The internet has brought a revolution in the way we conduct our everyday tasks, but it is not without risks.
These risks result from visiting malicious websites or inadvertently disclosing personal information. Risks associated with visiting criminal, malicious, or inappropriate websites include viruses and spyware, phishing, fraud, copyright infringement, and exposure to inappropriate content.
To use the internet safely, one should be wary of such websites, trust instincts and common sense, look for genuine contact details, and check for subtle misspellings.
Websites with no secure link should be avoided, and it is better to be cautious of websites that require more personal information than usual. Before entering personal information on a website, one should check for a padlock symbol in the browser window frame, and the web address should begin with "https://" to ensure secure communication.
Cookies can be a source of fraud or used to build a profile of browsing habits. It is advised to set the browser to warn against cookies, enable and disable cookies on a site-by-site basis, use an anti-spyware program, and use plain text email displays. Browsers can be used safely by allowing and blocking selected websites, blocking pop-ups, and disabling cookies.
For more in-depth information on this 'Safer Internet Use', please refer to the original source of the article from Get Safe Online which is the UK’s leading internet safety website.
