Online Security and Internet Data Safety Tips – Steps to Guard Yourself
I take following measures for my online security while using internet and websites.
Rather than worrying about online cookies for my privacy and security, I focus other practical ways to secure my online presence.
I browse only trusted sites. With the passage of time and online experience, anyone can identify which are trusted websites and which are not. I carefully inspect a link before opening it. Generally, it is a good idea to only browse websites with SSL padlock, seen in address bar of the browser window. However, do not blindly trust the padlock because the presence of the padlock icon in the chrome only indicates the current web page was transmitted using the SSL protocol. The icon does not denote a guarantee of trustworthiness, nor is it an indication of legitimacy; an imposter site can be accessed using the SSL protocol. On its own, the fact that SSL was used is not actionable. [RD]
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Desktop computer can provide better security than smartphones. I only perform trivial tasks on mobile phone such as using social media. I use my desktop computer for a serious task such as transacting an ecommerce order. [RD]
I install only those applications and software came from highly trusted sources, in my computer or smartphone.
I can easily recognize between legit links and phishing, or spam links received through emails and messaging apps. Before opening a suspicious link on computer, especially in email, I hover over the hypertext so that browser can display the target URL on the screen. On mobile phone, I long press a suspicious link to inspect the actual URL. A URL tells a lot about the legitimacy of a website.
I don’t open a website link if my browser warns me about it. I take the warning dialogs of browser seriously. I do not enter my banking details on apparently spam sites, which open through a chain of links. If I like that product, I search it in Bing or Google search and try to buy that from some trusted ecommerce website.
I use a secure device with advanced security safeguards. I use only genuine Microsoft Windows with updated software including latest browser. I regularly update system BIOS from Dell. I use latest Edge browser instead of Internet Explorer because old versions of browsers are vulnerable to hidden malicious cookies. I Prefer a secure browser such as Chrome or Microsoft Edge instead of so-called private browsers. Because security is more important than privacy although both are linked.
When I use a public Wi-Fi hotspot such as at a restaurant or airport, I browse websites in incognito or private mode.
When I have to purchase or subscribe some service or product from a new website, as an extra precautionary measure (although not needed), I first clear or delete all cookies from my browser, and then enter my banking information in that specific website.
I limit the access of my computer to only family members. I use device pin for authentication, before the browser can automatically enter passwords to login a website.
Last but not the least, I use strong and different passwords for login credentials on each important website, having a mix of lower and uppercase letters, numerals, and symbols. I also use two-factor or double authentications for online accounts such as Facebook, or Google accounts.
More Resources
Following resources might be helpful for you.
Online Browser Cookies Top Facts – See Example of an Internet Cookie.
Are Third-Party Cookies Harmful? Expert Opinion
Should you Allow or Block Browser Cookies?
Google Chrome Cookies Settings.
Microsoft Edge Cookies Settings | Pro Guide and Tips
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