How to Browse the Web Safely: Pro Tips for Using the Internet

Are you trying to figure out how to browse the web safely? Read this article to learn pro tips for using the internet safely.

Safe internet use while travellingThe average person spends more than six and a half hours a day online, which adds up to about a quarter of their life is spent on the Internet. What’s scary is that the average person has had personal data stolen at least four times in 2019, probably without knowing it.

Do you want to browse the web but nervous about doing it safely? Keep reading to learn these pro tips for secure browsing to keep your information safe.

Install Antivirus Software

There is a reason we list this first. It protects your computer and information from malicious software that can be found on various sites. The programs and websites may seem valid, but behind the scenes, they steal your valuable information.

Threats can hide in reputable websites and sources, but the antivirus program monitors every application. It will detect an attack before it happens.

You should make sure you stay on top of updates for your antivirus software. You should also consider getting a suite or making sure you have Ransomware. Most of these programs are free, and they add another layer of protection.

Be sure you renew your subscription every year for secure Internet browsing, or you will be left unprotected.

“Do Not Track” in Your Browser

Several browsers have the ability to issue “do not track” to websites. You just have to enable this request. It depends on how the sites respond to this request, but it still is a good idea to tell sites you don’t want to be tracked.

Use Unique Passwords

You don’t want to use the same password multiple times because if one website is hacked your information can be shared for other sites as well. It is hard to remember unique passwords for multiple sites because these passwords need to be unpredictable, long, and have symbols and numbers.

To help you remember all your passwords, you should use a password manager. These programs encrypt and securely save your login information for multiple sites. They can also help you sing in automatically—you just need to remember the main password.

Turn on Private Browsing

You can use private browsing to block websites from tracking your browsing data. It doesn’t hide your activity from your service provider. But, it will reduce cookie accumulations, which can be helpful if you want to keep something secret like a surprise gift for your significant other.

Get a VPN and Use It

VPNs (virtual proxy networks) encrypt your data from Internet requests before they reach the web. It works the same way no matter how you are connected to the Internet. The encrypted data is then sent to the VPN server that will decrypt the requests before it gets to the online destination. 

The information is then sent back the same way to protect your information. This keeps advertisers and Internet service providers from tracking your moves.

Keep Your Browser Up-To-Date

Keeping your browser updated is vital to your safety. Patches are released to fix any vulnerabilities. This applies to both PC and Mac with all types of browsers, and yes, you can get Internet Explorer for Mac.

Updates are vital beyond your browser. Be sure you update the operating system or any other software as soon as possible because they are also fixing problems.

Avoid Pop-Ups

Be sure to turn off pop-ups in your web browser. The ads are more than just annoying; they can also contain inappropriate content or malicious links. Most browsers have automatic filters, and you can allow them for trusted sites if you want.

Watch out for Phishing

Phishing attacks are ways to trick users into giving out their personal and sensitive information. These messages appear to be from reputable sites like banks, shopping sites, payment processors, and social media sites. The links actually take you to a site that looks legit but steals your information.

To avoid these issues, don’t answer unsolicited messages from any of your vendors or even your bank. You should never click on hyperlinks or attachments in emails. You should just go straight to the main site if you have questions.

Pay With Your Smartphone

When possible, pay with your smartphone with Apple Pay or Android equivalent when you can. The old credit card system is not as secure. The app adds an additional layer of security, and you can choose which credit card, debit card, or bank account you want to use.

Use HTTPS

The “s” in “https” means secure, so this website has encryption features. When you visit a site, look for the “https:” or the padlock icon in the URL bar. This verifies the site is secure, and you can enter personal information. 

Avoid Public or Free WiFi

Even though most people know this, it deserves to be repeated. Do not use public WiFi or any free WiFi to send personal information over the Internet. Wireless sniffers can steal your information from these unprotected networks.

Clear Your Cache

Even if websites do track your data, you can limit impacts. To do this, you need to clear your browser cache and delete cookies, and you can do this by going to your browser’s settings. This prevents ads from around the web from following you based on your search history.

You can do this manually, but you can also use software to automate this process. You may want to consider allowing sites you visit regularly by whitelisting them, so this way you don’t have to keep re-entering your login details.

Now You Can Browse the Web Safely

Follow these tips and you can browse the web securely. Just remember to always do updates and be careful when you give out your personal information. 

Ready to explore beyond the Internet? Keep checking out our site for more travel adventures.