Unfortunately, with the virtual takeover of computers and computing-related technologies that has occurred throughout the last decade or so, the rise of cyber criminals has naturally shot forward, to the point of now, where not even personal users at home are safe.

So, to help you and to ensure your confidential, private, and personal information and data is safe, continue reading to learn five key ways to stay safe whilst on the internet.

1. Keep Your Browser Updated

Often, for those people who are running an older operating system, or else are bravely attempting to keep their older laptop running, there is a temptation to avoid updating certain programs and software packages for fear the computer will not be able to assimilate the update.

However, when it comes to internet security, updating your internet browser regularly is a fantastic defense against potential hackers. The latest version of your browser, regardless of the company browser you choose to use, will be armed with comprehensive protection against viruses and fake websites.

2. Make Sure You Only Use Strong Passwords

Hopefully, you are already fully aware of the significant danger in making the PIN code to access your smartphone the same combination of numbers as your bank card.

This ‘one size fits all’ policy can also be hugely detrimental to your internet security, essentially due to the simple fact that if a cyber criminal has hacked into one of your accounts, if the passwords are all the same, they can access them all.

Some simple tips to create a strong password include:

  • Don’t use a cliché or oft-used phrase
  • Do use a longer password
  • Don’t reuse any passwords
  • Do change your password at least every month

3. Always Back Up Important Documents

Not only can hackers attempt to access your computer to learn your online banking passwords and other financial information, but they may also be interested in stealing your documents and other stored files through the internet.

This is why it is especially important to regularly and thoroughly back up your computer, either to the cloud or else an external hard drive.

4. Check Your Internet Provider

As with other obligatory, yet frustrating, services an adult needs in life, it can be understandably tempting if you have automatically asked around for the cheapest monthly payment for broadband internet to your home and never looked back.

However, there are a great deal more many factors to consider, including the availability of service, the comparison between fiber internet vs 5G and, of course, the guarantees by the provider that no one else can access your private service.

5. Always Be Wary of Phishing

The fifth and final solid piece of advice to help you stay safe when browsing the internet is to arm yourself with enough information to avoid phishing attacks.

Phishing is usually attempted via an e-mail, so from now on, you should remember never to open any attachment or email body from an unknown source.

Image credit: Sergey Zolkin via Unsplash

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