In today’s age most people use personal computers and access Internet. But not much people are aware of Online Security. Many people still commit mistakes that gives chance for thieves to take advantage.
Below are seven mistakes that people usually commit and ways to avoid them.
- Assuming your security software is protecting you
It is a common belief that once installing an anti-virus software will keep the computers safe. But that isn’t true, viruses keep coming all the time. So the software must be activated properly and should be regularly updated for effectively lowering threats. One should ritually check is the security software is active when working online. The software’s auto update option should be kept activated in order to have an updated version.
2. Accessing an account from an e-mail link
It is suggested not to do that. If you get an e-mail from your bank asking you to update your financial or personal information, better be aware that it might be a hacker who is waiting to empty your account.
These e-mails are especially insidious as they come adorned with genuine corporate logos and look legitimate.
People usually fall prey to such e-mails. Most of the banks have stopped sending e-mails for any update in customer information due to this threat.
But as we all are aware that net banking is used by most of us, we should only use the banks address in your browser and not by clicking on any link that you have received through an e-mail.
3. Using a Single password for all your online accounts.
This is a common mistake seen in almost every individual, instead of keeping or remembering N number of passwords we keep only one and that too a simple one. This can lead you to a disaster. There are much code-cracking software available which the cyber-crooks use to uncover the passwords.
Another convenient way to remember your password is making variations in your password on a regular basis. This should help you remember your password. Your password should be of atleast 8 characters with letters in both the cases and should have numbers and punctuations to make it stronger and difficult to uncover.
4. Downloading Free Software.
There is nothing wrong in doing so, but it should be done from the locations which you are 100% sure of about its safety.
Some “free” software comes loaded with spyware, which clogs your computer with ads or employs a keystroke-capture program to steal your personal information. It is recommended that you download only from such reputable sites as Download.com or SnapFiles.com, or, if you have a PC, scanning it with Windows Defender software.
5. Thinking your Mac shields you from all risks
Its not incorrect that Mac’s are less susceptible to viruses and spyware than regular Personal Computers. But as per surveys, Mac’s too have been targeted and its user`s have fallen prey to hackers.
Latest version of Firefox browser is recommended for use.
6. Clicking On pop-ups and ads that say you PC is not secure
Its pretty simple to click on an ad by mistake and then get re-directed to another spyware site.
It is recommended that those ads should be carefully closed by the close tabs located on the top left or right corner of the add window. Or you can also enable pop-up blocker or instead use a free one from Google toolbar.
7. Shopping Online just as we do in stores.
While doing online shopping you are not sure that who’s on the other end and if s/he really is interested in doing business. But still always make sure that the web-site’s URL starts with “Https” which offer higher security than “Http” should be used if you are giving your address and Credit Card information.
Different credit cards should be used for different purposes. For Example: One for your business transactions and a different one for online purchase
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