It is important to protect your computer while browsing the Internet. There are all kinds of dangers on the Internet. Think of the well-known viruses, annoying advertisements, phishing attacks, etc.

But how do you protect your computer against these types of dangers without too much effort and having to install a separate piece of software for each problem? It starts with knowledge, knowing what you are doing and what dangers are involved. Most of the problems that occur on your computer arise from human ignorance.

Social engineering is a good example of this, you receive an email from your bank, open the attachment and the computer has been taken over by cyber criminals. If you knew in advance that your bank never asks for login details, this problem could have been prevented. This is just an example, but people fall for it.

Cyber ​​criminals are not so much looking for problems in the software, but in people, social engineering, among other things

Protect computer while surfing the internet

Does a website have https?

If you use internet banking or buy something on the internet, it is important that the website establishes an https connection between your computer and the website. This prevents cyber criminals from receiving data and simply reading it. You can recognize a website with https by the green lock in the browser in front of the address of a website.

Use strong passwords

Simple passwords are cracked, and that doesn't take long. Cybercriminals use rainbow tables to quickly crack passwords. If you use difficult passwords, the chance that they will crack your password becomes much less. A guideline is 12 characters, with capital letter(s) and a separate character such as an exclamation point or hashtag and number.

Also use a different password for all services or websites.

Two factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is a technique that divides the login process into 2 steps. For example, you use a login and password, and if the combination is correct, an SMS will be sent confirming the login. If the service you are using supports it, we recommend enabling it. If the criminal logs in anyway, the text message will not reach the criminal and you will immediately be informed of the successful login attempt.

Do not send passwords or other important data by email

Most email is not encrypted. This makes it easy for criminals to intercept data via email. If this is successful and the data is not encrypted, they can literally read your email. If there is important data there, it will be visible to the criminal.

Social engineering, be aware of it

As we indicated at the beginning, criminals capitalize on human mistakes, called social engineering. They send you all kinds of emails or text messages and even phone calls to steal data. Are you always aware of what is being asked and/or whether it is necessary. For example, the bank never asks for login details, they manage your account and therefore do not need login codes or anything to check.

Keep your computer up to date

Make sure you always have the latest version of Windows, the latest updates, the latest browser and an up-to-date antivirus package. This will prevent a lot of problems. The technology can already be common and by always using the latest version of the technology, you can be stopped by the technology if you make a mistake.

Use a password manager

Remembering many passwords is impossible, or at least a lot of work. You can find plenty of software on the internet that can store your passwords encrypted on your computer. They may also alert you that your password needs to be changed, or that you are using a bad, easy password. Many useful things that take a lot of work off your hands. A good example of this, and recommended KeePass.