How to Improve Your Online Security: 11 Tips

Data breaches have become more common than ever. Nothing much you can do to prevent these online breaches, but you can nosedive these attempts from entering your computer ecosystem by having effective security protocols in place.

Safeguarding your internet activities, online identity, and digital devices doesn’t take much effort. So, let’s learn these tips for a better online browsing experience.

Clean Up Your Apps and Extensions

Chrome is Google’s own browser, so the apps and extensions that it offers are highly effective in customizing the browser while improving its capabilities. However, the apps, extensions, and add-ons you add to the browser require certain resources to operate.

The more of these add-ons you install, the more sluggish Chrome becomes. Also, these extensions and apps pose a threat to your online security as they track and store some kind of information based on browsing history.

Clear Your Browsing History

Signing in to your online accounts on your personal laptop and not logging out invites malicious elements to access your information. It’s important that you log out of your online accounts to protect your data and devices.

Also, learn how to remove frequently visited sites from Google Chrome to ensure privacy if you’re planning to share your device with a friend.

Consider Script Blocking Extensions

Nothing can slow down your browser more than the items connected to your local browser. Certain sites on the internet are overusing the scripts such as video-playing scripts, ad-loading scripts, tracking scripts, and more.

A script-blocking extension can prevent these scripts from running, which retains the faster performance of the browser while ensuring a secure browsing experience.

Check Website Security

Before you enter your personal information on any random website, check if the site is secure and that the URL starts with HTTPS instead of HTTP. The navigation and structure of the website speak a lot about its authenticity; visit it carefully.

If you feel that the website is not secure, avoid clicking any links and immediately close it down and scan your computer for security.

Install an Antivirus Application

Antivirus and antimalware applications are powerful enough to fend off computer viruses and malicious elements. As we all know, Ransomware attacks are common these days. The malware encrypts your computer data and demands a ransom (payments) to restore them.

Even if your computer has robust firewall protection, your computer needs an antivirus program that can keep security threats at bay.

Use Strong Password for Every Login

One easiest way for hackers to steal information is by getting access to the batch of username and password combinations. They get this information from one platform and try it on another to check if it works.

Use strong, hard-to-decode passwords to safeguard your personal information. Also, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to online accounts.

Use a VPN

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a potential way to protect online activities from prying eyes. It encrypts all your online traffic and routes it using secure dedicated servers. A VPN prevents hackers from monitoring and intercepting your online activity.

Many VPN providers offer add-ons that include malware scanners and ad-blockers for better security. Refrain from using free VPNs.

Disable Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies collect information stored on other websites, including the search history or the login details. This information allows companies to target ads to your computer based on your browsing preferences.

Disable cookies by navigating to settings within the browser to improve online security. This will stop or reduce traffic from other companies toward your network.

Provide a Recovery Email Address

You could have never felt the need to provide a recovery email while setting up your email account. If ever you are locked out of your email account; the recovery email comes to the rescue. You can use this recovery ID to sign in to your account.

Providing an alternate email ID is important as it allows the provider to send you the information in case of a lockout, hacking attempts, or other online vulnerabilities.

Change Your Passwords Often

Setting up strong passwords is a powerful way to keep security threats at bay. But establishing and ensuring online security is beyond setting up difficult-to-decode passwords. Change your passwords regularly to protect your online accounts.

The same applies to other accounts you might access using your smartphone and tablets. Make sure you change the passcode of your phone regularly.

Disable Auto-Fill Feature

The autofill features come in handy when you are applying for a job or subscribing to different services, but they pose a threat to your data and device. The features store your personal information, including your name, address, and credit card details, so consider disabling it.

If you’re a shopaholic, make sure to delete the financial transaction history and card details from the eCommerce websites you purchase from.