Using browsers for our daily online activities exposes us to various security threats. However, there’s no absolute security measure that can shield you against all types of cyberattacks, but you can take a few steps to experience secure online browsing.
As users, we have very little cybersecurity awareness about the types of cyberattacks and scams like viruses, malware, ransomware, etc. However, there is a lot more to these monsters than what we are aware of. Experts believe that a significant chunk of internet users has fallen prey to socially engineered cyberattacks. Thus, it’s essential to take up the cudgels and ensure a secure online browsing experience. Here’re some smart ways to ramp up security and experience safer online browsing.
Get a Secure Browser
Browsers act as the primary medium between you and the internet. Thus, you must use a secure browser. All the popular browsers have in-built security features, and you need to enable those as per your security requirements. Even though Firefox, Apple, and Google claim that their respective browsers are secure enough, reality can be different. Privacy-first browsers score higher when it comes to protecting your privacy and ensuring a secure browsing experience. Hence, you can easily make the switch to a different service.
Enable Higher Degree of Browser Security
All browsers come equipped with some basic security features, and users even have the option of enabling advanced security settings, depending on the security level they need. For instance, you can turn off “cookies” to experience a higher degree of privacy. For securing your browser, you should enable pop-up blocking. All the steps above ensure that you tighten the security around your machine and prevent intrusion.
Of course, depending on your situation, not all these settings will apply to you. Additionally, there might be some common misconceptions about the way some features work. For instance, it is crucial to understand that Incognito Mode does not make you fully invisible online. Its purpose is to conceal your activities by not saving them on your device. Hence, the websites visited via Incognito Mode won’t show up on your browsing history. It is a great tool for concealing some actions from people that use the same device.
Use a Password Manager
The password manager creates and stores complex passwords you use to access different accounts. You must use creative passwords so that none one can guess them easily. A secure password must be at least 16 characters long and consist of a mix of alphanumeric characters with a combination of upper- and lower-case letters. Don’t forget to use special characters as they help you make complex passwords. A password manager manages the ridiculously complicated and creative passwords and encrypts them in the process.
Staying safe with a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted connection between the device and the internet, taking security and privacy to the next level. You also have the option ofanonymously browsing the internet. Hence, no one, including your ISP, can track your digital movements. Thus, you can use the public Wi-Fi network without worrying about hackers. Since an online VPN offers end-to-end data encryption, it can greatly improve your browsing experience. Commercial profiling will no longer affect you as much, freeing you from repetitive and customized ads.
Transact on Secure Sites
Look for the green lock in the URL field and see if the site starts with “HTTPS” or not. Do not carry out any financial transaction or fill up your personal details on a website that uses the old “HTTP” protocol. Data exchanged between you and “HTTPS” website is encrypted. The domain is also validated while the owner has a legitimate certificate. The green padlock is the trust factor that you must look for while browsing websites online.
Concluding Note
The aforementioned strategies are presently the best way to secure online browsing and prevent data theft or digital identity theft. The future will be secured because of the recent advancements made in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Scientists around the world are working towards creating a safer and secure online browsing experience. However, most of the projects in this direction are still being tested, and it will take some time before they are rolled out for commercial use. Stay connected to learn about future developments.
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