1. Keep Personal Information Private

When using the internet, it is best to not publicize personal and private information. Personal information can be used to cause harm and shouldn’t be broadcast to millions of strangers. For example, when using social media sites like Twitter or Facebook, you can keep such information protected from view behind your profile or enable a private account so visibility is restricted to selected users.

2. Enable your Privacy Settings

Hackers can learn a lot from your browsing tendencies. In order to prevent this, web browsers and mobile devices have privacy settings that better protect your browsing data. Social media companies and other websites have a wide range of privacy enhancing settings that can be enabled to provide better protection. 

3. Browse with Caution

Steer clear of untrustworthy sites with content used for baiting clicks and information from users. It is easy to be lured into visiting dangerous sites due to tempting content, but it is critical to resist the urge to click carelessly and expose personal data or infect your devices with malware.

4. Secure your Internet Connection (Use A VPN)

Your vulnerable endpoint is your local internet connection. Ensure your device is secure and when in doubt refrain from providing information such as your bank account number until you are on a secure WI-FI network.  To further improve your safe internet browsing, use a secure VPN connection so that no one can monitor or access the data you’re exchanging.

5. Be Vigilant with your Downloads

Cybercriminals will routinely trick consumers into downloading programs that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be well disguised behind an application that is sought after by many. Do not download applications that look suspicious or come from a site you don’t trust. You can also use an anti-virus scanner before opening a download to ensure there isn’t any dangerous content carried within.

6. Choose Strong Passwords

It is widely considered that passwords are one of the most vulnerable weak spots in the whole internet security structure. This is because people tend to choose easy passwords that are memorable, but this makes them easy for cybercriminals to guess. It is advisable to select strong passwords that are harder for cybercriminals to work out. Password manager software can also help to automatically generate unique and complex passwords that will provide better security for your information. 

7. Update your System

Make sure to stay current with your system updates as these changes provide a vital layer of security. NCSA provides a consistent security alert system that details all of the most recent security updates to relevant programs and applications. It is vital that all users subscribe to these alerts to effectively protect their systems.