Is the shift to an online world leaving you feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, a lot of people who aren’t tech-savvy face the same issue. The good news is, safely navigating online spaces doesn’t require much skill; all you need to do is remember a few basic tips. In this article, we’ll go through all the simple steps for a hassle-free online experience.
Avoid Suspicious Websites and Emails
What exactly is a suspicious website? When browsing, you might see a website with a weird name and awful design, which feels unsettling to look at. The site might also offer some kind of deal that is too good to be true, or it might scare you by telling you to download software to fix your computer — it’s a trap.
Similarly, suspicious emails operate the same way. They use shady tactics to steal your information, which is called phishing. Never trust an email from a person or business you do not recognize. If you’re not sure, at least don’t willingly give out any information being requested.
Use Anti-Phishing Software
Anti-phishing software is a program specifically made to spot emails and websites that might be trying to trick you. It can warn you before you click on dangerous links or share personal information.
The best part is that once it’s set up, it works quietly in the background to protect you without needing much effort. Many beginner-friendly anti-phishing software programs are available, so you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use them.
Create Hard-to-Guess Strong Passwords
Practice creating strong passwords by using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, take a phrase like “I love apples” and turn it into “IL0v3@pple$.” Avoid using super basic passwords like the usual 123 or basic phrases that almost anyone can guess.
If using multiple passwords feels tricky, you can use a password manager to handle this work for you.
Explore Basic Privacy Settings
Most websites and applications have these neat privacy settings features that you can adjust to control who can view your details. For example, on social media, you can control visibility on your posts so only your friends can see them instead of anyone.
It’s worth a few minutes to examine privacy settings on all the platforms you use the most. These might be small changes, but they make a huge difference in terms of online privacy.
Recognize Online Scams
We’ve already mentioned fake promotions and scare tactics. But there are still tons of other scams out there. Instead of listing down all of them, you can remember common patterns.
Online scams thrive on offering something tempting—whether it’s wealth, a great deal, or even the promise of a relationship. But none of it is real. Their only goal is to trick you and take your money. Recognizing them takes practice, intuition, and a lot of research.
Understand eSIMs
eSIMs are great for maintaining your online connection on the go. Say you are traveling — with eSIMs, you don’t have to look for free Wi-Fi, which is not always the safest. Understand what eSIMs are and how to use them. In addition, note that since the market is brimming with eSIM services, finding the ideal eSIM for your needs can be challenging. Do your research, read comparisons, and check out user reviews.
Shop Online Safely
Always use trusted websites—look for ones with “https” at the beginning of the web address and a padlock icon next to it.
Avoid handing over your payment details on websites you or people you know haven’t use before. Also, for safer transactions, use secure payment methods like credit cards or online payment systems.
Regularly Update your Software
Make sure your device’s software or programs are constantly updated. This way, they function correctly. An older version might be unsafe and full of vulnerabilities. This is why automatic updates are necessary for your computer.
Manage Browser Data
Clear your browser’s cookies regularly. Cookies are small files that websites save about you. The same goes for cache, which is stored website data that loads faster. Do this regularly to avoid issues and keep browsing safely. For more privacy, use incognito mode, a setting that doesn’t save your browsing history or temporary files.
Seek Help When Needed
Sure, getting familiar with tech can take a while. Hence, it’s completely okay to ask for help when needed. Ask family and friends, or even online forums, for guidance. The internet might seem too much to process, but just like any unfamiliar place, you’ll eventually get used to navigating it.