Maintaining security on the Internet is no easy task in the face of malware, software vulnerabilities, breach of service and data leakage, fake content, disinformation campaigns, as well as all kinds of attacks with Ransomware and Phishing as its best known examples. There has been an exponential growth of devices connected to the global network, from mobility to home automation, smart cars and even IoT devices. We must also consider the pandemic and the migration of millions of people from professional to home networks.

Security for the Internet must be improved

All of the above requires a proactive behavior and a lot of common sense from the user , understanding that virtual life must be protected today just as much as physical life and that domestic tasks have been dangerously mixed with professional ones. Although it is impossible to guarantee 100% security and privacy on a global network, we can try to do so by taking the measures we are going to mention which include strengthening online accounts, applications, equipment used to run them, and taking the proper precautions when using the Internet and its services.

1.Install the latest version of your operating system and applications

Updates for the Windows operating system are provided via Windows Update, along with security patches for known threats. Automatic updates mean you don’t have to check online for updates, and you won’t have to worry about Windows critical fixes or device drivers missing.

Updates to installed applications, which usually contain security patches, are as important, if not more so, than the above. The risk of cyberattacks is greater when the versions are older and vulnerable in the program, with special emphasis on some widely used programs such as Java, Adobe Flash or Reader.

2. Make sure you use antivirus security solutions

Windows Defender is a native security solution from Microsoft, and its use is mandatory as the basic security solution for Windows users, although various specialized providers offer a variety of security solutions, many of them free, that we can make use of. Users with advanced or professional skills are recommended to use a comprehensive software security suite, which includes a firewall and specialized tools against ransomware, phishing attacks, spyware and adware.

3. Ensure browser security

Because they are the applications we use to access the Internet and its services, web browsers come with advanced security features that must be examined and configured. We should pay attention to warnings about insecure sites in addition to securing end-to-end encryption during synchronization and sandboxing .

Extensions should also be reviewed since they can introduce malware. An interesting possibility is to use a guest session in which everything, including a user’s settings or history, is completely separated from their original profile. Last but not least, explain how using  incognito mode increases privacy by preventing tracking through cookies, open user sessions, and other means.

4. Make sure you manage passwords properly

Other Internet security golden rules  are to use a strong and unique password for each website. There is no doubt that passwords are a less than pealing method for users, but they are the standard authentication method for accessing Internet services, applications, games, and all kind of machines.

When a data breach occurs, using different passwords for various accounts prevents having them all compromised at once. Strong passwords prevent brute force attacks. It is important to follow a set of rules when creating passwords and value using password managers, which take care of the work for us, reduce the chances of human error and automate the creation and management of passwords.

5. Examine how encryption is used

In addition to the standard editions of Windows 10 and 11, BitLocker Drive Encryption is also available in the Professional and Enterprise editions. BitLocker allows you to encrypt or scramble the data on your computer to keep it safe from theft or unintentional exposure when your equipment is lost, stolen, or inappropriately removed, thereby improving online security. In addition to operating system drives, permanent data drives, and removable data drives can be enabled with BitLocker. We should evaluate the use of third-party solutions that are as good or better.

6. Important accounts should be protected with a hardware security key

It pays to use a hardware security mechanism for vital accounts, especially in business and professional settings. A pen drive is generally a removable storage device with a highly secure encryption engine that connects to a USB port. In contrast with software solutions, the entire process is carried out within the hardware, greatly increasing overall security.