TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INTERNET THREATS
Phishing, ransomware, customer service scams, viruses, malware. The dangers of surfing the Internet are numerous, and sometimes hide under the most common acts you do on a daily basis on the web. To avoid this type of problem as much as possible, and to protect yourself on the Internet as well as possible, here are 10 reflexes to acquire in your personal and professional daily life.
1. Avoid
going to questionable or illegal sites
The advice may seem basic, but ultimately it is
important: if a website looks
questionable, or offers illegal services, don't go there.
Some websites that can expose you to security issues include:
· Pirate
download sites
· Pirate
online video (streaming) or video on demand (VOD) sites
· Pirate
pornographic sites
These are real virus nests, to be avoided at all costs.
Likewise, avoid downloading and using pirated or “cracked”
software. While this can be appealing, especially because it avoids purchasing the
software, be aware that not only is it illegal, but they are usually infected
with viruses.
2. Make
security updates as soon as possible
Did you know? An operating system, browser, or internet software
that is not up to date with its security patches is a system that is highly
vulnerable to attacks over the Internet. Hackers easily take advantage of these
security breaches. Also, as soon as a system offers you an update, do it as
soon as possible.
3.
Protect yourself on the Internet: Choose secure passwords
According to numerous studies, the password 123456 remains one
of the most used in the world. However, the password is one of the first
security measures that can protect you from phishing. To avoid this, choose a
password that's hard to find. This must:
Contain 12 characters minimum
Mix numbers, letters and special characters
Be anonymous (do not include your date of birth, the name of
your dog or other)
The best practice is to have a password for each account or
software used. Does the process seem complex to you? To manage and store a
large number of passwords, obtain password management software.
Finally, renew your passwords regularly, because even when you
are careful, they may have been compromised and you may not be aware of it.
4. Choose
the right firewall and anti-virus
No matter what your operating system or your computer
hardware, you cannot ignore good anti-virus software,
which protects you from various attacks over the Internet.
A good anti-virus protects you from all known types of
malicious files, namely:
Viruses, which can hide behind seemingly benign software
Worms, which are often received as an attachment in emails
Trojans (or trojans) which allow access to your data, or even
total control of your computer
Spyware (or spyware), which transmits your personal data to
the hacker
Also have a firewall. This feature not only protects you
against intrusion from a third-party network when you are on the Internet, but
also blocks unwanted connections from your computer. Most operating systems
(Mac and Windows) have a built-in firewall, and many anti-virus software also
offer this essential feature.
5. Make
regular backups of your data
Even if you have good anti-malware software, it is safer to
consider that your data is never fully protected; this is why they must be the
subject of regular backups, stored on disconnected equipment .
For companies, this advice is particularly essential,
especially concerning data vital to the proper functioning of the company. This helps prevent too much drop in activity
in the event of an attack or the erasure of this crucial data.
6.
Protect yourself on the Internet: Use an ad blocker
The plugins ad blockers for web browsers allow you to limit
exposure to potentially malicious advertisements. Some browsers already offer
this type of functionality, but adding such a plugin will give you a second
means of protection.
Some sites, such as online media sites, will ask you to turn
off your ad blocker to view website content: use caution and good judgment when
doing so.
7. Be
extra vigilant about messages from strangers
Email is one of the most powerful levers for hackers on the
Internet. Always keep a close eye on what is sent to you through this channel.
Do not open attachments or click links in messages from
unknown users. The same is true for messages from known users, but whose
message structure is unusual or empty.
8. Pay
attention to whom you transmit your data
Both personally and professionally, you often have the
opportunity to fill out forms to access information, promotions, or to register
for events or websites. When you get ready to send even the most basic data,
like your email, check who you are sending it to :
Consult the website's Privacy Policy (which should normally be
mentioned in the form itself, since the entry into force of the GDPR).
Never transmit your personal data (address, telephone number,
bank or credit card details, or sensitive data concerning your health, for
example) by email to strangers.
9. Think
carefully before posting on the Internet
In the age of social media, it can be tempting to post parts
of your personal life on the internet. However, it is important to be aware of the
impact that these posts can have on your personal life. Some malicious users
may take advantage of what you post, for example:
Know your daily habits: we can
no longer count, for example, the number of burglaries carried out thanks to a
publication on social networks which indicates that the occupant was on
vacation,
Use or misappropriate your photos: Identity
theft is common on the Internet.
Whatever privacy setting you choose on a social network,
remember that it's still information sharing. If only your “friends” can see a
post, it remains posted on the web, accessible to potential malicious users. So
think carefully before posting anything on the Internet.
10.
Protect yourself on the Internet: Don't forget your phones and tablets
There is a tendency to separate the use of a cell phone or
tablet from that of a desktop computer. However, these devices are also
connected to the Internet and contain
personal data. When you use an application, it will often use an internet
connection to search and transmit data.
Keep in mind that your phones and tablets, as well as your
connected objects (such as connected watch or voice assistant) are also concerned
by all these tips.
With these 10 best practices in mind, you are ready to browse the web while taking maximum precautions. Even if these elements become reflexes for you, remember that you are never safe from a problem: vigilance is ultimately the key element to protect yourself well on the Internet.
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