How to Protect Yourself on the Internet

 

Are you aware of the risks associated with using the internet? Are you concerned about your online footprint or privacy?

 

There is a rise in cases of identity theft, internet fraud, and hacking, even on social media. Negligence on the internet could jeopardize your safety, especially because private data is very valuable on the dark web. Understanding the implications of an individual's actions while surfing is beneficial as it helps keep one safe from malicious strangers on the internet.

 

VPNs and Proxies

They are several ways to stay safe while keeping the freedom of roaming the internet. The two most common methods of doing so are using VPNs or proxy servers to hide and redirect traffic through private network tunnels. Here are the features of both.

• VPNs

VPNs are an easy and affordable way of keeping your identity hidden from other internet users. VPNs create a private network tunnel across the different websites and platforms. The perks of using VPNs include:

• Having access to geographically restricted data like certain Netflix shows
• Gaining protection across all devices
• Hiding private information
• Staying anonymous while browsing different websites

Picking a good VPN provider is vital in ensuring your data stays anonymous and private.

• Proxies

Proxies also help hide IP addresses by providing a new one while users access certain websites. Unlike VPNs, proxies are website based and are only suitable for one URL at a time. However, using proxies also has several benefits. Let's look at some of them in detail.

• Proxies such as SOCKS servers secure employee data and internet use.
• They preserve internet anonymity by providing their own IP address.
• Browsing through a proxy saves bandwidth with compressed files.
• A proxy will balance internet traffic to avoid crashes.

Similar to VPNs, ensure you research your proxy provider. Verify that the company is trustworthy and offers proxy services that fit your needs.

 

Other Safety Measures

Although VPNs and proxy servers are effective, they might not keep your identity anonymous all through. Moreover, in cases such as phishing, it is possible to offer your private information unsuspectingly. Therefore, even with VPNs installed, it is important to follow these steps to keep safe:

• Be Wary of Phishing Mail

Phishing attacks refer to cyber criminals' attempts at posing as legitimate institutions to try and acquire your personal information. The emails sent as phishing bait will often have links that lead to dangerous websites or that require some type of login. Opening such emails or clicking the links within puts you in danger.

• Do Not Overshare

Be careful what information you share on the internet. Social media brought with it a sharing culture where people post about highlights of their lives. However, it is essential that when posting, no sensitive information is shared. Sensitive details include credit card info, home addresses, or children's faces and identities.

• Use Strong Passwords

VPNs and proxies can help with securing your passwords and making them inaccessible. However, with or without these options, you must ensure that your passwords are secure. Many websites or logins offer a metric for strong and weak passwords.

• Change Your Passwords Often

Switch up your passwords once in a while for that extra layer of security.

• Avoid Strange Sites

As mentioned earlier, hackers can access your private information by leading you to strange websites that siphon your information. However, phishing does not only occur through emails, and you might put yourself in danger by clicking that suspicious link.

• Be Wary of Open Public Wi-Fi

Stay away from unsecured public Wi-Fi unless you have a VPN. Using public Wi-Fi provides others the opportunity to access your personal information.

• Regularly Backup Your Data

In case of a virus infection, it would be difficult to recover your data. Backing up your data makes retrieval easier in such instances.

• Keep Your Devices Locked

Lock your devices when not in use. Having an unlock password is an easy way to ensure that your data isn't accessible by anyone while you're not using your device.

• Log Out of Websites

Make sure you log out of websites, especially when using public computers. If possible, delete your browser history after browsing on such devices.

 

Make the Internet a Safer Space

Now you know the many tricks you can use to keep yourself safe. Be an educator. Teach them to others, and hopefully, the internet will be safer for all.