GrowMap

Map Your Path To Grow Your Business

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • G.A.S.P
  • Press
  • Portfolio
  • GrowMap Services
  • PostsComments

Minimizing Your Vulnerability to Online Security Risks [Infographic]

April 29, 2020 By Ryan Kh 56 Comments

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.

Minimizing Your Vulnerability 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:

Table of Contents

  • Choose Your Browsers Wisely
  • Beware of phishing
  • Check the Validity and Credibility of Websites you Visit
  • Use a Password Manager
  • Use a VPN When Using Public Networks
  • Keep Trackers Off Your Scent
    • What Online Security Risks Are You Taking?
      • Ryan Kh
      • Latest posts by Ryan Kh (see all)

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:


Getting Out of the Phish Net

Source: Getting Out of the Phish Net
Featured Image: Shutterstock / By Khakimullin Aleksandr

Note: originally published 1/2/19; updated 5/1/20 to add infographic and improve SEO and readability.

The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts
My Twitter profile

Ryan Kh

Ryan Kh is an experienced blogger, digital content & social marketer. Founder of Catalyst For Business and contributor to search giants like Yahoo Finance, MSN. He is passionate on covering topics like big data, business intelligence, startups & entrepreneurship.
My Twitter profile

Latest posts by Ryan Kh (see all)

  • 5 Industries Using Trucking to Keep the World Supplied - August 26, 2020
  • The Basics of Getting Small Business Financing - August 24, 2020
  • Is Investing in Precious Metals a Good Investment? - August 22, 2020
Tweet
Share
Share5
Pin33
Share
Share
Pocket
Flip
38 Shares
« ActiveCampaign vs HubSpot? What You Need to Know
How to Maintain Your Excellent Credit Score »

Filed Under: Privacy and Data Mining Tagged With: cybersecurity, online security, privacy

Comments

  1. Charles Theisen says

    October 14, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. Colin says

    September 11, 2020 at 10:08 am

    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

    Reply
  3. Rishad says

    May 19, 2020 at 10:32 am

    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
    Rishad would love you to read ..7 Best cold weather glove’s Review 2020My Profile

    Reply
  4. Jay says

    May 19, 2020 at 2:25 am

    Hi, I fund your article very interesting and helpful,Keep up the good work, Thank you.
    Jay would love you to read ..10 Tips for Work From Home – Are you ready to Work from Home During COVID 19 ?My Profile

    Reply
  5. Onecha Elohor says

    January 8, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    Very nice piece of content i am fully delighted reading through your article and i have really gotten valuable insight form your blog nice work. love coming back to your blog
    Onecha Elohor would love you to read ..Xbox Live Account Sign In – Sign in to Xbox | Microsoft.comMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Jasmeet Singh says

    December 28, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    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
    Jasmeet Singh would love you to read ..How to Start a WordPress Blog in 2020 and Make MoneyMy Profile

    Reply
  7. James says

    November 12, 2019 at 3:44 am

    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!
    James would love you to read ..Widespread Emotet malicious software targeting businesses and individualsMy Profile

    Reply
  8. jNicholas says

    November 12, 2019 at 12:29 am

    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!
    jNicholas would love you to read ..What Your Plan for AI-Powered Cybersecurity Should Look LikeMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Manal Shaikh says

    September 25, 2019 at 10:33 am

    Thank you for sharing this useful information. Security is very essential for a standard computer user as well as for a professional too.

    Reply
  10. Antonio Swan says

    July 15, 2019 at 10:21 am

    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.

    Reply
  11. riya says

    June 7, 2019 at 12:51 am

    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.

    Reply
  12. Emery Ocampo says

    April 10, 2019 at 10:28 pm

    Great read! I have learned a lot from this, I will definitely do this! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this, very helpful and informative!

    Reply
  13. Elizabeth Morgan says

    March 12, 2019 at 5:33 am

    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.

    Reply
  14. ganesh bendkule says

    February 28, 2019 at 5:18 am

    Hi,
    Really nice information and helpful. Because security is a biggest issue.
    this is really readable article.
    great work……!
    we also provide solution to Tally WhatsApp Messages Automation

    Reply
  15. vaibhav says

    February 9, 2019 at 1:32 am

    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..

    Reply
  16. Shamshar Ali says

    February 6, 2019 at 2:01 pm

    Thank you for sharing. Best info found on website so far……. keep sharing.

    Reply
  17. Sougata Adhikary says

    February 2, 2019 at 8:08 am

    hello Ryan,
    great article, thanks for sharing,I also recommend using a good anti-virus like Malwarebytes or Norton,

    Reply
  18. Joy says

    February 2, 2019 at 5:18 am

    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.

    Reply
  19. Paul says

    February 1, 2019 at 10:19 pm

    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

    Reply
  20. corweb says

    February 1, 2019 at 5:01 am

    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

    Reply
  21. Loretta says

    January 29, 2019 at 7:27 am

    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.
    Loretta would love you to read ..Are You Ready for Better Website Hosting Services?My Profile

    Reply
  22. John says

    January 29, 2019 at 12:58 am

    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.

    Reply
  23. Edword says

    January 28, 2019 at 10:40 am

    Hi,
    You are Really A pro-Blogger can I ask your experience ??

    Reply
  24. Trupti Patel says

    January 28, 2019 at 6:32 am

    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.

    Reply
  25. Trik Bermain Dominoqq says

    January 27, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    Yeah its so true. That internet has become more and more scarry with this scamer around. Just use your online thing wisely and carefully

    Reply
  26. uzzal says

    January 27, 2019 at 8:17 am

    online security risks are very dangerous for us. so we have to solve this. keep posting
    uzzal would love you to read ..Top Level Domain Providers in 2019My Profile

    Reply
  27. Oliver Jake says

    January 26, 2019 at 3:28 am

    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.
    Oliver Jake would love you to read ..Happy Birthday ImagesMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Maple Dude says

    January 25, 2019 at 5:20 pm

    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.

    Reply
  29. Adimorah Nzube says

    January 25, 2019 at 12:30 am

    I have learn a few things just by going through your article..nice one mate.

    Reply
  30. Mike stark says

    January 23, 2019 at 8:26 pm

    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.

    Reply
  31. Nikola Roza says

    January 23, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    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
    Nikola Roza would love you to read ..Can Wealthy Affiliate Websites Really Rank High in Google and Bing?My Profile

    Reply
  32. Eric says

    January 18, 2019 at 3:30 am

    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
    Eric would love you to read ..Best Root Apps 2019: 10 Must-Have Apps for Rooted Android Free DownloadMy Profile

    Reply
  33. vigneshgrace says

    January 18, 2019 at 12:04 am

    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.

    Reply
  34. Nick says

    January 17, 2019 at 7:14 am

    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
    Nick would love you to read ..How To Find Competitors Keywords On AmazonMy Profile

    Reply
  35. Eric says

    January 16, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    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
    Eric would love you to read ..Best Root Apps 2019: 10 Must-Have Apps for Rooted Android Free DownloadMy Profile

    Reply
  36. Gowtham Devaraj says

    January 16, 2019 at 3:35 am

    Great article. One of the finest read I had today. Good writing.

    Reply
  37. Santanu says

    January 15, 2019 at 11:55 am

    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.
    Santanu would love you to read ..14 Best MyThemeShop Themes 2019 For WordPress Sites (All Niche!)My Profile

    Reply
  38. Sarah Leone says

    January 15, 2019 at 6:26 am

    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.
    Sarah Leone would love you to read ..Limpopo Tourism Agency Internships 2019: Jobs VacanciesMy Profile

    Reply
  39. Adarsh Beck says

    January 15, 2019 at 3:17 am

    Hii rayn now days online security most important thing thanks for sharing this use ful article

    Reply
  40. Badal says

    January 14, 2019 at 7:10 am

    Nice post keep it up …

    Hello
    My name is. Badal

    And I am. Always read your blog ..

    Your blog is superb .
    Badal would love you to read ..Hsc result || hsc result 2019 ||My Profile

    Reply
  41. Sunny says

    January 14, 2019 at 2:40 am

    Hello Ryan Kh

    You have posted such an effective post that should know everyone to prevent hacking. Thanks

    Reply
  42. Shawon says

    January 14, 2019 at 2:37 am

    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.

    Reply
  43. Hridya says

    January 14, 2019 at 1:24 am

    Thank you for this useful online security information shared with us. Keep sharing.

    Reply
  44. Deva says

    January 14, 2019 at 12:52 am

    Nice post thanks for sharing thanks for your good information

    Reply
  45. Sekh Maijul says

    January 13, 2019 at 3:30 am

    Hi everyone,

    This article is great. Yes, right nowadays online security risks important topic for us.

    Thanks for this post.

    Reply
  46. Inesh Enterprises says

    January 12, 2019 at 5:07 am

    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

    Reply
  47. Rify says

    January 11, 2019 at 1:03 am

    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

    Reply
  48. Phillip Murray says

    January 10, 2019 at 12:52 pm

    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!

    Reply
  49. dhaval joshi says

    January 10, 2019 at 1:31 am

    Hello,

    Thanks for sharing this article. I can say that i learnt many thing about online security.

    Thank you so much.

    Reply
  50. Inesh Enterprises says

    January 10, 2019 at 12:11 am

    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.

    Reply
  51. Ritesh says

    January 9, 2019 at 11:46 pm

    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
    Ritesh would love you to read ..How to know if a file or URL is safe : How to’sMy Profile

    Reply
  52. Shweta says

    January 6, 2019 at 11:50 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
  53. William Denver says

    January 6, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    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.
    William Denver would love you to read ..Xmails ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  54. Ope says

    January 5, 2019 at 11:42 pm

    Wow! This is true

    Browser is always a force to reckon with when talking of site vulnerability

    I use chrome though

    Reply
  55. Raghuveer says

    January 5, 2019 at 10:45 am

    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……

    Reply
  56. Muhammad Waseem says

    January 4, 2019 at 8:57 am

    Hello….!
    My Name is Muhammad Waseem.
    I like your site and your work.Best of luck for the future plans.Thank you…!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts
You can add a link to follow you on twitter if you put your username in this box.
Only needs to be added once (unless you change your username). No http or @

Search

UPC CODES don't fall for fakes

Categories

Recent Posts

  • 4 Ways To Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns
  • What You Need to Think About When Building Your WordPress Site
  • The Importance of Relaxation When Starting a New Company
  • Stay Afloat: Reduce Monthly Expenses Using These Tips
  • Free Mentoring: How to Use the Inexpensive CRM Bigin to Increase Income
Don't Miss Your Path to Growth!
Enter your email to receive new
blog posts:

Did MOZ Drop Your Site’s DA?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv_cL50MpZA

Popular Posts

What You Need to Think About When Building Your WordPress SiteWhat You Need to Think About When Building Your WordPress Site
The Importance of Relaxation When Starting a New CompanyThe Importance of Relaxation When Starting a New Company
4 Ways To Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns4 Ways To Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns
Free Mentoring: How to Use the Inexpensive CRM Bigin to Increase IncomeFree Mentoring: How to Use the Inexpensive CRM Bigin to Increase Income
Influencer Marketing Guide For Maximum Business GrowthInfluencer Marketing Guide For Maximum Business Growth
How to Create a Blog to Promote Your ServicesHow to Create a Blog to Promote Your Services
Stay Afloat: Reduce Monthly Expenses Using These TipsStay Afloat: Reduce Monthly Expenses Using These Tips

Greatest eCommerce Competitive Risks to Small Businesses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=bmlJmDYaax0

Serpstat: What it Does

https://youtu.be/rjIfKdIWk7M

GrowMap Policies

  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • GrowMap Guest Blogging Guidelines

Connect With Growmap

growmap on twitter growmap on g plus growmap on linkedin growmap on pinterest growmap on facebook growmap on stumbleupon growmap on skype

Copyright © 2008-2021 Growmap · Centric Mobile Responsive Theme by StudioPress · Genesis Framework · Site maintaned By MarketingTilt

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

GrowMap
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side. Read our complete privacy policy.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.