With the advancement of technology, the internet has seemingly become our second home. Browsing through google or scrolling through our news feed feels like hanging around the living room of a virtual world. Because everyone is so dependent of the internet, issues on internet safety and privacy has been on the spotlight for quite some time now.
Internet Safety
Internet users, especially the younger ones, often take these issues too lightly. Oftentimes, the idea of being hacked online or being robbed of online identity is too far fetched until it happens to someone close to us or to us, ourselves.
Recently, the United States passed a law allowing internet service providers to sell your web history even without your consent. This is quite alarming. First and foremost, your online security is at risk especially when there is no encryption going on. Even your passwords might be stored and sold. Secondly, the sale would include sensitive or personal information such as your online banking transactions and activities or even your medical information. If you thought your location and whereabouts are kept completely private, think again. Your online activities will definitely help make it easier for you to be tracked down. Apparently, there are so many companies thirsty for these information as they may use it for their advantage in such a way as they use consumer reports.
That said, it is important to set security measures that will ensure online safety.
Security Measures
One common and effective security measure to pursue is the use of virtual private networks or VPNs. Connecting to a private network will conceal your actual internet service provider address. Thus, your online activities are kept secret as well.
The benefits VPNs provide make Portuguese VPN providers well sought after; the same goes for VPN providers for other countries. However, these providers must be chosen carefully as not all of them offer reliable services. Usually, it is best to avoid completely free of charge services since these may just be too good to be true.
Another good method to increase online security is to look into the privacy settings of the websites or online platforms. Each website has their own set of privacy watchers; they are in charge of keeping the users protected in terms of privacy. Thus, if Facebook provides for a two-factor authentication measure, you should deal with it as it is for your own safety.
Browsing privately or incognito is also beneficial. Although cookies and other trackers will still follow through, the incognito option makes the plight much lighter for internet users. Speaking of trackers, you should also be wary about cookies and scripts as these store any information you encode such as your passwords; regular clearing cookies and history is advised.
Lastly, it is important to be wary in general. Do not easily trust links passed around online as these may be phishing measures set forth by online hackers. Always monitor your accounts and look out for suspicious and uncommon online activities.