Get safe online: Safe internet use
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
As more business and personal transactions are handled online, internet security has become increasingly important. Fortunately, business management researchers have come up with strategies to help you stay safe online and protect your financial future.
The internet has revolutionized how businesses handle bookkeeping, advertising, communications, networking, and data storage. It’s also changed how people communicate, shop, entertain themselves, and handle daily tasks. Like this site, you can now find the nearest shops within your area.
However, your online security is at risk whenever you accidentally visit a malicious website. Additionally, hackers can steal your personal information and business data online- especially if your antivirus software isn’t up to date.
Malicious website risks
Occasionally, you may unknowingly visit a malicious website that either displays inappropriate content or contains malware or spyware, which is inconspicuously downloaded to your devices the second you click the URL link. Malicious websites pose a threat to your online security in the following ways:
Malware and spyware
Some websites and links contain malware or spyware. Once you click the link, viruses are downloaded on your devices, and the hacker is then able to record your keystrokes and access your apps and files on your devices.
Phishing schemes
These schemes are intended to obtain your personal and financial information, so the perpetrator is able to either sell the information or possibly even steal your identity. Phishing schemes can occur online or through unsolicited emails or phone calls.
Fraud
Some websites are actually clone sites or scams that encourage you to make a purchase or enter your personal information in order to scam you out of money. These criminals target people via fraudulent shopping, dating, financial, employment, and social media websites.
Tips for safe browsing
There are countless ways for criminals to steal your personal data online or compromise your privacy and device security. Although hackers are developing new viruses and schemes every day, there are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk of becoming victimized.
Install antivirus software
First, it’s extremely important to install and update antivirus software on all your devices. Don’t allow your protection to lapse, either. While it’s possible for experienced hackers to get past your firewalls, antivirus software provides you with a level of security and greatly reduces your risk of being hacked.
Invest in identity theft insurance
Although no one can ever guarantee that your identity won’t be stolen, identity theft protection is a smart investment. You’ll be notified anytime that someone tries to obtain a loan, credit card, or bank account in your name. If you’re the victim of identity theft, you’ll be provided with resources to restore your good name.
Validate the legitimacy of websites
You can usually tell whether a website is legit by looking for contact information, such as a phone number or email address, and checking for any misspellings. You can also move your mouse over the link to find out its actual destination. Always double-check that the website you’re connected to matches what you typed into your device.
Be cautious when investing online
Don’t ever make investments without consulting a professional beforehand. If the website promises an especially fast or high return on your investment, it’s probably a scam. Also, be wary of websites that ask for more personal information than you normally disclose.
Decline or clear cookies
Most cookies are harmless and intended for a better browsing experience. Cookies save your username and password for easier login and remember the types of websites you visit for more targeted advertising. However, some cookies are actually tracker cookies that are often used by criminals to build fake profiles.
Check if the website is secure
Never enter in your personal information unless the website URL begins with https//. The ‘s’ at the end of the URL means that the website is secure. You should also look for a padlock icon in the browser frame, rather than on the web page.
Update your browser settings
Most of the commonly used browsers, such as Chrome, automatically block malware websites and pop-up ads, and allow you to personalize your settings. Always clear your searches before logging out, and browse privately when possible. Also, remember to log out of secure websites after you’re finished handling your business.
Protecting yourself online
While the internet provides an innovative and convenient experience for both businesses and consumers, it has also opened up the door to a whole new world of criminal activity. Identity theft can destroy your credit and your good name, but data breaches can impact the future of an entire corporation.
Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to protect yourself online, so you can continue to enjoy the ease of shopping, networking, and handling your business virtually without compromising your devices, personal information, or even your company.
