Got a problem? The internet probably has a solution for it. People today refer to the internet for most of their needs. This increased reliance on the internet leaves them prone to online security risks.
Hackers and other criminals on the web are always looking for their opportunity to attack. Millions of people around the world fall prey to security threats while browsing the internet.
But you don’t have to be another statistic. There are plenty of proven ways to stay one step ahead of hackers when browsing online. Here are some tips:
Choose Your Browsers Wisely
There are dozens of web browsers all competing for your attention. You are at liberty to choose any of them, but security should be at the top of your list of factors to consider.
Different web browsers have different security protocols implemented to keep users safe from emerging online threats such as phishing and tracking. They perform and rank differently in this category.
The most reliable and secure web browsers are Google’s Chrome, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox. They are not only more secure than most other browsers but also more convenient and advanced.
Also, be sure to update your browsers whenever there is a new release to stay one step ahead of hackers.
Beware of phishing
Phishing is another common technique that hackers use to steal your vital data. It mainly involves the use of bogus emails and websites masquerading as real ones.
They will try to trick you into keying in your credentials and record them when you do so. They can then use this information to get into your private online platforms.
For instance, phishing is a common way to get access to passwords to social media sites and even banking portals such as PayPal.
There are numerous phishing techniques that hackers use, so it is important to always be on the lookout. At the very least, always double-check any prompt on your email or browser to ensure that the sender is indeed legitimate. Learn more about phishing email.
Check the Validity and Credibility of Websites you Visit
The most basic thing you can do to ensure your safety when browsing online is to check the credibility of the sites you visit. This can easily be done by inspecting their web addresses.
Secure websites usually feature the prefix HTTPS, which stands for hypertext transfer protocol secure. This may also be accompanied by a green lock. It ensures that all data transmitted via the website is encrypted and not useful to any would-be eavesdroppers.
Avoid websites that simply start with HTTP and WWW if you intend on transferring sensitive data over the website.
Use a Password Manager
Your log-in credentials such as usernames and passwords are keys to any private accounts you may have online. They should always be kept safe and private. However, it is often the case that you have too many passwords and other credentials to remember.
Most people solve this by giving their web browsers permission to remember their usernames and passwords. This is convenient but risky as this exposes your sensitive credentials to hackers.
If you absolutely have to store your password on your computer, then do so on a password manager. This is a secure program that is designed to store sensitive data and keep it beyond the grasp of hackers.
Most password managers are free and easy to use – you just need to remember the manager’s password to get access to all the other log-in credentials you use.
Use a VPN When Using Public Networks
Public Wi-Fi is convenient and free but hardly ever secure. Hackers can easily eavesdrop on your data transmissions using simple tools as most public networks are often unprotected. To this end, it is recommendable to always use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi.
VPN stands for virtual private network. This means that your particular connection to the internet is private at all times, even if you are using public Wi-Fi.
The VPN encrypts all the data coming and going to/from your computer. This then ensures that eavesdroppers get nothing but gibberish if they attempt to hack you.
VPN also has many more security features including preventing tracking by masking your IP address. Features, however, vary from one service provider to another.
Keep Trackers Off Your Scent
Your online footprint is valuable data and multiple parties are always keeping track of all your online activities. Tracking is common, but that doesn’t mean that you should tolerate it.
There are several ways to keep trackers off your back when browsing online. Start with the basic: enable the ‘Do Not Track’ feature on your browser and turn off cookies.
This should keep most trackers off your back. However, some websites may refuse you access if you choose to turn cookies off. Luckily, there are many ways to browse privately.
Another way to keep trackers off is by browsing in incognito mode – this will ensure all your data is deleted once your session ends.
A VPN is also effective here as it hides your identity, essentially making all your browsing private. It is also recommended to create separate users’ profiles on your browsers dedicated solely for browsing social media sites.
What Online Security Risks Are You Taking?
Use the tips above to reduce your online security risks. You are the only person who can! What else can you do? See the infographic below for more tips:
Note: originally published 1/2/19; updated 5/1/20 to add infographic and improve SEO and readability.
Ryan Kh
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Cyber crime is really a threat to people like us who can’t secure themselves on online. In this pandemic every business is shifting to online form one way or another. It is the perfect time to learn about online security risks. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙂 I really appreciate it.
thank you for great article. for sure we need to use VPN to be more secured surfing. I’d also add that VPN helps to change IP address. for example you can change it following this steps https://vpnwifimaster.com/blog/ip-changer
It’s definitely most important thing to keep secure online activity, anything can goes wrong with anyone’s count spicily financial accounts, so need to be aware of that for sure
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Hi, I fund your article very interesting and helpful,Keep up the good work, Thank you.
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You have touched on a subject that is very important in the online industry. Whenever browsing keep in mind do not stray click or visit unreliable websites or else it can spell trouble. Thank you for sharing this article
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Hi, When i am searching on Google about internet security than i am reached on your article, It’s very helpful and informative for me thanks for share such kind of nice information with us. Keep it up!
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Great post! Keeping proper computer security for your business is certainly important. Anti Virus software is key to making sure all of your confidential information is not stolen. You can Rely on Lastline to help you secure your network. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for sharing this useful information. Security is very essential for a standard computer user as well as for a professional too.
VPN also provides high security and protection if we don’t want someone watching us or spying our log or data. so we can also use that VPN surely. Unblock or break all the restriction through this we can also see our all favorite content and their Servers are highly optimized for P2P file sharing and Torrenting many more etc.
Thanks for sharing this security information with us. these are really a helpful information thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us. keep your good work.
Great read! I have learned a lot from this, I will definitely do this! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this, very helpful and informative!
Oww, What a fabulous article you made this actually well working. I very appreciate your hard work. Your information effect on my daily life. Security is the essential for home and office.
Hi,
Really nice information and helpful. Because security is a biggest issue.
this is really readable article.
great work……!
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hello Ryan!! Hope you are doing good!!
Well, I too have been exposed to various online security risks too. Be it browsing, downloading software, and even transactions…This post is well written and has best described the minimization of online security risks…Keep up the good work..
Thank you for sharing. Best info found on website so far……. keep sharing.
hello Ryan,
great article, thanks for sharing,I also recommend using a good anti-virus like Malwarebytes or Norton,
Great article! We do need the internet in the world we are now living in but I think is becoming more and more scary. We all need to use the internet in a responsible way so it cannot harm you.
Your post is just right on time cause i really need more information about how to avoid risk when transacting online. good article, love your writing and thanks for sharing
security issues on internet are growing day by day it is very scary that people even can hack you laptop mobile even cameras you have provided an awareness by blog great work well done
Security online is difficult because of the ever-changing internet and scammers learning new techniques daily, but it is definitely important and something to stay on top of for email, databases, and websites. It’s definitely worth investing in some protection services, even for a small business with a small budget, because a little investment up front can save you from a lot of headache and more expensive problems later on.
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Hai Ryan Kh..,
What you are said in this post is absolutely correct. Nowadays almost people can depend on internet for any information. For finding solution for any problems regarding daily things also all are using internet and for shopping purpose also we are using net banking. But most of the people don’t know about hacking and other security attacks. In this article has so much valuable information about security while using internet browsers.
Thanks for sharing such a nice and impressive tips.
keep writing and sharing this type of articles.
Hi,
You are Really A pro-Blogger can I ask your experience ??
The risk from the virus should be taken care of because it can cause a lot of damage to the website.
Great post, more such post should be shared in order to spread awareness.
Yeah its so true. That internet has become more and more scarry with this scamer around. Just use your online thing wisely and carefully
online security risks are very dangerous for us. so we have to solve this. keep posting
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Hey Ryan,
You have done a great job. Your article has every bit of information about security risk and that is very helpful. I am following you past one month and your article content really helpful for me. Thanks for sharing with us valuable things.
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This article came on time, recently many of my friends got hacked because they never cared to protect themselves. Especially dangerous thing is browser plugins, i don’t recommend to use any, this is the easiest way to stole ur data.
I have learn a few things just by going through your article..nice one mate.
You are right if we get any problem, the internet has probably the solution for it. People use internet for searching information and getting internet. But here are some threats relying on the internet increase the chance of online threat and hackers can hack us. I read the points which you mentioned how we can minimizing vulnerability to on security risks. These tips are genuinely great and it can secure us from cyber attack, I bookmark your blog. Thanks for your great job. I want to contribute to your website, Can I write some more interesting articles. about cyber security risks etc.
Hey Ryan,
great tips here.
I didn’t know there was a password manager program. Are those online tools or software you have to download and install?
Thanks for the article, security is not to be taken lightly
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Hi,
Thanks for sharing this post with us. Effective information for the user. It’s really nice and good thought. Good work. I Suggest HMA vpn software
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Ya, its really true information nowadays all peoples must have an online security system.
I hope this blog useful for many peoples. Thanks for Sharing this post and Keep up the good work.
Thanks Ryan, very informative. We actually got hacked last year, my colleague doesn’t want to use a password manager. He would prefer for us to enter the information manually which i understand as we don’t know enough about password managers!
Do you have any recommendations for trustworthy password management software?
Thanks again,
Nick
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Hi Ryan,
Security is the most important aspect when you are online. I think this article will surely help many people to minimize online security risks.
Thanks for this article
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Great article. One of the finest read I had today. Good writing.
Security is the major concern in this online world. One must have to take necessary measures especially while choosing passwords. Thanks for sharing this article.
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You have written a good post regarding Online Security Risks. These days everyone should know about the internet privacy. You have shared amazing and informative details.
Thank You.
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Hii rayn now days online security most important thing thanks for sharing this use ful article
Nice post keep it up …
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And I am. Always read your blog ..
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Hello Ryan Kh
You have posted such an effective post that should know everyone to prevent hacking. Thanks
Great post. Security is one of the best consideration to protect privacy but we often place a low priority it. You have demonstrated the key points of the security which is really helpful for everyone. Thanks for your great job.
Thank you for this useful online security information shared with us. Keep sharing.
Nice post thanks for sharing thanks for your good information
Hi everyone,
This article is great. Yes, right nowadays online security risks important topic for us.
Thanks for this post.
Security is the big issue on internet and you have shared such a great tips to avoid such security issues are really great.
Want to give a big thank for sharing articles like this
Wow, really i am very happy in the sense of learning some helpful stuff which I can’t get elsewhere. Thanks for sharing your ideas on Internet security and from now onwards I will be more careful to keep me safe in online presence.
I am gonna subscribe to you now! so that I will get you updates directly to my mail
Cyber security issues are something even we at Pest Control Land o’ Lakes have to deal with on a daily basis. This article had some great content I’m going to share with our IT guys!
Hello,
Thanks for sharing this article. I can say that i learnt many thing about online security.
Thank you so much.
Thanks for discussing about such an important topic here because secuity matters a lot today over internet. We are a website designing company and I can understand that how much people scared about the security over internet and your tips are really helpful for al of them to take care from their side.
Thanx for sharing this blog. Your content is one of the best in this field.
Also public open wifi harm us and leak our privacy.
#regularuser
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Hello Ryan!
Online Security Risks are such a great threat to us especially in the case of tracking and phishing. But the ways you suggested can be implemented easily and taken care of . So thanks for writing on this topic.
Thanks!!!
Hi Ryan,
These are great tips to increase online security, I also recommend using a good anti-virus like Malwarebytes or Norton, they help notifying you when you come across a dangerous website.
Thanks again for this great post.
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Wow! This is true
Browser is always a force to reckon with when talking of site vulnerability
I use chrome though
hello Ryan Kh,
My Name is Raghuveer Singh Kumawat
I like your site and your work.Good luck and tons of best wishes. God bless you in whatever you do. This is my heartiest wish just for you.
Thank you……
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I like your site and your work.Best of luck for the future plans.Thank you…!