Internet Security - Best Practices

You should always take online security seriously if you access the internet at home, at work, or at school. Even if you are aware of the dangers, it is very likely to fall prey to scams, viruses, trojan horses, malware, adware, and a variety of other issues.

Following a few simple rules will keep you safe when you're online. This Article will walk you through the key areas of risk and how to strengthen your personal cybersecurity anytime and wherever you use the internet.


Use Antivirus
Every day, new viruses emerge, and the only way to protect yourself is to install reliable antivirus software on your computer.

Antivirus software is modified on a regular basis to protect your device from the most recent threats, and it should be made mandatory anytime you go online.

Choose a software kit from a reputable provider (there are plenty) (two of the biggest being McAfee and Norton). Another good option is Bitdefender, and AVG is well-known and has a free version suitable for home use.

Antivirus software protects your computer from more than just viruses and malware. It can also protect your privacy, prevent you from accessing dangerous websites, assist you in locating a missing computer, and provide protected online storage, depending on the product you use.


Your Smartphones and Tablets
Viruses and ransomware are becoming more dangerous to smartphones and tablets. As mobile devices become more critical for accessing the internet, criminals may be more tempted to target them.

Antivirus software is now available for both your phone and tablet, as well as your device.

For example, Norton has a product that protects phones and tablets, and Bitdefender has an Android-specific product. For Android devices, AVG also offers a free version.

When installing apps, be particularly cautious. Since they are so simple to use, smartphone and tablet apps are very common.

However, while apps in the Apple App Store are usually secure since Apple manages them, the situation for Android devices is different. Always check to see if the apps you're installing are legitimate, and read the reviews to see if there are any red flags.


Your Online Accounts
Antivirus software is a must since viruses and malware are a serious threat. Many hackers and criminals, on the other hand, depend on the weakest link in the chain to get what they want "a human error".

Since the actions you take — or don't take — online will expose you to risks, it's important to follow healthy online practices.

One of the most common areas of concern for daily internet users is passwords. Hackers can easily break passwords that are too easy, giving them access to your personal information. To lessen the chances of this happening to you, take the following steps:

• Create a unique password for each of your accounts.
• Use as many characters as possible in your passwords.
• Don't use a password that's easy to figure out.
• Use totally random passwords.
• Choose from a variety of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Never tell someone your password.

The issue with all of this is that it makes passwords more difficult to recall, which is where a password manager comes in.

1Password and LastPass are two of the renowned password managers, and they both store all of your passwords safely and allow you to access them with a single master password. This is one of the most straightforward ways to ensure that your passwords are as safe as possible.

If you want to learn more about password management,  Google has extensive resources.

When it comes to passwords, make sure your machines, phones, and tablets are all password protected. It may take a little longer to get to them, but the added protection is well worth the extra effort.

If your device is stolen, no one will be able to access your online accounts or personal information, allowing you the ability to update your passwords and secure your online accounts.


Two-Step Verification
You may also use two-step authentication to secure your accounts. Two-factor authentication is also known as multi-factor authentication (2FA). Many utilities now do this, so take advantage of it whenever possible.

To use two-step authentication, you'll almost always need to give the company your phone number. When you enter your password online for the first time from a mobile device, the company will give you a text message with a code.

The code is then entered to gain access to your account. This makes it even more secure and no one can access your account unless they already have access to your computer.

Google provides a detailed guide to its two-step verification process that you can read about here.......


Have a Contious Approach with Emails
Another field where you should be cautious is with emails. Email attachments are a popular way for viruses to spread, and phishing emails may allow criminals to steal your bank account information and other personal information.

Make sure your anti-spam software is up to date, and only open spam email if you believe it is from someone you know and was mistakenly sent to your spam folder.

Download attachments only if you are certain the email is from someone you can trust. Antivirus software will often search attachments for viruses in the event that someone you trust sends you an infected file by accident.

Phishing emails are forged emails that appear to be genuine. The most popular scam involves sending you an email claiming to be from your bank, instructing you to go to a website and enter your details.

When you click on the page, you'll be taken to a fake website that looks just like your bank's. The criminals then ask you to login with your username and password, which is where they steal your password and other sensitive information.

Real banks would never give you an email asking for your password details, so be wary if you receive one. Rather than clicking on a link in an email, go to your bank's website in a new tab and type in their address.


WiFi Networks
Wi-Fi is the most convenient method of connecting to the internet, especially if you want to connect multiple devices in your home. Make sure, however, that your Wi-Fi network is stable. This entails:

• Encryption, ideally Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2), as it is the most secure. This should be possible in the security settings.
• Modifying your router's settings so that the SSID is hidden and thus inaccessible to potential hackers.
• Modifying the name of your network (the Service Set Identifier, or SSID) to prevent hackers from guessing the router's maker.
• Ensuring that the password you use to gain access to your network is secure.

When using a public Wi-Fi network, such as in a café, be cautious. Never use a public Wi-Fi network to access a sensitive site like online banking because criminals can easily steal your information.


Bad Links
If you simply click on a bad link while surfing the internet, your machine will become infected with a virus. There are countless news reports about viruses on Facebook and other social media platforms — this TweakTown article is just one recent example.

Antivirus software will often warn you if a connection isn't secure, but this isn't always the case. Always be on the lookout for advertisements that promise quick riches or are linked to pornography.

Download the latest version of your operating system and apps. Always install updates as soon as they are available, regardless of which operating system you are using. Apple and Microsoft send out critical security updates on a regular basis, and installing them will help keep your devices secure.

Apps for smartphones and tablets will also release updates on a regular basis, and it is a good idea to update them as soon as possible.


Video Plugins
If you want to watch a video on the internet, you may be asked to download a plugin. Before you download a plugin, do some research on it online to see if there's anything to be concerned about.

You can also install video apps such as Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, Microsoft Silverlight, RealPlayer Cloud, or VLC on your device, which should allow you to watch most video content.


Be Aware of Security Issues 
The news is constantly filled with headlines about global computer attacks. The only issue is that the majority of these stories are devoid of valuable facts. When it comes to running a computer network, you need a lot of information to know how to keep it secure.

If you know where to look, you will find information. You can get the information behind the headlines if you use the right bookmarks and subscriptions. Then you'll be well-prepared to face evil's powers.


Blogs 
Specialty blogs may provide a wealth of knowledge. Following their Twitter feeds will keep you up to date on changing patterns and new types of attacks. It's a scary piece of information, but you need to know it. The majority of them provide multiple RSS feeds organized by subject, as well as email subscriptions and social media feeds. Choose your preferred reading style.

Information Week's Dark Reading service publishes many stories a day on current security issues. It contains a wealth of information about threats and responses, but it does not require a computer science degree to comprehend. Aside from the blog, you can subscribe to its newsletters or view its webinar archives.

Threatpost is billed as "the first stop for security news" by Kaspersky Lab. It contains serious technical information as well as the odd news from time to time. A podcast is also available. The site is available in both English and Russian.

With titles like "Children Hacking Websites," Security through Education focuses on the human element. Since the majority of security incidents are caused by user error, it's important to understand how people are duped and exploited. You may also sign up for the email or listen to the podcast.

Have I Been Pwned? offers to look at whether your account or domain has been hacked. There's nothing mysterious or mystical about it; it just uses a database of public breaches. If it says "no pwnage found," it doesn't mean you're secure, but it might indicate that you've been hacked. You may type in a common name, such as "JohnSmith," to see what information comes up. It's less likely to throw up small websites that have been hacked but aren't well known.

Do you want lots of security information in your Twitter feed? Here are some useful links  you can follow or put into a custom list.

• Cisco Security: lots of updates on current threats.

• IT Security News: worldwide security news.

• Cybersecurity: security information from DHS.

Whatever method you use to obtain information, you must maintain computer protection in order to keep your systems secure. On the Internet, information is accessible at all technological levels and in a variety of formats. Try a few different ones before you find the ones that work best for you.


Final Words
You don't need to be paranoid about your online activities, but you should be cautious. Much of it will become second nature once you get into the habit of using better passwords, avoiding suspicious connections, and downloading device updates.

If you use it for reading, work, or leisure, the internet has a lot to offer. But, if you're online, be mindful of the dangers and take precautions to keep yourself safe.