The Most Avoidable Ways of Using the Internet

The Most Avoidable Ways of Using the Internet


Every time you go online and so something about your data, you actually expose it to hacker attacks. Happily, there are a few ways to provide data leakage protection. Just follow a few simple rules of work on the Internet and do up the breaches to prevent a data leak.


 

With the advent of the Internet, many people have obtained what they believe to be a great freedom. The euphoria pretty much dulls one’s vigilance and makes him/her an easy target for cyber criminals – of course, if he/she doesn’t follow rules of work on the Internet. We hear tons of news reports about an organization getting hacked and private information falling into the hands of third parties. There are a lot of examples of how a vulnerability can disrupt a whole system. The University of Michigan had to deal with a hacker attack, so they made a publication describing the hardship they had to go through and how just one vulnerability can make a lot of mess.

The more information you share online, the more likely you are to face danger. There are a number of common mistakes and misconceptions, which have gotten in trouble crowds of users. So, here are rules of work on the Internet, advised by BroVPN VPN service:

  • Do not use the same password for different accounts!
    Using the same password for a dozen of websites and accounts is convenient not only for you, but for hackers as well. Once the password is cracked, so are all your accounts with all data. All your data leakage protection gets ruined. It would be worthwhile to make a paper list of your passwords and keep it safely, or use a trustworthy and encrypted password manager.

  • Do not disregard two-factor identification
    Even if hackers do eventually get your password, there is still a barrier, which can keep them off your data – two-factor authentication. If you enable the function, you will be required to submit your account ID, password and an app-generated code. Also, there is a kind of two-factor identification, which involves an SMS, and that is not a secure option – but it’s better data leakage protection than nothing. In any event, you must use reliable and unique passwords only.

  • Do not click on unknown links or attachments!
    Sending links to users and tricking them into clicking on them (phishing) is a common practice relied on by hackers. They use this tactics to get your ID or install malware on your PC or device. This is exactly what happened to the University of Michigan Facebook accounts and how the 2016 DNC hack started. Please, do not be in a hurry to click on a link, even if the message has come from someone you know. Not unlikely, his or her account has gotten hacked, and the hackers are writing on your friend’s behalf. Please, contact him or her and verify whether or not it was he or her who has sent you the message. Always remember this simple rule of work on the Internet!

  • Do not use your device without an anti-virus
    Buying and installing an up-to-date antivirus on your device is the simplest and most common way to keep your resources safe. Also, there are services, which provide tools to protect devices against spyware, malware, bad URLs, and other cyber-threats. There are Oss featuring in-built anti-virus programs.  

  • Do not miss updates
    Many users ignore software updates and thus expose themselves to danger. Updates are released with the goal of blocking vulnerabilities, through which hackers channel malicious elements. Failure to update a program means leaving holes in the protective shell that is your security system and exposing your data. Please, update your apps every time you get a notification.

  • Do not miss a chance to use HTTPS protocol
    Not everyone knows the difference between HTTP and HTTPS protocol, and the difference is quite big. The “S” means that another layer of protection is added to the HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), and it denotes the “secure sockets layer” (SSL). It ensures a safer and more reliable transfer of data. It is much easier for hackers to monitor websites that use HTTP only than those using HTTPS protocol. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) provides a kind of software (HTTPS Everywhere), which ensures that websites use HTTPS protocol. Also, it is highly advisable to connect to the Internet via VPN service. Keep in mind that today VPN service is available not only for PC – we have VPN for iOS and VPN for Android.

  • Do not leave Bluetooth on
    Please, turn off your Bluetooth or AirDrop if you are not using it right now. There is software, which enables hackers to secretly connect to any device and, consequently, access private information. You may end up with all your personal data leaking in all possible directions. Happily, there is an easy way to avoid that: turn off your Bluetooth. This will keep your device safe and the battery working for years. 

  • Do not share important information when using WiFi
    Public WiFi networks are notoriously insecure, because they do not use reliable protocols. Your data will be exposed even if the network is being run by someone you know and trust. Hackers can sniff into your browsing history in a very simple way. Lots of users, who connect to WiFi without caring for security, end up with their accounts hacked. This can cause a handful of life-ruining issues. A VPN connection with the use of the BroVPN service is one of the safest ways of going online even from a highly vulnerable WiFi network. 

  • Do not leave your device around
    You should not forget about physical security either. If your phone, laptop, tablet, etc., falls into someone else’s hands, so will your personal information, and entire data leakage protection fails in one touch. Hackers know different ways of breaking systems open. Do not abandon your device in crowded places unsupervised. Make sure your device has a reliable password protection system, which will prevent hackers from getting malware onto it. 

  • Do not use your device without encrypting your data
    It is always better to combine various methods of protection to ensure security of data. For example, it is advisable to not only set a strong password, but encrypt your device as well. Thus you will keep your information secure if you lose your device. Encryption and setting a password are different things. Encryption prevents other people from getting your data, and it is carried out with the help of encryption software, which is featured in most iOS and Android devices. By the way, VPN for iOS and VPN for Android encrypt all data transferred via VPN connection

  • Do not discuss important matters without encryption
    It is hardly a secret that all means of electronic communication are under surveillance, and whatever you say over the phone, in an SMS message, or otherwise, is available to security services. However, there are encryption solutions, which, if used properly, can block access to your data and give you a substantial degree of security. VPN services like BroVPN use these encryption technologies and thus shield your data against hacking.

  • Do not be in a hurry to share personal information
    The more information you post on your social media profile, the more cards hackers get in their nasty game. Based on the data, hackers can reset your passwords and even apply for credit cards on your behalf. You can get scammed badly when you least expect. It is advisable to limit access to your profiles using available settings. In any event, do not be too eager to post any information that could give hackers a clue: about your family members, date and place of birth, addresses (current or old), college years, details about your home or job activities, hobbies, etc. 

With these details at hand, hackers can cut holes in your security barriers and even pick up answers to security verification questions. And now you have a good deal of information at hand too: these are basic skills, which every user should have. Signing up with BroVPN and connecting safely to the Internet will be an excellent addition to this package of security measures. Download our VPN for free now and enjoy safety and freedom!


Try our VPN for free now:
I want Free VPN
back to blog

Choose plan:

Free

VPN supported by online community

Subscription

Premium VPN

By pressing "Install" I accept terms of use

I want Free VPN

Open BroVPN-Setup.exe after download to start install process

Step 1 Arrow Step 2

BroVPN installing

End

1

2

3

Loading
Thanks! We'll contact you.