Thứ Ba, Tháng Hai 11, 2025
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HomeTechnology8 simple ways to help browse the web safely

8 simple ways to help browse the web safely

Nowadays, surfing the web to find information as well as for your work is essential. However, along with it are dangers lurking and threatening you. If you follow one of the following tips, you can be sure that you will browse more safely on the Internet.

1. Always update your browser

When you update your browser, you don't just get access to new features and bug fixes. You'll also get better protection from security bugs and malware thanks to security fixes included with each new release. Don't miss out on this updated protection mechanism and put your data at risk. Update your browser to the latest version now.

Update Google Chrome
Update Google Chrome

But if you've turned off automatic updates to save bandwidth on the go, you should update your browser manually. Using an updated browser on an unsupported operating system version can also be a security risk. Upgrade your operating system or at least find a more secure browser for browsing the web.

2. Use HTTPS

Website addresses that use the HTTPS protocol have the ability to encrypt information as well as user activities on the Internet. Instead of just accessing the website using the http protocol, you can replace this phrase with https before each website address you need to view. However, not most websites support this protocol. So get into the habit of not accessing websites that don't use https in public places.

5 simple ways to help browse the web safely

You can use the HTTPS Everywhere add-on to force your browser to make an encrypted connection to popular websites. This add-on is currently compatible with Chrome and Firefox on Windows, Mac as well as Linux.

3. Expand the shortened URL

You need to be careful when clicking on short URLs as they may not always be safe. A short URL could be hiding a phishing link that downloads malware to your computer or redirects you to unwanted and/or inappropriate web content.

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A web application like CheckShortURL is all you need to get out of this situation. For any short URL that you copy-paste into the app, it will display the corresponding long URL. If the expanded URL doesn't match the website and content you're expecting, leave it alone. Don't touch the shortened URL.

Check out shortened URLs online
Check out shortened URLs online

Additionally, you can use a browser extension such as Unshorten.It to quickly check whether a shortened URL is safe or not. You can even take a screenshot of the website before deciding to visit the link.

4. Browse anonymously if using a borrowed computer

Whether you're looking up information on a computer at the library or checking your email from a friend's computer, it's best to do so using your browser's private or incognito mode. When you surf the web in private mode, none of your browsing history is saved to that computer (but your downloads are).

Remember that private browsing doesn't keep you anonymous online, and you can still be tracked.

Browse the web anonymously on another computer
Browse the web anonymously on another computer

Private browsing comes in handy even on your computer – you can go incognito to check price differences, log in to a second account on a website, buy surprise gifts, etc. ..

You'll also want to create a guest profile in your browser if you're allowing someone to browse from your computer. Setting up a guest user account with limited permissions would be even better.

Use a mobile browser
Use a mobile browser

If you don't use your computer often and browse on shared machines, consider carrying a portable version of your browser on a USB stick. Your browsing data is backed up to USB and leaves no trace on the shared computer.

5. Enable security and privacy features in the app

Most services, apps, and devices have at least a few basic settings designed to protect your online activity. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and add access tokens to apps that contain sensitive information. Don't forget to secure your smartphone browser – it's just as vulnerable as your computer browser.

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If you're looking for a convenient solution while still keeping your account secure, there are a number of multi-factor authentication (MFA) apps you can try.

Turn on 2-step verification
Turn on 2-step verification

Every month or so, check your Google, Facebook, and Dropbox accounts (plus any others) and look through the list of third-party apps that can access these accounts. If you find any apps that you haven't used in a while or have suspicious activity, revoke their permissions.

List of applications that can access your Gmail account
List of applications that can access your Gmail account

6. Look carefully before clicking

What happens when you surf the web? Your eyes receive countless interesting links. You see them and then click on them. It's just the kind of impulsive behavior that can get you into serious trouble because you could be clicking on a virus-filled download link, a fake website, or a well-disguised scam.

Threat actors obtain personal data from laptops

Pay attention to the links you're clicking. Take a quick look at your browser's status bar to see the URL hidden behind the link and see exactly what you're clicking on. If it is a shortened URL, expand it as the article discussed above.

To protect yourself from unsafe areas on the web, you should install Web of Trust (WOT). It's a browser extension that scores websites for trustworthiness, making it easier for you to decide whether it's safe for you to visit them.

Stay away from alarm banners that claim your computer is at risk or full of viruses and you need to download this or that cleaner to fix things. Plus, learn what security symbols to look out for and how to handle security certificate errors.

McAfee fake subscription expiration notification window
McAfee fake subscription expiration notification window

Any efforts to protect your privacy will be undermined if you are not careful about what you post on social media and other websites. Be careful about leaving important information like your home location, travel destination, or credit card number out on public platforms.

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7. Install appropriate extensions

Please delegate some of your browser security tasks to extensions. For example, if Google Chrome is your default browser, check out Quantrimang.com's list of the best security add-ons.

A word of warning here: Even extensions can be scams. Try to stay informed about the latest ongoing security and privacy threats so you can avoid them in time.

8. Use VPN

VPN or Virtual Private Network is a technology that allows users to create their own secure connection right on the public network (usually the Internet). With a VPN, all user Internet traffic is encrypted; and traffic will be rerouted through a VPN server instead of using regular ISPs. In short, all user data is protected when they are online.

5 simple ways to help browse the web safely

VPNs not only help protect user data, but can also be used to access geographically restricted websites. Users can choose to use a free or paid VPN app. Of course, paid VPN applications will support more features and provide faster data transfer speeds.

Among the paid apps, HideMyAss is a recommended choice. As for the free product, CyberGhost is also a simple and easy-to-use option. The limitation of VPN is the connection speed. However, considering the advantages that this technology brings, this sacrifice is justified.

Website security should be a top priority for both website owners and Internet users. When browsing the web, never underestimate security. Check certifications, customer reviews, trust seals and legal compliance. Additionally, make sure to equip yourself and your business with the best tools to prevent and handle cyber attacks in all their forms.

Refer to the red flags to look out for on unsafe websites to learn what to watch out for.

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