5 Things You Do That Make You Vulnerable Online

featured image

There are many common things you do online that can put you at risk. As far as your online security is concerned, there are many things that make you vulnerable on the internet.

Find out what are 5 activities you do, without a second thought, that make you vulnerable online:

1) Using Public Wi-Fi Networks

public wifi

[Image Credits: pcworld.com]

Using a public Wi-Fi network, particularly in crowded places, like an airport or a coffee shop, can put you at a risk.

How so?

When you are connecting your device to a free Wi-Fi network at a place, for example, a hotel, there is a possibility that you could be connecting to a fake wireless network which is designed only to steal your password or other important information when you login.

In situations where you have to use a public network, learn to do it over a Virtual Private Network. VPNs will provide security to keep your valuable information safe by encrypting your data and providing security of the wireless network over that public connection.

2) Using The Same Password For Many Services


[Image Credits: news.softpedia.com]

I strongly recommend that you use different passwords for each service you use. Especially when it is about email and banking information, make sure that you have selected a unique and secure password which is difficult for others to crack.

Using a password management software is a smart way to remember less passwords. A password management software can create and remember unique passwords, which is very useful.

3) Filling Out Online Forms

You should always be careful about providing your information to third party websites online, especially when filling out forms. Numerous websites gather data about users’ online activities and sell that information, often without permission.

Don’t provide information like your physical address, phone number, or email address, etc., to websites unless you trust them.

4) Blindly Accepting Privacy Policies

Many websites force us to accept their privacy policy before using their services.

It is necessary, especially if you want to use many services online.

However, those policies are usually quite long. But it is wise if you spare a moment to carefully read the privacy policy and understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

5) Sharing Photos On Social Media

social media

[Image Credits: wersm.com]

You probably share photos on social media every day. However, you may not know that your cell phone might be geotagging your photos which allows others to pinpoint your location, telling them the exact location where you captured those photos.

An easy fix to this issue is to disable the geotagging feature on your phone.

If you want to keep the geotagging feature enabled, make sure to remove the location tag from a photo before sharing it online, especially if the photo was captured at a sensitive spot.

Are you better at keeping safe online? Share this with people you care about!

Share this post

Zara Kettler

I am a freelance web/graphic designer looking for a lifestyle beyond the 9 to 5 desk job. In pursuit of my freedom, I found a passion in writing and hope to bring helpful insights on related topics to my readers on WealthMastery.sg.

No comments

Add yours