Computers and browsers are incredibly advanced and are far more security-focussed than even ten years ago. However, the simple fact that we’re spending much more time online means that we need to increase our efforts to stave off security threats. It’s been found that worldwide, the average time per day using a laptop, desktop, or tablet stands at three hours and 28 minutes.
With so much time being spent on the internet, and so many people taking fast connection speeds and computing for granted, many put security and safety on the back burner. Even though there’s less mainstream discussion about viruses, hacks, spyware, adware, and malware, it’s still out there, so security protocols continue to be essential for PC and Mac users.
Get Additional Protection from Tested Software
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Most computers come with built-in antivirus software, but a lot of the time, it’ll be in the form of a 30-day trial that requires payment to continue working. This isn’t a bad thing as most programs are cost-effective considering what they cover, but if you’re to invest in the software, you’ll want the best available. Luckily, the leading brands offer coverage of just about all forms of cybersecurity needs.
Different programs will appeal to different users, with the likes of ESET NOD32 offering a more tech-driven offering, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus widely being considered the best across testers. Many will think Windows Defender is sufficient, but many users will want more. For example, those who use the Edge browser will only get around 70 percent protection against phishing sites, while Kaspersky blocks them all.
Check That Websites Are Reviewed and Verified
A large part of going online these days is spending money, but it can be tough to tell if a website should be given money and if they’ll fulfil their side of the deal. A good way to check this is to look to customer reviews, but where available, it’s best to try to find an expert website that specialises in the industry at hand. Several sites have now been created to offer guides and reviews to help you to only use trusted sites.
This has become a prevalent theme for just about any competitive online sector, and is particularly well-demonstrated by the online entertainment industry where customer reviews are prevalent. For example, there is a specific portal that has emerged https://www.asiabet.org/ for the Asian gambling market. This portal checks all the regional sites available to provide reviews of the services, including making sure that they’re regulated and secure. Sites like these that enable you to quickly make informed decisions through expert reviews are available across the board, be they portals or comparison sites.
Utilise the New Fad in Online Security
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It’s a technology that’s been around for decades, but now virtual private networks have been brought into the mainstream to offer enhanced privacy to its users. VPNs essentially hide your identity and location online, enabling you to browse safely in the knowledge that your data is protected. This is done through an encryption tunnel that allows you to browse the internet from a different country.
There are several VPN providers, such as TunnelBear and NordVPN, that you can sign-up to online and install on your laptop. On the other hand, though, you could have a more permanent fixture in the form of a VPN router, as we discussed at https://thinkcomputers.org/. Hardware like the PIA FlashRouter configures your entire network with one set-up, rather than needing to install the software and run it through each computer each time.
Stick to the Safest Payment Services
Just as it’s important to protect yourself from viruses, only use trusted sites, and hide your data, it’s also essential to protect your payment details. Many people have become sceptical of inputting credit and especially debit card details due to a general lack of trust on sites that aren’t run by the biggest brands. Plenty of small businesses make their goods and services available online, but not all of them are trustworthy.
This is where third-party payment services come into play. Headlined by eWallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, ecoPayz, and Skrill, paying via these programs both complete purchases and hides your information. When you pay with an eWallet, all that the seller sees is that you’ve paid them, while your payment information remains locked within your eWallet account. Furthermore, some eWallets offer a way to get refunds if you pay via their service.
By taking the steps above, you’ll find that your online activity is much more secure than the baseline offering of a new computer.