Despite using the Internet every single day, many of us still end up with bad Internet behaviors, which could compromise our safety. In fact, most of us are guilty of clicking “Agree” on terms and conditions without taking the time to read even a few words.
Also, how many of us have done online shopping and performed banking transactions using public Wi-Fi? I’m sure a lot of us are guilty of this as well. Another common mistake is using passwords that are easy to crack without even bothering to change them after a few months.
Unfortunately, people will only realize their mistakes at a later time, when their bank accounts have already been compromised.
Before that happens, check out this list of bad Internet behaviors and make sure you avoid committing any of them.
1. Using One Password for All Your Accounts
Sure, having the same password for everything can help avoid the risk of forgetting it and getting locked out. However, doing so can actually make you vulnerable to potential hackers.
So, if your email has the same password as your social media accounts, it’s time that you create different passwords for them. Make sure you do the same for your bank accounts and online shopping accounts. Using a reliable password manager is also a great idea. This is a tool that can help you easily remember your passwords and avoid getting locked out.
2. Ignoring Two-Step Authentication
Some people don’t use the two-step authentication, making it easy for hackers to get into their account. This is actually one of the bad Internet behaviors and something that you must avoid. The two-step authentication factor (2FA) is actually a very useful tool that helps prevent hackers from getting into your emails and files.
3. Not Updating Your Antivirus Software
It’s really annoying to keep on updating your antivirus tools or software. But remember that these updates are necessary in order to keep you protected from malicious threats. If your antivirus software is not the latest, it will not be effective at protecting you from viruses, which totally defeats its purpose. Set your phone to update these tools regularly. That way, you don’t have to do it yourself.
4. Not Using Lock Screen Protection
Even if you take your phone with you anywhere you go, you should still protect it by using lock screen protection.
Whether it’s a PIN code, pattern, or a password, these protection measures will surely save you from any vulnerability just in case you accidentally lose your phone. If malicious persons get access to them, they could install spyware or malware without you knowing about it.
5. Installing Many Browser Extensions
You’ll find plenty of extensions that will claim to improve a user’s browsing experience. But before you actually get them, think really hard if they are necessary. The more plugins and extensions you have, the higher the risk.
If you’re not too careful, you could end up downloading something that will collect data from your device without your knowledge. Worse, they might actually infect your system with malware!
6. Not Using Antivirus at All
It’s unfortunate that some people don’t find the need to use antivirus or anti-malware software. But not having these tools is actually a bad idea.
7. Not Having a Password on Your Computer
We all store plenty of sensitive information on our computers, yet only a few people protect this information by using a password. Even if you think you’re the only one who has access to your computer, you should still assign a password to it for protection.
Even the few seconds that you will leave it will be enough for others to access it and steal whatever information you have there.
8. Clicking Links from Unknown Emails
Another bad Internet behavior that so many people are guilty of is clicking links in emails coming from unknown senders. Phishing is a process that scammers and fraudsters would use in order to lure people into their fictitious sites.
They will do this by sending fake emails and will encourage you to click on the links in it. Don’t ever do this. Otherwise, you will only be giving these people a chance to get access to your passwords and other private information.
9. Saving Files to Cloud Without Encryption
Many of us sync files on our cloud storage in order to save storage space in our device, but your data may not actually be safe in the cloud.
That’s because the company that runs it can get access to it anytime. Also, the files you save on cloud are highly susceptible to data breaches and cyber-attacks. Therefore, make sure you encrypt your files before you decide to upload them to cloud.
10. Downloading Dangerous Attachments
No matter how tempting the email might seem, don’t ever open any attachment that looks sketchy. This is especially important if you are using a computer from work. Otherwise, hackers might be able to get into your computer system and jeopardize your company’s overall system.
11. Accessing Online Banking on Public Wi-Fi
This one is a very common bad Internet behavior. Sometimes, given our hectic schedules, we don’t care anymore if we’re using a safe Internet connection or not.
We’re sometimes in a hurry to check our bank account and we access it anywhere, even if that means using a public Wi-Fi. But doing this, you will actually give hackers the chance to access your account and steal your money.
12. Using Unsecure Websites
When surfing the net, you have to be mindful of the address of the website that you’re trying to access.
If you access a website without SSL, this means that the connection isn’t secure and anyone might be able to snoop into the data you’ve shared with that website. That’s very dangerous, especially if you’ve provided your bank account details.
Are any of you guilty of these behaviors? What other bad Internet behaviors do you think people should stop doing?
