Secure browsing practices are key to ensuring that internet users do not fall prey of cyber threats that will cause financial, integrity losses as well as a huge loss of information. The internet is relevant in ensuring that all online users get the information they desire to know but unfortunately the process of acquiring the mentioned information can be insecure if users do not adopt secure browsing

Visit webpages that are encrypted with an SSL Certificate

An SSL Certificate creates an encrypted link between a webserver and a web browser. As the user browsers, the information that she delivers to the website is protected from a data leak by hackers. In scenarios where users carry out online transactions or even add personal information such as login details, the SSL encrypts the information.

What prefix indicates you are browsing a secure webpage?

The https prefix which means hypertext transfer protocol secure indicates that you are browsing a secure web page. Usually pages that are not secure show http.

Download applications and software from only known sources

Ensure that the applications that you download and install in your mobile devices are from legit sources and not unknown sources. Unknown sources are usually third-party websites that will sell software that they didn’t develop. Some legit sources to download apps are

• The developer’s website
• Commonly known sources such as Playstore, Apple store, Microsoft store

Why shouldn’t you download apps and software from unknown sources? It is because there is always a high possibility of the software being corrupted or even it being disguised as a legit software yet it is actually a malware that will harm your device

Do not allow websites to collect your data using cookies

What are website cookies?

Website cookies are small blocks of data such as shopping preferences, location etc. created by a webserver as a user is browsing a website. Cookies pose a lot of privacy and security risks for online users.

Why is not allowing cookies one of the secure browsing practices?

• It reduces collection of user data. Cookies store private data such as login details, financial credentials which exposes the user to a greater risk. Not allowing cookies limits exposure of this private information that can be misused
• It protects users from session hijacking. Session cookies may let the attacker hijack a user session through login credentials and then cause potential harm such as money fraud
• Reduces risks from dangerous cookies. Cookies are sometimes used by attackers to deliver malware
• It prevents cookie poisoning. Attackers sometimes attempt to manipulate cookies in order to access unauthorized resources such as login accounts

Internet users can also block cookies

What are different types of cookies?

• First-party cookies
• Third-party cookies
• Analytical cookies
• Functional cookies
• Performance cookies

However some cookies are used to ensure that users get the best of the products they are searching for on the internet. Google usually ensures that site owners declare what they will use the information they will collect for to ensure that users do not think otherwise and that the information is correctly used

Use anonymity tools to alleviate secure browsing practices

Anonymity tools like anonymity browsers ensure that you browse without revealing your identity. Some examples of browsers that enhance your anonymity include the Tor browser. The browser doesn’t store your location history thus preventing attackers from identifying what you previously searched for incase of situations where your google account is compromised.

Another tool that can ensure anonymity is a Virtual Private Network commonly known for its abbreviation as VPN. A VPN disguises your location

Adopt email security and privacy practices

While your email is not safe, attackers can easily find out what you searched for when your email was logged into your browser. It is important to keep your email safe by making use of available security and privacy settings such as turning on two step verifications, logging out unknown devices

This video practically takes you through utilizing various google email security settings

Install antivirus on your device

I have always used anti-virus to block dangerous adverts while browsing websites for information. My favorite anti-virus is kaspersky because it blocks access to dangerous websites and as well blocks popups. What is behind popups. Popups may contain phishing links(dangerous links) that could lure you to releasing your personal information to attackers

Choosing an antivirus is personal but every internet user must take precaution and be able to make a good choice basing on experience and recommendations provided by various security companies and bloggers

Secure browsing practices will enhance the security of your information as well as your privacy and will prevent you from constantly viewing the internet as a risky place.