No matter what you are doing online, be it watching movies, ordering dinner, or playing poker, it is essential to ensure that the site you are using offers top-notch security and privacy. In 2022, security should be your top priority.
With online breaches and scams reaching all-time highs, doing your due diligence has never been more important. While fancy antivirus packages and IP-hiding invisible cloaks are very good to have, they are not the most sure-fire way to keep safe. Sometimes, the most effective solutions require the least effort.
One very reliable way to maintain good cybersecurity is to see which credentials and certifications the website you are using has. These are very easy to check and will tell you a lot about the site you are using. With that in mind, here is your complete guide to online safety credentials to look out for in 2022.
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General security credentials
First off, it’s worth breaking down the credentials that tell you if a website’s IT architecture is actually secure. For this, there are a number of universally recognized standards and certifications that will indicate a website’s security. The most important of these is SSL, or secure sockets layer.
This certification indicates that a website encrypts its user traffic and that its servers can be identified. To confirm if a site uses SSL, simply check the URL bar to see if there is a closed lock logo next to the web address. You should also check that a website offers full end-to-end encryption throughout all of its pages.
Safe streaming
These days, online streaming is the primary way to watch content. Conversely, more people than ever are uploading their own recorded content onto streaming platforms for others to see. It is, therefore, essential that streaming platform users double-check that the platform they have chosen is safe and 100% trustworthy. The standard security credentials outlined above are a good sign, but there is more you can do.
For example, if a site has geographic IP restrictions on certain content, then it is likely to be legit since the laws around streaming across borders are generally followed by trustworthy sites. Meanwhile, checking for AES encryption is also a good idea, as this tighter encryption credential is ideal for sites on which you spend a lot of time.
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Safe shopping
In some parts of the world, a majority of shopping is done online. However, it is harder to keep your transactions and shopping data safe at an online store, compared to a brick-and-mortar establishment.
No matter what you are buying online, it is important to be aware of the indicators of a trustworthy e-commerce platform. You should check that the site is compliant with PCI DSS, which is a widely accepted standard for online credit card processing that all e-commerce sites should follow.
You should also check to see if the site you are using follows one of the international standards for e-commerce customer protection, such as ISO/IEC 27001:2013. You could go the extra mile by checking that a site offers two-factor authentication (2FA), as this will make it substantially more difficult for anyone to gain access to your account and your financial information.
Safe gambling
Online gambling is now one of the largest and fastest-growing forms of online entertainment. This means that it is more important than ever that people know the green flags to look out for that tell you if a casino is a safe bet, so to speak. For example, this online casino allows its games to be audited by eCOGRA, an independent body that tests on-site games to confirm that they are not rigged in any way.
Another credential to look out for is an IBAS certification. This is a scheme launched in the UK to ensure that any customer disputes can be fairly adjudicated, and that player funds can be protected in the event that something goes wrong. By knowing which credentials to look out for, you can play all of your favorite games with total peace of mind.
In 2022, staying safe online matters more than ever. By taking a few seconds to check a website for these reliable security indicators, you can enjoy worry-free browsing now and in the future.