How to Keep Personal Information Safe on the Internet

How to Keep Personal Information Safe on the Internet

“Crime follows crowds, and as the crowd has moved online, criminals have too”

In a world where almost everything is processed through the internet, it can be difficult to avoid using your personal information when online. Many people are so worried about identity theft and their personal details getting into the wrong hands that they don’t use them on the internet at all.

This level of precaution, while understandable, is not entirely necessary. The internet is a very safe place to shop and use your personal details if you go about it in the correct manor. By using common sense and visiting trustworthy websites you can make sure that you are never the victim of internet crime.

What kind of front line protection is available for keeping my data and my computer safe?

The first line of defence for anyone who regularly uses the internet is Anti-Virus software and Firewalls. Anti-Virus software helps keep harmful bugs and software that can steal data and damage your computer at bay by monitoring the activities of all inbound and outbound connections your computer makes to the web.

A lot of Anti-Virus software costs money, so if you want the best protection for your computer then be prepared to spend £40 or more on products like Norton Anti Virus and Symantec. Your Anti-Virus program will run checks periodically throughout the day, but will always be on hand if it detects something sinister attacking your computer while you are browsing, meaning that you are always covered

A Firewall is also a helpful when it comes to protecting your computer. Most computers have a Firewall pre-installed with a number of Microsoft operating systems. A Firewall is a piece of software (or hardware) that acts as a wall between your computer and the internet. This wall allows certain things to cross over and blocks other things from entering your computer, essentially guarding you from harmful viruses that can be picked up from the web.

A list of Anti-Virus software providers can be found here.

What can I do when it comes to safe browsing and using my personal information online?

Unfortunately software and hardware cannot fully cover you from the dangers of the internet, so, for the most part, it is down to you and other users of your computer to make sure you are browsing safely.

Watch Your Downloads

Downloading is the easiest way for harmful viruses to get onto your computer. Firstly, you must ensure that you only download from respectable websites. Downloading from unreliable websites is a huge risk that can end broken computers and lost personal data. Many downloads that you may think are genuine are often packed full of Spyware that will monitor your searches and force adverts upon you based on your browsing history. These adverts are a pain to remove from your computer and can cause a lot of harm to your system, as well as steal important personal information.

Use A Secure Web Browser

Although all web browsers may seem the same, some tend to be more secure than others and offer up warnings if you venture onto a webpage that might be harmful to your computer. Simply by changing browser or installing add-ons you can reduce the risk of getting a computer virus or being attacked by spyware.

Don’t Use Your Personal Details On Websites You Don’t Trust

The most effective way of keeping your personal information safe; Don’t use it on websites you don’t trust! As online shopping has become a staple in most people’s lives, many websites have cropped up that are either run very badly or are out to scam you. Make sure you visit a trustworthy website before using your information willy-nilly, otherwise you may find yourself out of pocket.