Online security is the talk of the hour. Here’s what you must know to stay safe.
What is the Meaning of Online Security?
Online security is the fundamental aspect of cybersecurity. Also, It is a set of rules that users must follow and actions that we must take to ensure that privacy and user data are uncompromised.
Internet security can be as simple as installing antivirus software to safeguard your device against malware and viruses or as complex as systems to prevent credit card theft.
What are the Biggest Threats to Online Security?
- Malicious websites – Several websites are hurtful and inappropriate for use. Users, especially employees, visiting such websites while on a corporate network might be infected with malware. Or their credentials might get compromised.
- Phishing – Phishing emails are one of the leading mechanisms for delivering malware and the most common form of social engineering used to steal user data. This attack vector is effective because it targets the individual behind the computer, attempting to coerce or trick them into doing the attacker’s bidding.
- Attackers might embed malware in compromised or malicious sites, attach it to an email, etc. If malware gains access to your device, it can steal or encrypt data, hijack the infected system, impair system functionality, or take other hurtful actions.
- Pharming – Cybercriminals are using pharming to increase their odds of tricking online users with phishing sites. Moreover, Pharming does not rely on fake messages like phishing. Cyber attackers attempt to redirect the requests of user connections to malicious sites directly. They use DNS cache poisoning to take control of the user’s browser’s URL address bar. Therefore, even if you enter the correct IP address or email address of the site you wish to access, you will be automatically redirected to a phishing website.
- Man-in-the-Middle attacks – MTM or Man-in-the-Middle attacks involve cyber attackers altering or intercepting communications between two parties. For instance, hackers attempt to block the communications between a website and your device. The attacker may intercept and change the connection requests to suit their needs. They may even forward it to the website and block its response. The attackers will steal valuable information like bank account details, login credentials, credit card information, etc.
Although these threats to your online security and privacy may seem scary, they are preventable, and you can take steps to keep yourself safe on the web. For example, you can turn on the firewall on your device or use antivirus software to keep viruses and malware at bay. Also, make it your habit to change the passwords of your online accounts frequently, and if it gets too challenging to keep track of the passwords, use a password manager. Finally, with these security measures, you can use a VPN service. Read more about this below.
Can You Safeguard Online Security with VPN?
Yes, you can protect yourself online and enhance Internet security with VPN. A virtual private network or VPN is a network host that is secured and confidential behind data encryption and 2FA. In addition, VPNs are virtually accessible so anyone can connect from anywhere.
VPNs create a secure tunnel to send and receive web requests. If attackers successfully intercept these requests, they will see warbled texts that make no sense. Furthermore, VPNs disguise IP addresses so users can anonymously surf the web.
VPNs safeguard online security and privacy by using the following security protocols:
- L2TP ( Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol)
- IPSec or Internet Protocol Security
- PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)
- OpenVPN
- Secure Shell or SSH
- SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security)
What Qualities Must You Expect from a VPN Solution?
- Log encryption
Good VPNs prevent users from leaving a trail, such as a search history, Internet history, and cookies. Encryption of cookies is essential as it stops third parties from viewing sensitive information like financial information, personal details, and other information submitted to the website.
- IP address encryption
VPN’s first and foremost task is to keep IP addresses hidden from ISPs and third parties. Thanks to this, users can send and receive information online without anyone tracing it back to them.
- Kill switch
If the VPN connection suddenly drops, we will not secure your connection anymore. Your information might get exposed because of this, but if there’s a kill switch, the VPN will detect the sudden downtime and quit the preselected programs. Therefore, we will reduce the chances of data compromise.
- MFA or multifactor authentication
A good VPN will verify anyone is trying to log in through different authentications. For example, the system might ask you to enter your password and send a code to your mobile device or email. With MFA enabled, it becomes much harder for third parties and attackers to access your secure connection.
You can start using a VPN by selecting a reliable service provider. While you can find several free VPNs online, we recommend using a paid VPN service because free ones are less reliable and may not offer you the online security you desire.
Do you still have questions? The FAQ below should clear some of your doubts.
VPN FAQs
- Will your Internet connection slow down if you use a VPN?
A speed drop is inevitable when using VPN, but if you use a premium VPN, the speed drop will not be noticeable.
- Is it difficult to set up a VPN?
Not at all. It is simple to install and use a VPN. You can visit the provider’s website or the app store app. Click the install link or button and let the process complete. First, you must sign up or register with your email address and pick a plan and payment method. Then, create a password that you will remember.
After this, log in to your VPN account and connect to a server of your choice to start browsing the web anonymously. You can even set the VPN to auto-connect so that your device will always connect to Wi-Fi networks via VPN.
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