{"id":9143,"date":"2017-05-04T10:51:46","date_gmt":"2017-05-04T17:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.hellotech.com\/?p=9143"},"modified":"2021-06-12T11:26:02","modified_gmt":"2021-06-12T18:26:02","slug":"internet-safety-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/internet-safety-101","title":{"rendered":"Internet Safety 101: A Quick Guide on Keeping Your Computer and Personal Data Safe Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

To the unsuspecting user, the internet seems like a safe place. What could possibly go wrong if all you ever visit is your email and social media accounts, right? As it turns out, the web is crawling with all sorts of cleverly hidden booby traps. All it takes is for you to be in the wrong place at the wrong time for your internet safety to be compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s post, let\u2019s talk about how you can better protect yourself while surfing the web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internet Browsers Keep You Safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the internet is littered with websites that don\u2019t use the strongest security measures. Luckily, browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome now warn users when a page they\u2019re visiting potentially puts their personal information at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Chrome, for instance, an \u201ci\u201d symbol inside a circle is shown on the left side of the address bar whenever you\u2019re in a domain that isn\u2019t using an encrypted connection. Meaning, you could be susceptible if you keep browsing that site. Click on the \u201ci\u201d symbol and you\u2019ll know more about the website components or even a warning that says \u201cYour connection to this site is not secure\u201d. In this case, try adding an \u201cs\u201d to the end of \u201chttp\u201d to see if the website has a secure version you can visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does a secure site look like, you ask? Visit any top online shopping portals (or even your email) and you\u2019ll typically see its URL starting with https:\/\/<\/em>.  This means the website uses a form of HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure technology to encrypt data between their Web server and your PC. Be on the lookout for a padlock icon on the left side of the address bar, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the event that you end up navigating to a potentially risky website, Chrome shows a red alert triangle in the address box. Or when Google detects major security lapses or possible malware threats in a domain, the browser will show a full-page warning. You\u2019ll then be given an option to proceed at your own peril or leave the site immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Securing Your Browser from Cyber Attacks <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Google may be working towards a more secure Web<\/a> and Mozilla has added password strength warnings<\/a> on Firefox, this doesn\u2019t hide the fact that browsers do have security vulnerabilities. Internet browsers often use various tools for different tasks and those come with security flaws. Those components can be exploited by cyber felons to gain access to your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make your browser less vulnerable to intruders, make sure to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disable JavaScript<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While JavaScript is necessary to optimally run websites like Google Docs and YouTube, it\u2019s the same programming language needed to run ads, pop-ups, and other spammy elements on a page. To make matters worse, cyber criminals use JavaScript to infect your device with malware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By disabling this feature, not only can you stop cyber criminals from throwing malicious software your way, you may have a quicker and cleaner browsing experience overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refrain from using too many extensions\/add-ons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sure, these add extra functionality to your Web browser (e.g. ad blockers). On the flip side, however, they do pose a security risk since they offer an alternative opening to your computer that can easily be exploited by intruding malware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we\u2019re saying is that you can be safer roaming the web sans your favorite weather forecast extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deactivate ActiveX<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

ActiveX basically acts as a middleman between your notebook and Flash\/Java-based elements in certain portals. They come preinstalled on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, too. Malicious websites, however, love using it to find your computer\u2019s Achilles heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ActiveX is rarely used these days so be extra cautious when a site asks you to install it. Only do so when you\u2019re completely confident that a website can be trusted not to look for the chink in your PC\u2019s armor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clear cookies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Typically stored on your browser, these small data files are often used by websites to quickly remember accounts, passwords, and your browsing history. Tracking user behavior is another one of its main functions, too. Online crooks, sadly, target cookies because they often contain critical information about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delete cookies and disable them on your browser to minimize the chances of your personal data getting stolen by snoopers. And we can\u2019t emphasize this enough: never allow browsers to remember passwords<\/a> or any of your login information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Ways to Find Internet Safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safety on the Internet starts with vigilance, plus a dash of common sense. Be on the safe side every time you surf the Web with these quick-fire tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n