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We all know that the internet is an excellent resource for information, connection, and more, but did you know it can also be a dangerous place if you’re not careful? You may not realize it, but you’re taking a risk when you browse the web. Unless you take steps to protect yourself, hackers can access your computer, steal your personal information, and even control your device. But with a few simple precautions, you can stay safe while browsing the web. Here are some basic tips for keeping yourself safe online.
Learn how to browse the web safely so that you can enjoy all it has to offer without fear!Click To TweetBlocking and Unblocking Sites
If you want to browse the web safely, you’ll need to learn how to block and unblock websites.
There could be many reasons you would want to do this; perhaps you saw a site that doesn’t have SSL encryption and want to avoid it in the future. Maybe you have children and want to keep their browsing safe.
You can either do this by searching for the “site blocker” extension on Google or using the Google Family Link app to approve or block sites. Pay attention how to unblock the site too in case you need to do this in the future.
Make Sure Your Firewall is Up
Before you even begin browsing the internet, you need to ensure that your firewall is up and that you have an antivirus program running in the background. In a nutshell, firewalls monitor the network traffic from your computer, both outgoing and incoming.
Your firewall is the first line of defense to prevent any cyber-attacks taking place, as well as malware, automated software, malicious websites or apps, and more. Your antivirus software will protect your computer from any malicious software you might unintentionally download.
It’s essential to have both running before you do any surfing.
Check For SSL Encryption
The next thing you will want to do if you’re going to stay safe while browsing the internet is to always check for SSL encryption. This might sound more complicated than it is.
Rest assured, it’s pretty simple. To find out if a website has SSL encryption, look at the URL bar at the top left corner of the browser. You should see a locked symbol.
If you don’t see one, you should probably leave the site since it means that the information leaving the site isn’t encrypted, and anyone can intercept it.
Don’t Download from Unverified Sources
One of the most important things you should do if you want to browse the internet safely is not download from unverified sources. The internet is full of websites and content, and not all of the files have been uploaded with good intentions.
Unverified sources run the risk of hosting files that might contain viruses, spyware, malware, and more. Not only could it lead to your system being corrupted, but it could also lead to hackers learning your passwords and eventually stealing your money.
Be Careful Where You Buy from
This brings us to the next tip; you should always pay attention to where you buy from and never buy from a website you know nothing about. Many people have websites with fake products and fake services to take your money.
Before buying from a website, you should read a few reviews, check if they have SSL encryption, research the payment methods, and more. The last thing you want to do is buy a product, only to never receive it or get your money back.
Choose Strong Passwords
Finally, if you want to save anything on the web, you have to choose strong passwords, especially on sites that store your payment information. If you weren’t aware, there is software that can guess your password if it is a simple one in less than 10 minutes.
These programs generate hundreds of thousands of letter and number combinations per minute and can easily crack your password if it is a single, commonly used word. Be safe, and create a password like “EP<5]Zv7q)G9k:8y”.
Final Thoughts
While we can’t cover every possible online security issue, we hope that the tips in this post will help you stay safe while browsing the web. Be sure to use a strong password, install antivirus software, and be vigilant about what links you click – and you should be good to go!
Can you share any tips to stay safe online with us?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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Great tips, thank you so much for sharing! I have three kids, so I definitely want them to be safe when browsing the web.
Yes – the web can be filled with no so safe stuff for kiddos