It is the simple, most ignored, yet seemingly normal internet habits that will land you in huge trouble. We have always been plagued by the assumption that no one is concerned with our online activities. Usually, it pans out to be true that no one is after you; until the time when you fall victim to cyber-attacks, and itās already late to act. In the current internet age, your behavioural activities while surfing online matters a lot.
Below is a roundup of the terrible internet mistakes we often make. You will be surprised at how much these harmful internet habits are often overlooked. Nonetheless, we also sort to find a solution to each of our five picks. Have a look:
1. Excessive Use of the Same Password for All your Accounts
For each new account you create, always use a different, unique password. Avoid the use of the same password no matter how strong it is. If a hacker or a password-cracker were to get hold of your single password, all your other accounts would be vulnerable. To avoid this habit, you can get a reliable password managing tool to store all your complex passcodes.
2. Writing Down Passwords in Open text/paper
There is a clear distinction between a reliable password managing tool and actual writing down passwords in open text or paper. Donāt create a strong, unique password, then write it down on either a paper or on the digital sticky note; it beats logic. If you cannot get a reliable password managing tool, then just memorize your newly created passcode. Sending passwords to your colleaguesā phone is also dangerous since they could get hacked, or even betray you.
3. Opening Links/attachments of Unverified Emails
Avoid opening links as well as downloading attachments found on spam and unverified emails. A higher percentage of these emails are sent by hackers and data phishers who use the links as bait. By clicking on the links, you might provide the means through which they can access your private information on either your email account or on your other accounts. Others will lure you into entering a jackpot run, lottery or even visiting their suspicious websites. Even worse, the attachments that they send to you, as most of them carry malware that can be installed on your PC or Phone. So it is imperative that you report such emails and even delete them immediately.
4. No Lock-screen/password on your Phone or PC
Make sure your phone has a unique lock-screen password known only to you. Imagine leaving your phone unattended in public, and someone with malicious intents gets a hold of it. The first thing they will do is access your accounts data, and possibly download malware on the phone.
Given the number of data we store on our computers, it is crucial that we create a strong password to protect the data. Trying to store private information on your PC without ensuring your computer is well secured is meaningless. By putting a password on your PC, it reassures you of the security and privacy of your data. Additionally, do not forget to log out each time you are away.
5. Not Using a VPN
Connecting your device to a public network without a strong, reliable VPN service is dangerous. Public WiFi and hotspots will always leave you vulnerable to hackers, phishers, spoofing attacks as well as government surveillance.
By using a reputable VPN, you are assured of privacy and security of your online presence. The VPN serviceĀ will encrypt your data, hide your online activities and ensure high speeds of internet at the same time.
