The number one priority in surfing the web and using the Internet in your business and personal life is to make sure that your security is not compromised. Ensuring that you have the right AntiVirus and AntiMalware along with other security products, such as Backup, is as important to keeping your daily life safe as locking the door to your home or place of work.
Even with good security software, it is still important to practice good safety habits when using the Internet. One way is to be careful when clicking on links, even if they appear in an email sent from someone you know. Emails, Facebook posts and instant messages can all contain unsafe links. A February 2012 article in PC Magazine provided good tips on recognizing unsafe links.
- If you hover over the link, you should see the whole URL in the lower corner of your browser.
- Use a link scanner, a website or plug-in that allows you to check a suspicious link for safety. There are many out there, such as URLVoid. Other products, such as Securi, check for shortened URLs, like those created for twitter.
The same tips apply to your mobile phone.
- As with your computer, don’t open suspicious emails.
- Use a mobile AntiVirus app.
- Make sure a link has the URL that begins with https://
- Keep all of your applications up to date.
For your business, make sure to also seek the advice of your IT team or IT provider in establishing a good IT security process. Happy surfing, and feel free to contact us for more information.
