11 Web Security Tips

It is typical for individuals to feel a sense of safety when sitting in front of their PC surfing the web. However, this security is spurious to say the least, as many crimes are committed in this digital world. Individuals should make sure that they understand how to use the Internet in a way that keeps their information safe from individuals with criminal intentions.

 

Here are a Few Web Security Tips

1. Just like the traditional paper mailing system, electronic mails can also be flooded with unwanted messages. However, more than just product offers and discounts that you do not want, the emails may be from individuals with nefarious intentions. They may very well be an attempt to elicit from the recipient confidential information.  These emails are labeled phishing emails.  The personal information shared with the sender will be used to defraud the recipient. Therefore, it is integral that individuals with email accounts not share any personal information, especially not their credit card, social security or account number through any online communication. In addition, it is a normal practice for fraudsters to include in these emails a link to a website. Never click these links as they may lead to a web domain that is laden with malicious content, which could infect your computer.

 

2. In the same way that information should not be shared through an email, it should also not be shared on networking sites or in any other Internet community or forum. When on a social media website individuals should be just as conscious of security concerns as in other settings. Individuals should ensure that they should refrain from indiscriminately only allowing people that they know into their personal network.  Confidential information should not be shared in this setting, and definitely not address information.

 

3. While shopping online is easy, it is not always safe, hence the need for web security tips. Some important safety measures must be followed whenever an individual is going to use a credit card to buy products online. Do not use a search engine to find shopping sites. Instead, type the website address directly into the browser to ensure that the correct domain is visited. The shopping site used should be one that is well known and that it utilizes some form of security software, with the main purpose of protecting credit card numbers and other confidential information that is shared during the shopping experience.

 

4. It is important that the information is encrypted or hidden so that criminals cannot gain access to it.

 

5. A password is the key to any online account and to a goal mine of personal information. Individuals with multiple accounts usually have similar or worst yet the same passwords for all the accounts. This practice is not safe. It makes it easier for individuals with criminal intentions to breach all accounts that are linked to the password. If the password is weak, it can be deduced easily. A strong password is one that is long and complex. Complexity can be achieved by including in secret code, letters and numbers. This strategy should be employed in order to avoid web security issues.

 

6. While the ability to download information from the web is convenient, indiscriminately downloading information may prove detrimental to the health of the user’s personal computer. Downloads are saved on the computer’s hard drive and if the file contains viruses they too will of course be stored on the computer.  Therefore, great care should be taken when browsing the web, information should only be downloaded from secure sites.

 

7. Connecting to a wireless network offers a level of expediency not experienced on a wired connection. However, expediency and security does not always come hand in hand.  A wireless connection makes it easier for unscrupulous individuals to enter your home or business network and computer. This breach will give the criminal access to all confidential information stored on the device. However, security can be achieved by developing strong passwords for the network, whether for home or business. It is best to make sure that the name of the specific network be kept secret. Individuals should refrain from using public WIFI access points and even public computers to shop online or to or to do other online activities, which involve sharing personal information. When using these public computers always remember to sign out of accounts before leaving.

 

8. Always read privacy settings when using a website, especially one in which you will be sharing sensitive information. However, even when this is done care should be taken about what type of information is shared on the site and to whom.

 

9. Keep an eye out for attempts at fraud. Phishing emails are not the only kind. In addition, other schemes use attractive offers to lure individuals into sharing their personal information.

 

10. It is a good idea to have Internet security software installed on your personal computer to protect it from any malicious content that one may come across on the web, infected software that may be downloaded and email attachments that may be opened. Many of these types of software offer many more features than just virus protection.

 

Children should be protected when they are on the Internet. They should be taught ways of protecting themselves when online. Parents should ensure that they set rules governing how the Internet is used and at one time during the day, it can be accessed. Children should not be allowed to browse the World Wide Web without adult supervision. These 10 Internet security tips are useful for every web user.

 

11 Web Security Tips