10 Unsafe Browsing Habits By CIOReview Team

10 Unsafe Browsing Habits

CIOReview Team | Tuesday, 19 March 2019, 08:49 IST

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10 Unsafe Browsing Habits

Most internet users overlook the need for online safety. We are talking about some of the most basic things here, like opening very many tabs on your browser without really checking whether they are safe or not. Surprisingly, cybersecurity is not of concern to us until our devices are infected with viruses and malware.

Just as we take serious measures to keep our homes and belongings safe, our digital lives should also be safeguarded. Today, our online presence has so much impact on our careers, reputation, and even our relationships and needs to be protected. The fact remains that most internet users don’t do enough to keep their online sessions safe. But what are some of these activities that are unsafe for internet browsing?

Let’s take a look at some of the most common unsafe browsing habits.

1.Using the Same Passwords for Multiple Accounts

Most of us are victims of this habit. Hackers are always lurking, and when they manage to get the single password you use, they can easily log in to all of your accounts. Whenever you are setting up an account, come up with a unique and robust password to safeguard your account. And since you might forget some of those passwords, get a reliable password manager to help you remember all of them.

2.Ignoring Updates Deliberately

Let’s talk about updates for your antivirus. Many internet users find these updates boring and annoying. We ignore, postpone, or block their notifications. Keeping your antivirus or antimalware updated is vital to keeping your device safe from harmful files. Antivirus software have a safe-browsing feature that warns users whenever they are accessing dangerous sites. So, the next time your antivirus needs an update, be sure to hit “Yes”!

3.Having Many Unnecessary Browser Extensions

Users like to add plugins and extensions to enhance the functioning of their browsers. Harmful extensions could end up collecting your private data. Users can read the Torguard review on VPNpro.com to find out the VPN extensions they could install. Choose your extensions wisely and always get them from safe sources.

4.Allowing Cookies for All Sites

Most internet users are not conversant with cookies but have definitely accessed sites asking them to enable cookies. Cookies are files created and stored on your computer whenever you visit a site. They are meant to store information that should be available from session to session, including login data. It is essential that you allow first-party cookies, those which are from the actual site. Third-party cookies are set by other domains and can be harmful, especially since some are used to track your online behavior.

5.Turning off Automated Security Tools

Internet users are sometimes frustrated by slow internet or by the permanent exclusion of certain types of files. They, therefore, find a way of turning off the firewall on their computers. Unfortunately, they forget to turn on their firewalls once they are done. This leaves them vulnerable to all kinds of attacks, especially when they are online. These firewalls are not only meant to protect from viruses but also offer real-time protection especially when surfing the internet.

6.Ignoring Two-Step Authentication

This is a security measure that makes it difficult for hackers to tap your private emails and files. Sadly, many internet users don’t use this security feature since they have the notion that it is a nuisance. It is important that internet users embrace this security feature since it is an extra layer of protection, especially when you are logging in to your social accounts.

7.Using Any Public Wi-Fi Network

Who doesn’t like a free Wi-Fi connection? Probably no one. Maybe it’s time you abstain from this unhealthy habit. Hackers are keen on targeting users of such networks, and it becomes effortless for them to acquire passwords and other vital data regarding your online accounts. So, the next time you come across a free Wi-Fi network, think twice!

8.Filling Registration Pages and Web Scripts

Hackers also use registration pages on websites to lure vulnerable users to fill in data that could be important to them. Users should make sure the sites they log into are protected with secure sockets layer (SSL) to safeguard their data.

9.Clicking on Pop-Ups

Malicious sites include those that contain pop-ups claiming to have found a virus on your PC. Take caution as some of these pop-ups will try to install a virus, malware, or adware on your device.

10.Participating in Online Chatrooms

Social sites have now embraced chatrooms for interactions with users. However, some social networking sites are malicious, and attackers can easily view and intercept your shared connections. This is dangerous, especially for business people and corporates, who can get their business networks corrupted and end up losing clients.

Unsafe browsing involves overlooking important actions that are intended to secure our online sessions. The most persistent unsafe browsing habits by users, however, are visiting sites that are not securely encrypted. Always ensure that your login sessions to sites are well authenticated and avoid clicking on suspicious links on emails and sites.

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