The importance of protecting yourself when browsing online

Staying safe while browsing online is more important than ever. Cybercriminals constantly develop new tactics to steal information, making it essential to understand the risks and adopt protective measures. 

From using strong passwords to securing your connection with tools like VPN Chrome, there are multiple steps you can take to safeguard your data and privacy. In this short guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for protecting yourself, including recognising online threats, securing personal information, and using the right digital tools for safe browsing. 

Recognizing common online threats

One of the best ways to protect yourself online is by staying informed and updated about the new and common digital threats. For instance, with the rise of AI, phishing scams are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. Scammers can use AI to emulate a loved one’s voice, and trick you into handing over your money for a fake emergency. 

There are also other common online threats, like malware and identity theft. Malware often gets downloaded by people unintentionally downloading a malicious file, not realising that the file is untrustworthy. This is just one reason you should only download files and programs from trusted sources.

Securing personal and financial information

Another way to keep you and your data safe is by using various security programs. For example, keeping your accounts safe and secure is getting more difficult. You need long and complex passwords to ensure account security, but they can be difficult to remember. 

That’s where password managers come in. Instead of writing a password on paper, which poses a huge security risk, you can store it in a password manager. These services encrypt your password to keep them safe, while giving you easy access when you need them. 

There are other tricks you can use too. For instance, you should avoid using public WiFi networks. Hackers can set up fake networks designed to spy on your internet traffic and steal your data, whether it’s your emails, banking information, or account details for your social accounts. This information can then be used to steal or replicate your identity. 

Using tools to stay safe online

There are various tools you can use to keep yourself safe while online. For instance, getting a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can encrypt your internet traffic and stop cybercriminals from spying on your browsing history. That’s because a VPN uses another machine to complete the search for you. These machines can be located around the world, giving you access to content typically restricted to certain territories.