Summary

Discovering the web is fun, but safety always comes first.

To mitigate these risks, follow these simple guidelines to ensure your browsing experience remains safe and worry-free.

Use a Safe web client

Choosing asafe and secure browseris the first step to staying safe online.

Person using a web browser on the Google Pixel 8 Pro

Justin Duino / How-To Geek

Also, they regularly receive security updates that fix known vulnerabilities.

Do not choose the ads!

Granting this permission to a suspicious website allows scammers to send you bothersome and potentially harmful surfing app notifications.

payoneer login page in search ads

They are controlled by the scammers operating these malicious websites.

Even an unintentional press these notifications is a risk, and could lead to your gadget being compromised.

Hence, when faced with such pop-ups on a website,block them altogether.

Blocking a notification from a website on microsoft edge

Also, avoid storing sensitive data such as social security numbers, PINs, and private addresses.

Usingpassword managersor other data management extensions can be helpful, but they are not foolproof.

Scan the Links Before You Download

Always use official sources when downloading files.

VirusTotal showing the tested URL as clean with no viruses

That way, you’re able to protect your gadget from malware associated with third-party sites.

In cases where unofficial sources are unavoidable,scan the link with tools like VirusTotalas an extra precaution first.

This tool checks the link for possible viruses that can help you determine if it is safe to download.

ExpandURL tool expanding a shortened URL

Press Enter and the tool will scan the link for you.

If no red flags are found, it’s likely safe to proceed with the download.

However, if the file is flagged as malicious, consider using a different, more secure source.

Google Chrome update in progress

No antivirus software is perfect.

Expand the Links Before You Visit Them

The online landscape is saturated with shortened URLs.

These links lack transparency, concealing information about file content, source origin, and destination.

Microsoft edge saying that the browser is up-to-date

Therefore, before clicking, use a link-expanding tool, such asExpandURL, to unveil the full URL.

Refrain from clicking on links leading to suspicious sourcesor if the expanded link comes off as aphishinglink.

Also, avoid visiting such websites in the future.

This acts as an extra layer of protection that ensures your personal data remains confidential and secure.

9. modernize your internet tool Regularly

Cybercriminals often target outdated browsers with known vulnerabilities.

Browsers regularly release updates that guard against known security flaws, prevent malicious exploits, and improve browsing safety.

So, ensure toupdate your web app regularly.