The World Wide Web may be a wondrous place, but it has its dangers, mainly online threats such as malware and hacks, as well as people stealing your private information. To lower the risk of data leaks, you can follow these five internet safety tips starting in your own home at Faber Residence.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Free internet can be very tempting, but then you’ll be wide open to attacks and possible data extraction attempts. As a rule of thumb, you can use official public wi-fi networks from airports and establishments, but you should limit it to calls and communications.
Use a VPN If Needed
It’s best to use a virtual private network if you’ll be working with sensitive data. Examples include accessing work files, using your credit card, or filling out digital health records. A VPN can shield your online activity from prying eyes and keep your personal and financial data safe.
Create a Strong Home Network Password
Don’t forget to set a password for your wi-fi network, or just about any person will be able to access and use it. A strong password is one that’s made up of numbers and letters. If you want, you can add special characters and even insert a capital letter or two.
Add Encryption for Sensitive Data and Personal Information
Encryption is the process of turning data into something a normal person can’t recognize. It adds a level of protection and can be used on just about any device, including USB flash drives, external drives, and communication apps.
Don’t Visit Suspicious Websites
Lastly, you may want to steer clear of suspicious websites. These are the ones that Google flags (you’ll receive a notification that you’re about to enter a suspicious website) and those that aren’t well-designed. Also, don’t download anything and stay away from websites that have offers that are too good to be true.
