5 Ways To Improve Internet Security | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

5 Ways To Improve Internet Security

3. Password management

114
5 Ways To Improve Internet Security
Pixabay

Internet security: something that just about everyone is taught in some way or form before becoming a part of the ever complicated and complex digital world. As the internet continues to expand and as new technologies and systems are developed, both new benefits and dangers are created simultaneously. In this modern era, hacking and data breaches seem to be quite commonplace.

The recent Facebook scandal (where it was revealed that Facebook has been collecting data from its users and has been then selling the information to companies and other large corporations) has caused many to worry-- myself included. So, you may be asking, "what are some ways in which I can prevent hackers/malicious software from infecting and tapping into my personal digitized information?" Well, you've come to the right article. These are some ways in which you can dramatically improve your internet security:

1. Enable HTTPS

HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. Enabling HTTPS is a must. Having HTTPS will have one fantastic benefit: it will secure your connection between your browser and the website that you are trying to access. It will encrypt all communications. If you are running on the basic HTTP, then a hacker can easily hack into your connection and read all the information that you are also reading on your screen. This is especially dangerous when dealing with very personal information, such as online banking and taxes.

With HTTPS, a hacker still has the capability to hack into your connection; however, the hacker will not be able to decrypt any of the information that you are seeing on the website because it is encrypted. Simply searching for a HTTPS plugin and downloading it will be enough to secure your connection. For more information, you can read up here .

2. Enable an Adblock plugin

Are you tired of those pesky ads that seem to invade your screen at every turn? I know I was... until I downloaded an Adblock plugin. An Adblock plugin will quite simply block unwanted and obtrusive ads on all platforms, including YouTube and Facebook. However, you can always manage this plugin if you actually want to view certain ads that you deem unobtrusive. I recommend going to the Chrome Store and downloading this one because it will seriously save you a headache. For more information, you can read up here .

3. Password management

Passwords: the easiest yet most neglected part of internet security. Passwords act as the keys to our private information. This information is password protected because it either contains personal information or is simply something that you don't want others to have easy access to. So, why would you create easy passwords?

My best advice on this one: don't ever share passwords, don't create passwords under 10 characters, use a complex variation of capital letters/lowercase letters/numbers/other assorted characters, and finally, don't have the passwords be too straightforward or somehow relate to you (i.e. your last name followed by your date of birth). Those more tech-savvy create databases that store all the complex passwords to their accounts and have one huge master passcode (32+ characters long) to access said database. For more information on that, click here .

4. Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication is a relatively new and easy way to secure your social media and other personal accounts. Enabling Two-Factor will require you to connect your phone and number to your account. Two-Factor Authentication will help secure your accounts because the system will send a code directly to your phone in the form of a SMS text message, and it will require you to enter said code directly after entering your typical password.

So, it acts as a dual system: first the password, and then, the code on your phone-- then you're in! Most apps and online websites have this feature, and it can usually be found in the settings under security. For more information, visit here .

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)


Setting up a Virtual Private Network or VPN for short is arguably one of the best ways to secure your information from hackers, websites, businesses, etc. It makes you essentially untraceable-- even your internet provider cannot track your IP address. The VPN basically allows you to access a private network in which data shared within it becomes untraceable. It activates an impenetrable encrypted tunnel around your sensitive information as it transits from one place to the other.

Using a VPN is particularly useful when trying to connect to free wifi that doesn't require a password (not encrypted). Also, those who are or are planning to study abroad-- a VPN is a must in some countries such as China because the government blocks many websites on the internet. A VPN would be able to bypass that censorship. For more information, you can read up here .

Well, that completes my list of the top five best ways in which you can protect yourself online. This, of course, serves as a beginner's guide to internet security and further measures could always be taken to enhance it. Internet security is important, and it should not be taken lightly. I hope, if anything, I highlighted the importance of staying secure and safe on the internet. Please considering sharing this with your friends and family who may also want to learn more about internet security!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181732
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8578
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453440
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23883
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments