How to Practice Safe Web Browsing

The Internet is an essential tool for business. A vast range of sectors and industries, job roles, work, and business practices rely on the web. This could be as part of an online sales operation, researching, monitoring competition, searching for suppliers, or simply upkeeping the business’s social media accounts. Throw in using email and other online business applications, and you begin to realize how much everyday operations rely on the Internet.

All of this web time means two things. First, you need a good and reliable web connection to keep business running smoothly. And second, and perhaps even more importantly, you must ensure that safe web browsing practices are always employed. With the increasing threat of malware, data breaches, online scams, and increasing privacy regulation, you need to make sure that everyone in your organization is browsing the web safely.

The best way to do this is by providing comprehensive and ongoing security awareness training, which will provide information on how to browse the web safely. This includes:

Keep Browsers Updated

Browser companies are constantly updating their programs to fix any vulnerabilities they may have spotted or have already been exploited. Unfortunately, cybrattackers are always trying to find weak links in the chain, and if your browser is not regularly updated, you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. Some major browsers, like Chrome or Firefox, offer automatic updates, but you still need to make sure this is switched on and working as it should.

Always Make Sure the Site Is Safe

Not all websites are safe and secure. For example, if you encounter a message saying ‘Your connection is not private,’ then this, perhaps predictably, is not a good sign. This happens when your browser can’t identify the SSL certificate, which proves that any interaction between a website and a user is encrypted and therefore protected. Always look for the ‘https’ at the beginning of a webpage address, and the padlock in front of the URL. If it’s not there, best to stay away.

Use a Secure Connection

Almost a quarter of all global WiFi hotspots do not have any encryption in place, making it very easy for cyberattackers to launch an attack. Scammers have even been known to build a clone network, which gives them easy access to any data stored on a device. Within the workplace, a connection will generally be secure and encrypted. Still, with the increase in remote work, staff must know the risks of using a public connection for business purposes.

Use Anti-virus Software

No matter how careful you are, sometimes errors happen, or scammers find new ways to find a way into accounts. Installing anti-virus software on your devices can help to cover your back when this happens. Anti-virus software uses security features such as firewalls, spyware, and identity protection to help prevent breaches.

Use a VPN

A virtual proxy network, or VPN, can help maintain security by encrypting data before it is sent to the website, meaning no one can track your online activity. VPNs are not always popular as they tend to slow down Internet speed because of the extra layer of security protocols, but it may very well be worth the wait.