Credits
More people are getting connected and hooked in the internet, with the advent and explosion of technology driven gadgets such as AI’s, smartphones, tablets, portable computers, laptops and to name a few, nobody can disagree the convenience and ease of use it delivers. Being physical present will be gone, now lining up in long que lines to buy your favorite shirt, shop almost in the convenience of your home it delivered right to your door steps the following day.
the more you spend online, the greatest your risk of exposing yourself to malware, but what is malware? – “malware is any piece of deceptive programs that can come in a form of tiny programs they may look friendly to you, but once inside the computing or gadget system they wreak havoc by collecting personal information like your name, credit card details, logins, passwords, like from the movie “BlackHat” which stars Chris Hemsworth a notorious cyber criminal who in the movie plot is chief architect and designer of the backdoor malware/key logger manipulated stock prices and crippled nuclear reactor triggered meltdown, okay that’s it end of spoilers, lets go ahead!
Browse privately
I’m always a fan of using google chrome, press control+shift+n altogether to browse securely and privately, this feature prevents your tracking and browsing history, saved username and passwords. You can forget your co-employees, colleague spying on your online activities with no worries.
Install anti-virus software
My all time favorite is Avast anti-virus comes complete with anti-malware, firewall and more, it monitors suspicious outgoing/incoming traffic programs coming from the internet. I used to have a license version of the above-mentioned software but somehow expired, because I was unable to renew it annually.
Have latest patches
Android, windows, ios, etc. Device manufacturers, oems of famous brand releases on periodic basis latest patches, builds, global roms, these patches secure operating system and stability, closes security loopholes any found, adds extra features for convenience, add-on on some functionalities like improved user interface and the like.
Backup
How many time do I have to tell you to back up? This is the most forgetful thing to do, we often take this for granted. Why not sign up with google drive? It has 15 gb storage space good for backing up office files, documents and photos too! A simple drag and drop user interface resembling a folder, so easy to use.
VPN
Virtual Private Networks are apps that secure your connection, It’s like having your own private secure connection that protects your surfing activities from countries, ISPs, social networks from gathering information on your place/geolocation. It also allows to view restricted content from countries that bans viewing or use of online media.
Personal Information
Never give personal information on the internet to anyone but you, phishing is common today, one example a certain impostor impersonating a legitimate bank, then informing you to change your password thru your email. Note of advice banks never gather information like that if they do, they’ll just inform you of some breaches if any, but again they do not ask for password change. Make sure to check the url header https: instead of the typical http: this encrypts private information hides and scrambles information from would be intruders and prying eyes.
Content Filtering
Have you heard of Open DNS? if not it’s a like a phone directory/business address, connects you directly to your destination without borders? simply put it makes your internet connection much faster without hopping around thru different nameservers contributing to high latency, this would cause delays, slow network response. The good thing about it you can setup with your computers routers, signup and configure your network.
In conclusion.
Its better safe than sorry, exercise due diligence when transacting through the internet, make it part in your surfing habit to include internet safety all the time. This supports the on-going campaign call #makeITsafePH of Globe Telecom promoting cyber security and wellness among Filipinos, in addition, the campaign also includes Globe Digital Thumbprint Program free workshops for students.
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