Internet Security Definition
First, you should know what is internet security and internet security definition. Let’s take a look- Internet security comes under computer security, which ensures real-time online security and secure financial transactions. Internet security protects your network, web browsers, operation systems, and installed applications from hackers and intruders. The main purpose of internet security is to block cyberattacks and malware programs to government and business data. Internet security keeps update itself to the latest bugs and loopholes that are known to hackers. It creates a set of rules to watch incoming and outgoing internet connection requests. Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is a well-known encryption method to safeguard computers. The components of internet security are firewalls, anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware programs.
How to Protect Your Computer?
Read how to protect your computer from hackers, viruses and all malware and improve computer security.
1. Use internet security or antivirus software
Firstly, you need to make sure your computer is healthy by keeping it free from viruses. Viruses come under different names, including spyware and malware, but they are basically all the same thing: they are files and programs that want to gain access to your computer to destroy and/or take your personal information. Most computers have a firewall, but this is not switched on as standard. Secondly, a firewall is not enough. Make sure, therefore, you have an antivirus program on your computer and that it is always fully up to date. People often use malicious programs such as spyware to perform cookie theft. You can easily prevent yourself from getting infected by using a security configuration. The most cost-effective security configuration is using an Antivirus and Anti-Malware at the same time. It’s a fact that we shouldn’t use more than two security programs at once, but that only goes for using two security programs of the same kind.
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2. Use strong passwords
Another vital element of the best internet security behaviors is to always use very strong passwords. Too many of us use passwords that are solely numerical (particularly birthdays) or easy to guess words. Hence, your password should always be a combination of letters and numbers and you should avoid actual words as much as possible. Guessing weak passwords has become a sport for hackers, and you need to make sure you don’t play into their hands. Also, always make sure that each password is different.
3. Clear cookies regularly
Obviously, completely disabling Cookies is a very effective method to get rid of the privacy issues that Cookies bring. However, it also makes web navigation a bit more tedious as you will repeatedly have to insert your login credentials. You can find the option of disabling/clearing cookies on the advanced settings of most browsers. Other than that, you may also want to use 3rd party programs which selectively clear cookies. Computer cookies or web browser cookies make our daily lives much easier for most of us, not even realizing that they exist. However, as it often happens with helpful features, Cookies might also pose a privacy risk and maybe even more than that. So, are web browser cookies dangerous? And if so, what measures can we take to protect ourselves? Let’s find out!
What Are Browser Cookies?
Web browser cookies or internet cookies are small files that websites place on our drive. They get used to store login information and track our browsing habits. No need to worry. The information that gets collected is not user-identifiable, not under normal circumstances, at least. I mean, someone might be able to see what websites you visited, things that you have bought online, and other stuff like that. However, he won’t know who you are. Not your name, your face, or anything. That’s because normal Cookies don’t store this kind of information. There is a reason that I’m saying “normal” Cookies. We’ll talk about that in a second. As a side note, the ability to safely store login credentials as well is very useful as you won’t have to type in your email and password every single time that you want to login to an account.
Are Browser Cookies Dangerous?
When it comes to technology, it’s very rare to find a simple and absolute answer which applies to everyone. Are you a person who browses only legitimate and trustful websites, uses computer security, and pays attention to what he’s clicking on? Then, for the most part, Cookies are not dangerous for you. If you’re someone who’s reckless and goes through the whole internet without much protection, then Web browser cookies are dangerous for you. Let me explain. It’s true that Cookies do not collect your personal information like your name, address, or anything like that. However, they also store your passwords. And they might be encrypted, but what if someone steals your Cookies? That’s called Cookie Theft. If someone gets your Cookies, he will be able to log in to every one of your accounts very easily. And by having access to your accounts, he can then get access to your personal information and even your banking information. Other than that, malicious Cookies and people who are trying to abuse Cookies, in general, exist too, which is why I mentioned “Normal” Cookies before. People steal your browsing information and stuff like that to sell.
4. Check for SSL
Finally, if you are online, make sure other people aren’t looking over your shoulder, just as you need to be careful at a cash point. Many of us, for instance, access the internet in public libraries or use our mobile devices to find things online. Unfortunately, there are people out there who prey on those who do that, hoping to be able to see some details they can use to steal someone’s identity. Many of us believe that this will only happen to someone else, or that it is almost impossible to do this, but that is actually untrue. Your identity and details are precious things, make sure you keep them safe. A website that is secure will have a padlock symbol to show protection in the address bar. Additionally, a website address starting with HTTPS always have an SSL security. Furthermore, making a payment through your bank account should take you to a secondary security point where you will have to enter yet another password. This may seem like a lot of work, but it is the only way to make sure your details are safe.
5. Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) doesn’t help against Cookie theft. But, it still offers complete anonymity by changing your IP address and encrypting network traffic. This can make it harder for people to figure out your personal information by looking at your Cookies. And even if it didn’t, you would still have the benefits that a VPN offers. In fact, with an effective VPN, even your ISP and your Government will be unable to spy on your browsing activities. As for which VPN to choose, Tunnel Bear is an effective, cheap VPN. In case you don’t want to pay, Tunnel Bear still offers 500 megabytes of data for free every month.
6. Keep things hidden
Never give your personal details online. Many websites will ask for your email address and perhaps also other details, and you should keep these to yourself as much as possible. If you must enter your address details, then make sure the privacy settings of the website are acceptable. Remember that your identity is incredibly valuable, as it is all criminals need to cause damage.
7. Use your head
If you’re just going to chase after cybercriminals, scammers, and malware, then no amount of security will protect your privacy. You’ve always got to be aware of what you’re doing. Be wary of suspicious-looking links, ads, popups, or anything like that.
