Simple Online Security Habits to Keep You Safe (2024 Update)

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Simple Online Security Habits for Everyone

Keeping yourself secure online doesn't require complex actions. Here are some easy online security practices you can incorporate into your everyday browsing to strengthen your defenses:

Six Essential Practices for Everyday Browsing

1. Implement Strong and Unique Passwords

Unique Passwords for Each Account: Each account deserves its own unique password. Resist the urge to reuse passwords – it's like using the same key for every door in your house!
Creating Complex Passwords: Strong passwords are a blend of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Think of them as a secret code only you know.
Maintaining Password Confidentiality: Don't share your passwords with anyone, not even friends or family.

2. Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication

Many websites and online services offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code after entering your password.

MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access because even if a hacker steals your password, they would still need to acquire your phone or bypass your biometric security to gain entry to your account. It is a crucial security measure for any online account that contains sensitive information, such as your email, bank accounts, or social media profiles.

A man is holding a credit card and looking at a phone. There are virtual boxes hovering in front of him. One had a black lock with three asterisks as well as a field for username and password, the text “Remember me” and “Forgot password” under it, and a Login button under that. The other box is labeled “Two-Factor Authenication” and has a field with nine asterisks in it. Both have a green checkmark on them in a green circle.

Most online services and websites offer MFA as an optional security feature within their account settings. Activating it might involve downloading an authenticator app or registering a fingerprint with the service. While it may add an extra step to the login process, the enhanced security that MFA provides is well worth the minor inconvenience.

3. Enable Strong Firewalls

Firewalls guard your device from the rest of the Internet by regulating incoming and outgoing network traffic, filtering out anything deemed suspicious or potentially harmful.

Most operating systems, like Windows and macOS, come equipped with built-in firewalls that are turned on by default, but it's always a good practice to double-check and ensure they’re active.

Firewalls offer robust defense, but they are not foolproof. Firewalls are primarily concerned with regulating traffic flow and may not be able to detect all threats, particularly those that exploit software vulnerabilities. So it's crucial to combine firewall protection with other security measures.

4. Maintain Up-to-Date Software

Software updates frequently address vulnerabilities and security holes that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to your device or steal your data. These vulnerabilities arise from various factors including programming errors or unforeseen flaws in the software's design.

Installing software updates as they become available closes windows of opportunity for attackers. Moreover, updates often include bug fixes that improve the software's performance and stability. They may also introduce new features and functionalities, enhancing your overall user experience.

Fortunately, keeping your software current is a relatively simple task. Most operating systems and applications offer built-in mechanisms for notifying you when updates are available or allow you to set up automatic updating. However, it's still wise to develop a habit of periodically checking for updates, even if you have automatic updates enabled. In some instances, automatic updates might be delayed or disabled inadvertently. A quick check can ensure you haven't missed any critical security patches.

Remember, maintaining up-to-date software is an ongoing process. New vulnerabilities are discovered all the time, so staying vigilant and applying updates promptly is essential for keeping your devices and data safe in today's ever-changing digital landscape.

5. Exercise Caution When Clicking Links

Malicious actors often use deceptive links to lure unsuspecting users into compromising situations. These links might be disguised within emails, text messages, or even social media posts and may appear to be from legitimate sources, such as your bank or a popular online retailer. The temptation to click can be strong, especially if the link promises something enticing, like exclusive deals or urgent account updates.

However, clicking on a malicious link could lead you to a phishing website. Phishing websites are designed to mimic legitimate sites, often down to the finest detail. Once you enter your personal information, such as login credentials or credit card details, on a phishing website, it is stolen by the attackers.

A man is sitting in front of a laptop, leaning forward with his hands folded. He looks concerned, as if he wished that he had Easynews to help him identify phishing scams so he didn’t have to be so diligent.

Malicious links can also be used to distribute malware by triggering its download to your system. Malware can range from spyware that steals your data to ransomware that locks you out of your files and demands a ransom payment for their return.

Here are some key strategies to staying safe online:

Hover over the link: Most browsers display the actual destination URL in the status bar at the bottom of the window when you hover your cursor over a link. This allows you to verify if the link leads where it claims to go before you click. Don't trust the text displayed on the link itself, as it can be easily manipulated.
Be wary of unsolicited links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders or unexpected sources. If you receive an email or message with a link, and you're unsure about its legitimacy, don't click it. It's always better to err on the side of caution.
Go directly to the source: If a link promises a deal or account update, it's safer to navigate directly to the official website of the company involved, rather than clicking on the link provided. This way, you can be certain you're on a legitimate site.
Look for the padlock: When visiting a website, especially one where you'll be entering sensitive information, ensure the address bar displays "https" instead of just "http." The "s" stands for secure and indicates that the website encrypts data transmission with SSL, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept your information.

6. Secure Browsing on Public Wi-Fi

Unlike private home networks secured with passwords, public Wi-Fi is often open and accessible to anyone within range, which makes it easier for hackers to intercept data transmitted over the network.

How can you browse safely on public Wi-Fi? Here are some key strategies:

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts all your Internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the rest of the Internet, making it virtually impossible for anyone on the public Wi-Fi network to see your data.
Stick to HTTPS Websites: Look for the "https" prefix in the address bar before entering any sensitive information on a website. Avoid logging into accounts or making online purchases on websites that lack HTTPS encryption.
Avoid Sensitive Activities: Public Wi-Fi is not ideal for activities that involve sensitive information. Refrain from online banking, checking financial accounts, or making online purchases while connected to a public network. If such activities are absolutely necessary, consider using your mobile data network instead.
Disable File Sharing: Public Wi-Fi networks can expose your device's files if file sharing is enabled. Turn off file sharing on your device before connecting to a public network to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system, web browser, and other applications are updated with the latest security patches. These updates often address vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Be Wary of Public Downloads: Downloading files from untrusted sources is risky on any network, but even more so on public Wi-Fi. Avoid downloading files unless you're absolutely certain of their origin and safety.

Easynews: Your Secure Online Partner

Easynews takes user online privacy and security seriously.

Our user privacy policy is rock solid, so your personal data is protected and never shared with third parties.
We offer SSL encryption to protect your data while browsing Usenet to protect your newsgroup activity.

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Easynews also offers its users a complete online privacy suite of services to secure all your online activity including:

VPN access: Easynews includes VPN (Virtual Private Network) access. A VPN encrypts all your Internet traffic on public Wi-Fi, unsecured home connections, and cellular networks.
Malware protection: Easynews’s security solutions help shield you from malicious software that might be lurking in online services.
Ad blocking: Easynews includes ad-blocking tools to prevent intrusive advertisements from popping up while you browse online. Improve your browsing experience and add an extra layer of security.
Secure DNS Server: Easynews can route all your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a private DNS server so hackers and malicious actors cannot see which websites you are requesting.

A layered approach to security helps you to avoid the many pitfalls of modern Internet browsing.