Protecting your privacy while browsing online is very important, especially when you consider that most of the time you may not know the site that you’re connected to. There are many malicious websites that are set up to retrieve information from innocent users. The information they retrieve can be used for many reasons ranging from simple general phishing to harmful identity theft. Taking steps to protect yourself will ensure that your privacy is kept hidden at all times.
The first step is to just be smart while you’re online. Don’t automatically give out your information just because a website is asking for it. If a website is asking for your name and address then you need to consider whether or not there’s a legitimate reason that they would need it.
Example: If you happen to be buying something then it would make sense that your address would be required, however if your address is needed to get to the next page then chances are you might be at a malicious website and you should back out of it immediately.
Take active steps to manage your cookies. Cookies record information such as usernames and passwords and activity while you are at different websites and store them on your computer. In order to combat this you should make sure that you delete all cookies each day and erase all browser history. If you don’t want to manually remove everything you can also use a cookie and history cleaner.
Example: Tracking cookies virus in example are a part of computing these days. The worst thing about it is that running anti-virus software sometimes doesn’t help against them. What you should do is remove cookies regularly through your internet options.
Avoid downloading everything. There are some great free trials for software and games that are tempting. Unfortunately this is often a route that is used to get into your valuable private information that is stored on your computer. To avoid this only download from trusted sites, if the download sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Example: Many times the download is actually fine, yet it can be attached to other programs that you accept without realizing it during the install process. In the case that you just have to have the download being offered, make sure that you read every line of the user terms before fully accepting. Reading reviews of the download is also always advised prior to downloading.
Online privacy is a growing concern for many individuals and businesses. As a result there are many great software programs available to help protect your privacy, unfortunately there are also programs that aren’t actually what they claim that they are. Take a moment to research any program or site that you’re visiting or considering installing. Use these steps to arm yourself against untrustworthy sites and protect yourself from unnecessary frustration and pain.
By taking an intelligent an active stance in protecting yourself while you’re online you’ll have the advantage of being one step ahead of would be online criminals. It’s very tempting and easy to just bounce from site to site carelessly; unfortunately people and companies with inappropriate intentions are aware of this fact and are waiting to latch onto anyone who is careless with their information. Don’t let your information get grabbed up, always be on guard while you’re online.