10 Tips How to Protect Yourself on Internet| Antivirus

                        Protect Yourself on the Internet

1. Avoid going to questionable or illegal sites

The advice may seem basic, but it is ultimately important:  if a website looks questionable, or offers illegal services, don't go there .

Some websites that can expose you to security concerns include:

Pirate download sites

Pirate online video (streaming) or video on demand (VOD) sites

Pirate pornographic sites

These are real virus nests, to be avoided at all costs.

Likewise,  avoid downloading and using pirated or “ cracked ” software . While this can be appealing, especially because it avoids purchasing the software, be aware that not only is it illegal, but they are usually infected with viruses. 

2. Make your security updates as soon as possible

Did you know ? An operating system, browser or software that is not up to date with its security patches is  a system very vulnerable to attacks over the Internet . Hackers easily take advantage of these security breaches.

3. Protect yourself on the Internet: Choose secure passwords

According to numerous studies,  the password 123456 remains one of the most used in the world . However, the password is one of the first security measures that can protect you from phishing . To avoid this, choose a password that's hard to find. This must:

Contain 12 characters minimum

Mix numbers, letters and special characters

Be anonymous (do not include your date of birth, the name of your dog or other)

The best practice is to have  a password for each account or software used . Does the process seem complex to you? To manage and store a large number of passwords, obtain password  management software . The Keepass tool  , free, has been approved by a national authority: you can rely on it.

Finally, renew your passwords regularly, because even when you are careful, they may have been compromised and you just don't know.

4. Choose the right firewall and anti-virus

No matter what your operating system or your computer hardware, you cannot ignore good anti-virus software, which protects you from various attacks over the Internet. antivirus.

A good anti-virus protects you from all known types of malicious files  , namely:

viruses, which can hide behind seemingly benign software

worms, which are often received as an attachment in emails

Trojans (or trojan) which allow access to your data, or even total control of your computer

spyware (or spyware), which transmits your personal data to the hacker

Also have a firewall. This feature not only helps protect you against intrusion from a third-party network when you are on the Internet, but also blocks unwanted connections from your computer. Most operating systems (Mac and Windows) have a built-in firewall, and many anti-virus software also offer this essential feature.

5. Make regular backups of your data

Even if you have good anti-malware software, it is safer to consider that your data is never fully protected; this is why they must be  backed up regularly , stored on disconnected equipment .

For companies, this advice is particularly essential, especially concerning  data vital to the proper functioning of the company.  This helps prevent too much drop in activity in the event of an attack or the erasure of this crucial data.

6. Protect yourself on the Internet: Use an ad blocker

The  plugins  ad blockers for web browsers  allow you to limit exposure to potentially malicious advertisements. Some browsers already offer this type of functionality, but adding such a  plugin  will give you a second means of protection.

Some sites, such as online media sites, will ask you to turn off your ad blocker to view website content: use caution and good judgment when doing so.

7. Be extra vigilant about messages from strangers

Email is one of the most powerful levers for hackers on the Internet. Always keep a close eye on what is sent to you  through this channel.

Do not open attachments or click links in messages from unknown users. The same is true for messages from known users, but whose message structure is unusual or empty.

8. Be careful who you send your data to

Both personally and professionally, you often have the opportunity to fill out forms to access information, promotions, or to register for events or websites. When you're ready to send even the most basic data, like your email,  check who you're sending it to  :

See the website's Privacy Policy (which should normally be mentioned in the form itself, since the entry into force of the GDPR).

Never transmit your personal data (address, telephone number, bank or credit card details, or sensitive data concerning your health, for example) by email to strangers.

9. Think carefully before posting on the Internet

In the age of social media, it can be tempting to post parts of your personal life on the internet. However, it is important to be aware of  the impact that these posts can have on your personal life . Some malicious users can take advantage of what you post to:

Know your daily habits  : we can no longer count, for example, the number of burglaries carried out thanks to a publication on social networks which indicates that the occupant was on vacation,

Use or misappropriate your photos  : Identity theft is common on the Internet.

Whatever privacy setting you choose on a social network, remember that it's still information sharing. If only your “friends” can see a post, it remains posted on the web, accessible to potential malicious users. So think carefully before posting anything on the Internet.

10. Protect yourself on the Internet: Don't forget your phones and tablets

There is a tendency to separate the use of a cell phone or tablet from that of a desktop computer. However,  these devices are also connected to the Internet  and contain personal data. When you use an application, it will often use an internet connection to search and transmit data.