When talking about security on the Internet, the first thing that comes to mind is the use of an up-to-date antivirus and a good firewall.
Have you ever paid attention to your habits when you are online or do everything automatically?
Although these are essential tools in the lives of Internet users, many users make life easier for cybercriminals without even realising it.
You probably don’t use the internet with the right security parameters yet, so let’s look at some practices that you should use immediately:
Enable two-factor authentication
A good way to avoid problems in applications, websites and social networks is to enable two-factor authentication.
This security protocol uses a second method of access in addition to the traditional password – often a text message with a code or even the use of a specific application – which makes life much more complicated for hackers.
Do not open a USB stick without knowing its origin
Removable disks are useful for storing important files but are also good at spreading malware.
If the use of pendrives is so common in your work or study environment that you occasionally end up finding a lost one off the table, be careful!
First check whose device it is: you may “inject” a good amount of malicious files / programs into your computer.
Antivirus software can also scan the USB stick beforehand.
Change your router password
Imagine that your router is a kind of port through which all your navigation data passes.
What would happen if someone intercepted this data stream?
Much of this problem, and also to prevent unreliable neighbours from using the Internet signal, can be solved by changing the router’s factory password.
It also avoids, when possible, using wi-fi in facilities with large numbers of people, such as restaurants and hotels, as hackers can use these connections to steal data.
The problem is using the public network to send sensitive data, such as your company’s financial report, to other people.
So remember: no sending data to your boss while connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
If the need is too great, choose to encrypt your data using an HTTPS protocol or an application that does all the encryption for you.
Don’t write everything you do on social media
Many people like to advertise everything they do while connected to the Internet.
If you’ve gone out to lunch or solved a problem outside the office, forget about automatic answers: they can be an invitation to cybercriminals to keep an eye on your car.
Do not accept friend requests from strangers
Social networking could be a very harmful amusement park.
They can use an avatar with a pretty face to start networking similar to yours and suddenly add you to the social network, having access to your habits, places you visit, photos, information, check-in and much more.
Avoid problems in the easiest way possible: don’t add people you don’t know so you can increase your security on the Internet.
Cover the webcam
Do you know what Mark Zuckerberg and the FBI professionals have in common when it comes to digital life?
They use adhesive tape to cover the notebook’s built-in webcams.
Yes, it may sound like something “Internet maniac” or even paranoia, but it costs nothing.
After all, the cameras in these devices can be used to spy on people using them.
Protect your computer screen or tablet
If your gadget has a password function to protect your screen, nothing better than using it all the time.
What could happen if you forget your tablet or smartphone somewhere? You never know the intentions of the person who finds it.
And if you lose your smartphone in a public place, the damage can be much greater than the amount you paid on the device: your information, personal data and professional records are priceless.
Use a good antivirus
Whether it’s on your computer or smartphone, the use of an antivirus is recommended for anyone wishing to ensure their digital and Internet security.
In this sense, the best thing to do is to use products from well-known companies.
Download app from secure sites
Harmful applications are not uncommon.
The number of mobile malware grows by an average of 55% each year!
Avoid unpleasant surprises and theft of important information: download your apps from legitimate stores, such as Google Play and iTunes App Store.
Read the developer’s description as well as comments from those who have already downloaded the app before downloading and installing it.
Choose your passwords correctly
Are you the guy who uses the same password for everything?
Let’s guess: does that password usually include a date of birth, your name or something like that?
For this habit – shared by at least 50% of cybernauts – it’s a dream scenario for hackers. After all, stealing a password is enough to gain access to a dozen accounts and undermine your security on the Internet.
A good solution for this is to use a password management application.
Most of these programs have a password generator, which makes sure you really choose complex passwords for websites and applications, as well as encryption to store your data.
Enable parental controls
Most devices have features that allow you to restrict access to content based on rating.
So-called parental controls are present on smartphones, streaming services and even video games, but few use them.
This system, however, is just a tool to prevent your children from accessing content that is unsuitable for their age.
Surfing together, discussing digital life without judgment, learning and building boundaries together, encouraging positive uses and, at the same time, showing how to deal with risky situations.
Parental control tools can help, but without trust and dialogue they don’t work alone, Internet security is also good for your family.
Attention to the surrounding environment
You can have complex passwords, use secure connections and be a careful person in your digital life, but still end up having your data stolen.
How is this possible?
It’s good old-fashioned ‘snooping’ and works in a bit of a classic way: while using a mobile phone or computer, you can have someone watching from a distance and have access to sensitive information.
This is also true if you leave your desk cluttered or use album stickers to write down passwords and other information.
The best thing to do in this case is to control your environment and avoid accessing applications such as banks in public places as much as possible.
Report abuse you know
The Internet is a public environment and this means that small actions taken collectively can avoid major problems.
One of these attitudes is to use the available tools to lodge complaints.
“On social networks, gaming platforms and even videos you can report abuse, violence or unwanted contact.
If you are aware of fraud or abuse you can report it here
Do not click on links without checking the destination
Who has never received that e-mail that seemed really legitimate, but had a link that sent you to a page with nothing to do?
This is quite common: it could be the entry of viruses or criminals to steal data.
The best way to avoid this type of situation is to check the senders of emails and other types of messages and hover your mouse over the link to see if the destination page is the same as the one that appears on the link – it is very common that strange characters are inserted on links that simulate the original pages.
Another suggestion is to avoid clicking as much as possible on shortened links that are sent in SMS messages, for example, as they make it very difficult for you to assess the page to which it will be sent in advance.
So be smart and don’t click left and right on absurd links, such as the famous “you have been selected”, “click here to claim your prize” or “winner”.
Don’t “take the bait” for too advantageous offers
You know that message you received indicating a promotion too good to be true?
The possibility of being a scam in these cases is huge.
Usually this type of crime is committed by distributing messages on a large scale, which, while making the blow more obvious, increases the chances of “catching” someone unaware.
In this case, in addition to being alert to business of dubious origin, the best thing to do is to inform.
Make regular backups
The more modern the Internet becomes, the more intelligent Internet users must become.
You need to periodically back up your important files to a physical disk or the cloud.
After all, you never know when your computer will be hacked, damaged or even lost.