5 Best Security Tools for Safe Browsing

Malware attacks are one of the fastest growing threats today. You need to take special precautions when browsing the web. Invest in a good antivirus. Some internet providers add security software as part of their bundles or promotions. Try to find out if bundles, like Cox Internet packages, offer any extra security plans for you.

Every day, unfortunate users fall victim to hackers. They have their documents, files and all other sensitive information held for ransom. It has become essential to take measures to protect yourself from malicious attacks. Luckily, there are many security tools available to help you with it.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from attacks.

5 Tools You Can Use For Safe Browsing and Protecting Your Documents

While these tools can help, you should know that hacking programs are always evolving. If hackers can break through Apple’s security protocols, they can also find a way to break through yours. You should try to keep yourself as secure as possible. Keep your devices and security protocols updated. Perform regular security checks and remove threats immediately.

You can take many precautions to boost security. Try to avoid public hotspots and spam email attachments. For now, let’s focus on some tools you can use to improve your online security:

1. Trusted Antivirus, Anti-Malware, and Anti-Spyware
2. Privacy Enforcers
3. Password Managers and Two-Factor Authentication
4. Account Breach Detectors
5. Content Blockers

#1. Trusted Antivirus, Anti-Malware, and Anti-Spyware

A good antivirus should be the first on your list of tools to secure yourself. Most retailers add antivirus software, free of charge. Remember to renew the annual subscription, or go for an alternative you trust.

In general, antivirus software is bundled with anti-malware and anti-spyware. Anti-malware keeps your system free of malicious malware. Anti-spyware usually works as a browser plug-in. It scans for scripts and cookies, which track your browsing activity. Check to make sure your antivirus comes with these extra features. If not, try to get them separately.

#2. Privacy Enforcers

There are companies, which collect user information based on browsing data. Businesses use this information about their target market and make decisions accordingly. While this practice benefits us, it is also an invasion of privacy. To prevent data collection agencies to track our usage, it is best to use privacy tools like:

• Encrypted Browsers: are specialized web browsers, like Tor or Comodo. They encrypt your traffic and make it difficult for companies to track your activity.
• HTTPS Browser Tool: encrypts your communication with websites. You will find that payment pages use HTTPS since it is more secure than the regular HTTP encryption. Tools, like HTTPS Everywhere, are active on some encrypted browsers, like Tor. They are also available as a browser extension for your regular browser.
• Secure Search Engines: like DuckDuckGo, don’t track your activity. Unlike Google, other search engines don’t collect your personal information.

#3. Password Managers and Two-Factor Authentication

Passwords are your first main line of defense against attacks. It is important to have a difficult password and to change it regularly. Try to keep different passwords for different accounts. To manage all these passwords, it is convenient to use Password Managers. They keep your passwords and login credentials encrypted and safe. There are many password management solutions available.

If having one password is good, having two is better. Two-Factor Authentication adds another layer of security. To prove your identity, some sites send you a one-time-use code or One-Time Password (OTP). Many password managers have this feature built-in. If yours does not, try to get one separately.

#4. Account Breach Detectors

It is common these days for major companies to report data breaches. These data breaches result in loss or duplication of consumer data. This puts our security at high risk. There are tools available, like Have I Been Pwned? which can help. The website will ask you to type in your email address. It will then report if your personal information is compromised by any major data breach.

Another good tool to check if your account security is compromised is BreachAlarm. You can anonymously check if your password has been posted online. The service also acts as a watchdog. It sends notifications in case a future data breach affects your login credentials.

#5. Content Blockers

Most of us don’t like when ads appear out of nowhere and block our screens. It is understandable why businesses need to be so aggressive. However, riskier websites have ads, which may infect your computer with malware. Using content blockers like uBlock, can allow you to browse without having to worry.

Since some websites rely on ad revenue, you have the option to support them. You can donate to the websites you use frequently, or you can unblock certain websites. This way you can enjoy safe browsing and support your favorite websites.

These are basic tips you can use to browse safely. It is important to note that there are some drawbacks to safer browsing. Since browsers are not going to track data, like your location, your searches might not provide the same results as google. If you search for something like Cox near me, you won’t actually get the results you’re looking for. You will have to be more specific with your search criteria.