Top 5 measures for safe surfing

The invention of the internet changed the world. Suddenly it was possible to contact people around the world without wasting time, chatting with them, sending them e-mails or sending documents to them. However, the question of data security soon arose and it became clear that measures were needed to ensure secure surfing. A lot has happened in this area and in this article we present the 5 top measures for safe surfing.

VPN as a fast and secure internet connection

The use of VPN connections has proven to be a particularly secure measure for secure surfing. VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" and is characterized above all by the fact that as little information as possible about the user is stored by the respective provider. The less data is stored, the less data can get into the hands of hackers or authorities. There are particularly secure providers based in Switzerland or other countries with strict data protection laws.

For example, they offer the so-called "no-log policy". This means that they completely refrain from storing any information regarding their customers' Internet usage. The company saves your connection logs (connection data), but these are deleted the next time you log in by overwriting them with the new data. No data is stored about the duration of your connection or your location . Your IP address is also not visible. Functions such as the kill switch (prevents your unencrypted data from being sent if the VPN connection is interrupted) and the automatic server change also increase security when surfing.

The 2-factor authentication for accounts

Imagine you have your own account with a large company like Apple, Google or Facebook, which you use to surf the Internet. Unfortunately, hacker attacks on such accounts occur again and again, and personal data also fall into the wrong hands. Numerous companies have therefore developed particularly secure access methods, such as multi-level account authentication , which protect user accounts from hackers and unauthorized use. With such authentication, you can log in via your smartphone via SMS or via your e-mail address. The second option is to use a special authentication app.

Regular browser updates increase security

The more open doors or windows a house has, the easier it is made for burglars. The same applies to security gaps in computer systems. The more of them there are, the easier it is for hackers to break in and steal data. To counteract this, there are updates from the manufacturers and/or providers. To ensure that you are safe when surfing, it makes sense to regularly carry out the browser updates provided by your provider. Not only do you benefit from the latest functions, but you also ensure a higher level of security through error corrections and system corrections. Check regularly whether a so-called security update is available. As a rule, your computer will automatically show you one or point this out in the area of ​​the control panel or in the app store used.

HTTPS protocol for greater data security

As soon as you call up a website on the Internet, your browser and the so-called web server (i.e. the server via which the website called up is published) exchange data with each other. A protocol called HTTP is typically used for this. The disadvantage is that this protocol is not encrypted. In contrast, when using HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure), information is secured by encryption. In order for your computer to only use the HTTPS protocol in the future, you need to purchase special browser extensions. Such programs are available free of charge or for a fee. A free program would be "HTTPS Everywhere" from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Please note, however,

The SSL encryption

Efficient encryption is required to turn an http protocol into an HTTPS protocol. This is called SSL (Secure Socket Layer). It was developed by the Netscape Communications Corporation, which also developed the subsequent encryption TLS (Transport Layer Security). Both are certificates that testify that there is a secure connection between client-server and web server. The fact that HTTPS and SSL/TLS are closely related has led to the fact that such an encrypted connection is usually referred to as HTTP via SSL/TLS.

Due to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which has been in force since 2018, it is mandatory for websites that use personal user data (e.g. through the use of order or contact forms) to use SSL encryption.

More tips for safe surfing on the Internet

In addition to the five measures mentioned for safe surfing, there are other methods of securing your data and protecting information against misuse.

Short URLs , for example, are a gateway for criminals. If you discover such shortened links, you must expect that you will be redirected to legally questionable or even dangerous websites when you click on them. The free website "CheckShortURL" offers one possibility for checking. Just enter the short URL there. You will then be shown the "correct, i.e. unabridged" link.

The so-called private mode can also protect you from misuse of your data. You can find such a mode in almost all modern browsers. If you activate it and look something up on someone else's PC or log into one of your accounts, the computer does not remember the websites you have visited or the registrations you have made, but "forgets" them. This is true even if you end up forgetting to log out.

You should also not neglect the router security. As with the browser, you should always bring the router up to date and update it regularly. Such updates usually take place automatically, so you really don't have to worry about it. Nevertheless, check from time to time whether you have the latest version. In addition, it makes sense to secure online access to your router with a password.

One of the basic security rules is that no data is passed from your end. Always be economical in giving out personal information. In this way you effectively prevent your information from circulating on the Internet and getting into the hands of people who misuse it to your detriment. You will find valuable information on the subject of data security on the Internet .