Summary
Staying safe on the internet requires taking a step back. If you don't trust a website or an email, do not engage with it. Ensure you are expecting a file or a link from somewhere before clicking it. The responsibility is up to the individual and their decision making.
What is safe browsing?
Browsing the internet safely is crucial to protect your information. Malware and scams are evolving rapidly to entrap unsuspecting users, into giving access to their computer and information. Scams can pose as trusted brands or companies in an attempt to ensnare a user. Scams aren’t as obvious nowadays, a convincing online scam can look professionally made. A user really has to analyze what they have been sent and if it can be trusted. If you have received a link or file from a person or company that you didn’t expect, do not open it. If you have the means to, contact the person or company, check with them beforehand, otherwise ignore it. For example, if a family member or friend starts emailing you about how they need money desperately right now, while not contacting you any other way, it’s a scam.
Risks and dangers
Engaging with a scam can lead to a whole host of problems. Ransomware for example will lock your computer while demanding a cryptocurrency sent to an account. These kinds of transactions are hard to track and ensures the hacker gets a quick payout. Another risk is your computer being used to mine cryptocurrency. The fans of your computer will whir at full speed as the internal components get pushed to their limit. This way the hacker gets the cryptocurrency, while your computer overheats. Ads can pop up on the screen as a sign of malware. Spyware doesn’t show any signs and allows the user to operate normally, except the data is going to the hacker. This can include financial information.
How to browse the internet safely
Staying safe on the internet is quite easy, it just requires taking a step back and asking “should I be trusting this?” If the answer is no, don’t click on it. Ignore the emotional manipulation and analyze what you are going to do. Don’t give a website you do not trust any personal information. Verify it as a trustworthy organization and something you would responsibly engage with. If something feels off on an email or website, it mostly likely is. Ultimately, the responsibility is up to the individual and their decision making.
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