10 Things YOU Must Do To Improve On-line Security

One the one hand, the Internet is making life easier by providing access to information from just about anywhere, but on the other hand access to private information raises serious security concerns.

We could argue forever about who's responsible for ensuring that private information isn't easily accessible by unauthorised people, but ultimately we must be aware that anything we share / publish / post on the Internet can be seen and shared with everyone else on-line; and nothing is secure on the Internet.

We must all play a part in on-line security. It's is a team game. By personally ensuring that we're doing as much as possible to secure ourselves, together we make it harder for the bad guys.

There are many steps and tools you can use to improve your on-line security. To start you off, we've put together this list of our 10 fundamentals...

Your on-line security must-do list:

1. Block Third-party Cookies: Cookies store little bits of information about you for websites that you have been too. Disabling the unnecessary cookies will decrease the chances of others exploiting this information.
2. Use HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure is the secure communication protocol of the Internet, adding a layer of encryption between your computer and websites that you visit.
3. Install HTTPS Everywhere: This web-browser plug-in forces the browser to use the HTTPS protocol instead of the regular HTTP protocol so you don't have to remember.
4. Use Incognito Mode: Also known as Private Browsing, web browsers don't store your browsing history, save files in the browser cache, or save cookies when in this mode. Particularly useful if you are using on-line banking.
5. Check for SSL: When entering sensitive information into forms (such as your credit card details), make sure the webpage is protected by SSL. Look for a green lock in the address bar.
6. Email Carefully: Don't send sensitive information by email. This includes usernames, passwords, credit card details, etc.
7. Encrypt Email: Consider encrypting your email. It may seem like a hassle, but once you and your regular contacts get into the habit it will become second nature.
8. Use Secure Payment Gateways: Don't purchase from eStores that don't use secure, well-known payment gateways.
9. Use Strong Passwords: Always. Test how long it would take to hack your password on How Secure Is My Password.
10. Limit sharing: Don't share or publish information you don't want strangers knowing about you.

Lastly, make sure that your operating system, web-browser and anti-virus software are always up-to-date, and that you are using a firewall.

Join the Conversation - Got another security must-do that you'd like to add to our list? Let us a know on the iASP Central Facebook Page, or Get in Touch.