Security advice based on knowledge and understanding that should really be common.
What to do:
Purchase anti-virus and anti-malware application for your devices. If the PC is provided by your employer, do not delete or disable the security software.
Why do it?
Even if you are careful online, you may accidentally click on a link that tries to infect your device. Antivirus and anti-malware adds a layer of security to your overall cyber-security stance.
As of June 2018, PC Magazine UK rates McAfee as the best antivirus and anti-malware protection.
What to do:
Use Private or Incognito mode on your browser, AND use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.
Why do it?
In Private or Incognito mode, your browser won’t save your browsing history, site data and cookies. It also won’t save the data you entered in online forms. Other people using the same device (if you were using a shared PC) won’t see your activity. However, this activity will still be visible to the websites you visit, and your internet service provider.
A VPN on the other hand provides end-to-end encryption of your activity and data. Your ISP (or that dodgy WiFi you have connected to at the cafe) won’t be able to see your traffic. Sure the website you interact with will still see your data but depending on the “exit server” you choose, it could think you’re in Frankfurt, Germany when you’re in fact in a coffee shop in Shanghai, China.
Many people use VPN to gain access to internet services such as email or video streaming services that are normally blocked or restricted locally.
Do a bit of research and choose a service you trust, and has the features and speed capability you need. Paid is better than free.
What to do:
Make sure the URL is encrypted. Look for the “HTTPS”
Why do it?
A website starting with https (like this one) encrypts the data between you and the website, so that no one can eavesdrop or tamper with the data flow. If a website does not start with https, do not give them confidential info (name, address, card details, etc).
Know which links are safe and which are not – hover over a link to discover where it directs to.