How to safely browse the internet and stay secure online

Everyone needs to use the internet from time to time. Be it for professional work or for recreational activity, online browsing has become a major part of modern day life.

With so much happening in the online world, various malware and spyware have been developed to trap people.

These can be in the form of pop-ups, insecure websites or phishing emails, to name a few. Here is how you can browse safely to stay secure online.

1. Block pop-ups

Many times, when you visit a particular website, you might see pop-ups. Sometimes, these can be helpful but most of the time they are irritating and might even have malicious links.

For instance, a pop-up messaging saying that you are a winner of Dhankesari can be problematic and it is important to not click on any such link. Most of the popular browsers allow users to block such pop-ups and it is recommended to enable this offering.

2. Clean cache and cookies

Websites mostly track your browsing data to sell you products and services by studying your behaviour. You can stay safe from such tracking by deleting the browser cache and cookies from time to time.

For example, if you are planning to apply on a Lottery Sambad, if the cookies are saved and not deleted, you will start receiving suggestions to apply for various lotteries.

3. Do not overshare

When browsing online, try to limit the information that you share. Try to keep the information available strictly limited.

Only share personal information with the people closest to you. Not everyone needs to know your home address and relationship status.

4. Engage in private browsing

Even though private browsing is not totally private, it is far safer than normal browsing.

Private browsing protects the private information of the user and further it disables tracking search and prevents the browser from storing any browsing data. Even though the data cannot be hidden by an internet service provider, it helps in managing cookies to a large extent.

5. Turn on the antivirus and firewall protection

When browsing online, always keep on antivirus and firewall protection.

Sometimes, threats are hidden to an extent that they cannot be identified by a normal search. Antivirus and firewall protection, especially updated versions, is a must for safe and secure browsing.

6. Practice safe downloading

Sometimes, malware can trick a user in to downloading malware. Do not download any apps or documents that look suspicious to you.

7. Make online transactions through secured websites

If you are planning to make an online transaction, ensure that this takes place in a secure manner. You can check whether a website is secure or not by looking at its URL.

If the website address starts with https, it means that the website is secure and if it starts with http, it is not secure.