Today, important industries like education, healthcare, business, and even sports are digitizing. In addition to this, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok have millions of followers and users. All this is possible because of greater access to the internet with services like Spectrum internet deals. However, this also means a greater threat to privacy and data. Today, a large number of internet users have noticed an increase in covert tracking by companies, websites, and applications. But you don’t have to put up with this. Here’s how you can minimize the threat of tracking on your computer.
Use Encrypted Apps
When you’re browsing or working on your computer, it’s important to ensure that you only use apps that are encrypted. This makes it harder for external parties to track your information. Moreover, it converts your data into a format that isn’t readable by other people. As a result, your safety and privacy are guaranteed.
However, you need to first make sure you are aware of the app’s policies, especially in the context of tracking. Recently, WhatsApp came under fire for problematic privacy policies that posed a threat to user data and security. As a result, a large number of people shifted to alternatives like Signal. This app guarantees users of their privacy and safety. In fact, it is modelled around the concept of an open policy. This means that users can see how the app operates and if it uses user data or not.
Steer Clear of Shady Websites
For many people, a significant chunk of their time is spent online. In this context, it’s not unusual for them to visit a large number of sites, either for research or entertainment. However, it’s important to be careful about the sites you visit. This is because many exist just to steal data and personal information. In addition to this, there’s also a good chance that your computer could be attacked by malware, viruses, or hackers. This could lead to greater tracking, possibly without your permission.
As a result, it’s always essential to use only websites that are verified and authentic. Such sites will never ask you for personal details unless you’re making a transaction or creating an account. Moreover, most platforms also ask your permission before using cookies for data collection and information processing. Unknown, shady websites will just directly steal whatever they can get their hands on.
Don’t Download Content from Unofficial Links
It’s also important for you to avoid downloading content from unofficial links. These links could track your online and offline activities and steal data and personal information. A large number of people use shady websites to download music, videos, and images. This is one of the easiest ways of getting attacked by malware.
In addition to this, it’s getting harder to distinguish between what’s authentic and what’s pirated. As a result, several internet users are likely to fall into this trap. Once they download such links, they get redirected to different websites. Following this, their computers and systems can become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Apart from this, it also becomes easier for external parties to gauge your online and offline activities through tracking.
Use Strong Passwords
When you’re using the internet, it’s important to make use of strong passwords. This reduced your chances of getting tracked or being surveilled by unlawful means. When you password-protect your online profiles and your computer, it’s harder to extract your personal data and information.
However, it’s not just enough to use passwords. You must employ strong passwords that have special characters, upper and lower case letters, and numbers. In addition to this, make sure that you don’t use personal information like your name, house number, or your home city as your password. This makes it easier to guess and puts you at greater risk. A large number of cybersecurity experts are now recommending two-factor authentication. Through this, you can ensure greater security and protection.
Download Anti-Virus Software
This method is one of the most basic ways of ensuring security. Anti-virus applications help you steer clear of any unlawful tracking or malicious activity. In addition to this, it can also help you with malware, hackers, and viruses. This means that you can browse the internet with ease and convenience. Here are some of the top-rated anti-virus applications today.
- Total Security
- AntiVirus Plus
- Trend Micro.
- Vipre Ultimate Security
- McAfee Total Protection
- Webroot Secure Anywhere
