According to a 2013 Kapersky Security study, 93% of online attacks came from browsing malicious websites. Here are some tips to help keep you safe online.
Browsers
There’s much debate over which browser is best. However the main thing to be mindful of is that you are using an up-to-date version of the browser. Updated versions help protect you from some malware and “drive-by downloads”. Most browsers will automatically keep your version updated, but it is good practice to always check every month for updates.
Browsers
There’s much debate over which browser is best. However the main thing to be mindful of is that you are using an up-to-date version of the browser. Updated versions help protect you from some malware and “drive-by downloads”. Most browsers will automatically keep your version updated, but it is good practice to always check every month for updates.
Some of the software you download may also install unwanted programs like browser toolbars. Most of these toolbars are a waste of computer resources, taking up valuable real estate on your screen and slowing down your computer. Some are even spyware – keeping track of where you have been, what you are browsing for, usernames and passwords, etc. These should be uninstalled or disabled. For assistance, please check with your IT department.
Your Computer
Your browser is the first line of defence against malicious websites, but you still need to keep your computer up-to-date as well.
· Make sure your anti-virus is up-to-date.
· Use a modern Operating System – specifically… do not use Windows xp.
Windows xp has been unsupported by Microsoft since April 2014. This means that there have not been any more security updates or patches since then. If a hacker were to discover any vulnerabilities, there would be no fixes for them. Most modern web browsers will not install in Windows xp.
I strongly suggest you do not use Windows xp when you are on the Internet.
Your browser is the first line of defence against malicious websites, but you still need to keep your computer up-to-date as well.
· Make sure your anti-virus is up-to-date.
· Use a modern Operating System – specifically… do not use Windows xp.
Windows xp has been unsupported by Microsoft since April 2014. This means that there have not been any more security updates or patches since then. If a hacker were to discover any vulnerabilities, there would be no fixes for them. Most modern web browsers will not install in Windows xp.
I strongly suggest you do not use Windows xp when you are on the Internet.
Passwords and Security
Whenever you are asked to put in a password on a site, the site should be secure. You can tell if you are on a secure site by checking the URL (the website address) and make sure it starts with https://. The S is important, it stands for Secure. Also there should be a padlock icon in the URL bar, this indicates a secure tunnel between your browser and the website. The lock should be closed and it should be some shade of green. A simple thing to remember is that green is good, red is bad.
If you are about to put in a password and you do not see the https:// and the padlock, do not proceed!
Whenever you are asked to put in a password on a site, the site should be secure. You can tell if you are on a secure site by checking the URL (the website address) and make sure it starts with https://. The S is important, it stands for Secure. Also there should be a padlock icon in the URL bar, this indicates a secure tunnel between your browser and the website. The lock should be closed and it should be some shade of green. A simple thing to remember is that green is good, red is bad.
If you are about to put in a password and you do not see the https:// and the padlock, do not proceed!
Private Browsing
Most modern browsers offer a “private” mode (InPrivate for IE, Incognito for Chrome, etc). These private browsing modes offer certain advantages such as:
· No browsing history
· No browsing cache
· No cookies (files which some websites put on your computer to keep track of visitors)
· No saved forms
· No saved passwords
However, it will not hide your browsing history from your Internet Service Provider, or from your coprorate Firewall. It will not offer any more protection from malware than the regular browsing mode would. Private browsing is used mainly for browsing on public (or shared) computers.
Most modern browsers offer a “private” mode (InPrivate for IE, Incognito for Chrome, etc). These private browsing modes offer certain advantages such as:
· No browsing history
· No browsing cache
· No cookies (files which some websites put on your computer to keep track of visitors)
· No saved forms
· No saved passwords
However, it will not hide your browsing history from your Internet Service Provider, or from your coprorate Firewall. It will not offer any more protection from malware than the regular browsing mode would. Private browsing is used mainly for browsing on public (or shared) computers.