4 common mistakes to avoid while using the internet
As one browses the internet, more information and opportunities will be available to them. An exhaustive list of the things someone can do online is impossible to make, as it will be limitless. In a way, the internet is the most visited destination on earth. Unfortunately, it is also a place one can get into trouble easily. Here are some common mistakes made by internet users while using the web.
Using public Wi-Fi without protection
Many libraries, coffee shops, railway stations, and airports offer free Wi-Fi to people there. While convenient, public Wi-Fi usage can be dangerous too. Such networks are usually unsecured and unprotected from hackers and other cybercriminals. Such individuals can use some nifty tricks, coupled with hidden software and hardware, to get the IP address of any Wi-Fi user. This enables them to read the internet traffic of such vulnerable users.
To avoid this, one can sign up for a personal VPN account while using the internet through a public Wi-Fi network. The VPN acts as a “security tunnel” for users while they browse the web on their devices.
Believing in internet luck
At some point, netizens have received lottery-winning tickets or bumper prizes that include millions of dollars, sports cars, or penthouses seemingly out of nothing on email or private messenger apps. Such instances of unexpected windfall require users to provide their card details and other personal, sensitive information to “unlock their prize.” As one can expect, such offers are mostly bait. Unsuspecting users who give up their information in reply to such emails or messages leave themselves vulnerable to cyber threats such as viruses and malware or, even worse, losing all their money to online fraudsters.
Needless to say, one must delete and report such emails and messages immediately without thinking twice about them.
Sharing too much on social media
Social media sites have an element of addiction to them. Such sites indirectly implore users to share as much of their life as possible. Peer pressure and the desperation to be seen, admired, and emulated by others are the main reasons why many tend to share even the mundane aspects (eating, sleeping, walking their pets) of their everyday lives online.
Oversharing is risky as nobody knows how people who can see one’s photos and videos will abuse them in the present or distant future. To counter this, social media users should not put themselves on full display for their online followers.
Using the same password for multiple accounts
One must use different passwords for different accounts. This is necessary because if internet users use the same password for their social media handles, email accounts, and online banking accounts, they might risk losing their data and money. If hackers are able to steal this password, they can easily access their way into all the accounts.
Using identical passwords for multiple key accounts is one of the most common mistakes made by internet users globally.
