet safety tips include changing passwords regularly, not using the same password for all websites, and keeping a firewall updated at all times. It’s also a good idea to never click links in emails leading to login pages as they can easily be forged.
The most important tip for Internet security is to download or purchase a high-quality personal firewall and antivirus software package. These cannot protect a computer from all attacks, but they will drastically reduce the chance of a computer becoming infected or compromised. While there are many free options available, some of reasonable quality, it’s usually better to pay for software if it protects important data. Even if a person doesn’t feel they have anything important to protect, a basic firewall is still essential.
Phishing attacks occur when a hacker tries to trick a user into entering their login information into a fake form. This is often accomplished by sending an email containing a link to a page that looks exactly like a popular website like PayPal or Amazon. For this reason a person should always check the link by hovering over it before clicking. The real website address will be shown in the bottom corner of the browser. As a general rule of thumb for Internet safety, you should avoid clicking links on login pages to reduce the chance of making mistakes.
Email attachments are another potential source of threats. Spam email attachments can contain viruses or trojans that can infect a computer. For this reason, unless an email is from a trusted source, an attachment should never be opened. If an email looks suspicious, even if it comes from a trusted source, it should be verified before opening. Many types of antivirus software have an automatic system for scanning email attachments, but they aren’t always completely effective.
An essential tip for Internet security is to always keep your antivirus and firewall software up to date. New threats appear every day, and the best software updates its virus definitions just as regularly. Outdated antivirus software will not be effective in blocking potential threats. Some types of antivirus software come with an automatic update system which should usually be enabled.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
