Internet has been one of the best inventions for our generation. It has given lots of opportunities to connect with people from anywhere in the world.
Many of Internet entrepreneurs work in our pajamas from our bedrooms. Online safety has become a priority for many individuals and companies.
There are numerous ways of getting compromised online.
I will explain in detail about the precautionary steps to take in order to protect yourself from Internet bandits.
1. Get an anti-virus software for your computer
I have discussed this in detail in my earlier post but I will keep this brief.
Anti-virus software protects you from getting hit by virus infected websites and software. The anti-virus software will warn you before downloading any virus infected file about the risk involved in downloading such a file.
So, the first thing to do is getting advanced anti-virus software. Buy a premium software, if possible.
2. Read the warnings while downloading
Most of us download free software and eBooks from the Internet.
There are some unintended downloads which comes with the free software.
Be alert, as you see the first popup on the screen because it could be the beginning of the virus attack or unnecessary ads included software.
As you can see from the above picture that installation of a toolbar, changes to default search provider and homepage is already selected.
The excitement of downloading free stuff would get you to quickly click on next step and then problems might begin to occur.
You should click on advanced installation and then uncheck all the options and then go on to the next step.
This way you would only download the intended free software and not the extra software which may harm your computer.
Even if you have downloaded unwanted software go to the control panel – uninstall programs and select the program and click on uninstall to remove from your computer.
[highlighter color="green-mute" ]Deleting the shortcut icons from desktop will not delete the program.[/highlighter]
3. Cookies – they stay inside your computer unless you delete them
Cookies are small data files which are stored in your computer whenever you visit a website.
They stay there until you delete them. It is kind of a tracker which stays with you and if you visit a website for the second time it will know that this is the second time that you visited the website.
If you wish to be anonymous delete cookies every time you log out from your computer and become an online safety ambassador.
Many companies and websites are displaying an information link/warning that you can learn about their cookie system and how it works.
In the above given picture you can see that Virgin is also displaying a cookie link on the top of their homepage.
4. IP address – this is your address. Watch out!
An IP address consists of set of numbers differentiated by periods and is given to each internet connection such as 192.168.2.25
So when you are busy casually browsing some websites take a note of your IP address.
They get to know many other details about you.
So, to avoid this situation Internet users have many solution paid and free but the best free solution for online safety and anonymity is using tor browser, feel free to download it and test it.
5. Identity management – Don’t make your personal details public
So you are proud of your birthday and you openly display it on Facebook and Orkut.
This is how hackers get your
Name
Date of Birth
Email address
Physical address
Telephone number
IP address
Passwords
Finally they will attempt to hack your system and your Online safety goes haywire.
Use a password generator and don’t make your personal details public.
Circle us on G+ or like us on facebook. Let me know if you have implemented any other methods of online safety in the comments below.