It’d be nice to think that the online space is a safe place for you to visit. That you can go on the internet while at work, talk to friends over your phone or even play your favorite video games; safe from the harm of online criminals.
Unfortunately, that’s not the digital utopia we live in, as the threat of cybercriminals and hackers is real. As technology advances and more of us move to online services, hackers are upping their game on their quest to steal personal details, install malware, and generally just be the scourge of the internet. But of course, by taking the right steps, you can keep yourself safe from hackers.
Different ways to keep safe
The most obvious thing to do is to be aware of the threats that are out there. Once you know that going on the internet isn’t always the safest, it’ll be second nature when you’re online on what to look out for.
For example, you want to make sure any site you go on is legitimate, so check the navigation bar’s authenticity and a security certificate. You can also lookup reviews about the website if you’re still unsure.
Another thing is to avoid any spam type emails, banner ads, and websites as this is where hackers will try to get you to install some malware onto your device. If it looks too good to be true, then often it is.
You might also install some extra security on your devices. Anti-virus software, pop-up blockers – there are loads of free and paid versions available. Some of these are good for removing any viruses, but too much software can slow down your system.
We’ve found that the best way to stop things in their tracks is by using a VPN, as it prevents anything bad from happening right from the start.
How do you use a VPN? What does it do?
It’s easy. Really easy, in fact. You can download a VPN straight away onto your device, with most licenses covering up to seven devices at a time. Once you’ve done this, you open it up, select a different server, and then hit go.
The way it works is that a VPN masks your IP address. Instead of heading online and your IP address being your original location, you select a different one via the VPN.
It could be a server in a different region in the US or another country – you simply select it, and off you go. You’ll notice it straight away, for example, as the websites you visit will have that country code. More importantly, though, this will keep you safe from hackers.
Using an expert VPN like CyberGhost VPN, not only will it hide your IP address from hackers, but it boasts AES 256-bit encryption. That’s a military-grade level. Hackers won’t be able to break into it, so it adds another level of security against cybercrime.
It also gives you complete anonymity when you’re online as by hiding your IP address, no law enforcement agencies, companies, or your internet service provider will be able to trace you.
That means there are no restrictions on websites you go to, whether it’s your provider stopping you or a geo-restriction from a streaming site. You can bypass it all, get the content you want, and browse away in complete online freedom.
Works on multiple devices
We understand that you’re not just limited to your computer these days. The majority of people use a smartphone, tablet, or the latest laptop to access the internet. The good news is that a VPN works on loads of devices, so you can add it to all of them.
You can use a nifty app on your cellphone that just requires you to turn it off and on whenever you want to activate it. This is particularly good if you want to hop on to some public wi-fi but are concerned about the risks of using it.
You can even get a VPN router if you want, to protect all your connected devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles (though you can also get VPNs for them, too!). This way, your internet use at home is protected by the VPN at all times.
There will always be hackers out there; it’s just the way the world works, unfortunately. But by taking the right steps, you can ensure they never get hold of your personal information, especially when you use a VPN. It’s just one piece of software that can be used on all your devices that lets you leave the hackers puzzled.
