Secure Connection (Part 2) [CEID100 Final PT4]

Authored by: Samantha Lee Chan

Photo by W Rebel via Wikimedia Commons(Source: http://bit.ly/1oMWR3J)

Although we have been talking a lot about how unsafe the Internet can be, there are ways that you can protect yourself online.

For one, choosing a proper web browser can make a difference in blocking unsafe websites. Browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome are more secure than browsers such as Internet Explorer. They also have the option of add-ons that can help you discover threats, and overall make your web browsing more secure. Installing antivirus software on top of having a secure web browser will help add extra security, and better detect malware. 

Even though antivirus software can protect your computer from malware, it is up to you to be alert and detect a threat. You can stop the problem yourself, if you can detect an unreliable source. Here are some tips to help you stay vigilant:

·         Do not open emails that you are not subscribed to, or are not from a sender you know

·         Do not send private information via text message or over the Internet

·         If your browser is telling you there is a threat, do not ignore it

·         If the email address or website URL does not look legitimate, it is most likely an act of phishing or spoofing

·         Choose secure passwords, and do not use the same one for different accounts you may have

Another issue on the Internet is cookies. Cookies store information, and can help make your experience on a webpage more efficient, however the main issue is that your web activity is being tracked. A way to prevent this is by blocking them from your web browser, and clearing them on a regular basis. There are many resources online that give guides to safely using the Internet, such as the RCMP’s guide to Cybercrime Prevention.  

Next Part: The Other IP