Inside the Briefcase
Top 4 Ways to Protect Yourself Online
October 30, 2017 No CommentsFeatured article by Shannon Richardson, Media & Communication Studies Graduate
| With 72% of British consumers being concerned about how secure their data is online, many businesses are taking action to step up and evaluate their current security measures. However, there is still plenty you can be doing yourself to ensure your own safety and privacy while on the web.Here are four simple ways you can protect yourself online:Use a secure internet connectionThere are times when it is particularly important to use a secure Wi-Fi network while online, with internet banking being a perfect example of this. Public hotspots are targeted by hackers looking for sensitive information such as bank details and passcodes. However, there are a couple of steps you can take to make your connection more secure.If possible, connect to your cellular network rather than Wi-Fi when in public. This is less risky because these networks are much more difficult to hack. You can also consider using a VPN. A VPN is a private network that allows you to hide your location and encrypt your data.Security to prevent virusesAn easy way to protect your computer from viruses is to install an anti-virus software. This software works by preventing an attack from malicious programs and by detecting and removing viruses already on your device.
Some software such as AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials are available online at no-cost. Alternatively, Norton and McAfee provide more advanced security with their software on a yearly paid subscription. Read the terms and conditions You can also increase your security online by being more selective about what websites you visit and interact with. Websites that handle sensitive data, such as e-commerce or online gaming sites have a responsibility to ensure that their users are secure. For e-commerce sites, be sure to check their ‘terms and conditions’ around sharing and handling data before making a purchase. Also, with online gaming sites it is important to check their ‘house rules’. The best online gaming sites set out their policies for a safe and fair gaming environment on their website. If a website has these rules clearly displayed on their website, this is a good indicator that they have a commitment to protecting your online safety. Check your online footprint By finding out exactly what personal data of yours is already available on the web, you will be more able to protect yourself. Both Google and social networking site Facebook provide privacy check-up services. To stay on top of what information about you appears online, you can even set up a Google Alert for your name or contact details. This will notify you when any of your information becomes accessible to the public. There are many steps you can be taking to protect yourself online. From downloading anti-virus software to using a secure network or VPN, the responsibility to ensure online security lies with both online companies and with you as their website user. About the Author Shannon Richardson is a Media & Communication studies graduate from Leeds.
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