Basic online safety guide for safe browsing

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Today we spend a huge part of our lives connected, and many people still rely on luck when it comes to protecting themselves online. Basic online security It's not optional: it's a daily necessity. if we don't want our personal photos, bank details, or even our reputation to be leaked.

Furthermore, The boundary between the digital and physical worlds is becoming increasingly blurred.Mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, voice assistant speakers, IP cameras, home office computers… Everything is connected. Knowing the most common risks and applying a few clear rules makes all the difference between browsing with peace of mind and living in fear of becoming the victim of the next big cyberattack.

What is internet security and why does it affect you?

When we talk about internet security, we are referring to the set of measures and habits that protect the activities you perform online, your devices, and your personal dataIt is a specific piece within the cybersecurity and computer securitybut focused on everything that happens when you connect: browsing, email, social networks, shopping, online banking, etc.

The threats are many and varied. Among the most frequent are the malwareIdentity theft and hacking of accounts or equipmentMalware includes viruses, Trojans, worms, ransomware, and any malicious software designed to damage your system or steal information. Identity theft exploits personal data such as your name, ID number, date of birth, or credentials to impersonate you, open accounts, apply for loans, or empty your credit card.

There are also attacks that seek remotely control your computer and add it to a zombie computer networkThis is known as a botnet. These networks are used to launch massive attacks (such as DDoS attacks that take down websites), send spam, or commit large-scale fraud. The problem is that the computer owner often doesn't even realize their device is collaborating with the attackers.

The explosion of connected devices has skyrocketed the risks. Remote work, online banking, shopping, and leisure are all mixed together on the same devices and home networks.Therefore, a silly mistake (a click where it shouldn't be, a dubious download, a weak password) can open the door wide to an attacker.

Common online threats you should know about

To defend yourself well, you need to know what's in front of you. The most common threats almost always rely on deceiving the victim or exploiting unpatched security flaws.Let's look at the main ones.

Phishing This scam involves emails, SMS messages, or other text messages that impersonate banks, messaging services, social media platforms, or even people you know. The goal is to trick you into clicking a link or downloading an attachment in order to steal your credentials or install malware. The messages often create a sense of urgency: a package being held, a suspicious login attempt, a supposed outstanding bill, etc.

La piracy and unauthorized remote access It exploits vulnerabilities in systems, applications, or protocols such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Since remote work has become widespread, many companies and users have left remote connections exposed with weak passwords or misconfigurations, giving attackers a perfect opportunity.

Within malware, it is important to distinguish between ransomwarewhich encrypts your files or locks your computer and demands a ransom, and the malvertising Malvertising, or the practice of injecting malicious code into seemingly normal advertisements, can lead to you being redirected to dangerous pages or having malware installed. Simply visiting a website with a compromised ad or clicking on it can result in you being redirected to dangerous pages or having malware installed.

The botnets These are networks of infected devices controlled by an attacker. They can use your computer to send spam, participate in DDoS attacks, commit fraud, or help infect others. Simply opening a malicious attachment or visiting an infected website is enough to unknowingly become part of one of these networks.

Public Wi-Fi, home networks and VPNs: the invisible battlefield

Wi-Fi networks They are one of the most sensitive points. Public networks of cafes, airports or hotels usually have minimal or no security.This allows attackers to spy on traffic, capture passwords, or set up trap networks with names very similar to legitimate ones.

Among the most common techniques are the packet analysisThis includes intercepting unencrypted data in transit, or man-in-the-middle attacks, where the attacker positions themselves between you and the access point to view and modify what you send and receive. Fake Wi-Fi networks, advertised as free but simply used to collect information, are also common.

In this context, a VPN (red privacy virtual) It has become a basic ally of basic online securityA VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, so that neither onlookers on the network nor attackers on public Wi-Fi can see what you're doing. It's especially recommended when accessing sensitive services from networks you don't control.

Regarding the home router, it is essential Change the default username and password, disable unused features, and keep the firmware updated.in addition to considering measures such as use random MAC addressOptions such as remote access, UPnP, or WPS can be convenient, but they also open up avenues of attack if not managed properly.

Basic rules for navigating the Internet safely

Beyond the tools, the key lies in the habits. Following a few basic rules drastically reduces the likelihood of experiencing a serious incidentThey are not complicated, but they do require consistency.

The first is limit and professionalize the personal information you shareNeither recruiters nor potential clients need to know your love life or your exact address. The more sensitive information you publish (address, phone number, schedule, family details), the easier it is for a scammer to create a believable deception or for someone to use that information against you, just like what happened to the young political candidate whose career collapsed because of old photos and posts.

Secondly, it is key Activate and regularly review your privacy settings on social media, browsers and appsLarge platforms tend to hide these settings because they make their living from your data, but it's worth taking a few minutes to adjust them: restrict who sees your posts, disable unnecessary permissions, and limit ad tracking as much as possible.

It is also convenient Avoid browsing websites of dubious reputation, especially if they promise morbid, pirated or "miraculous" content.These sites are often teeming with malware, malicious ads, and forms designed to steal data. If a link or ad seems too good to be true or suspicious, it's best not to click on it.

When using public Wi-Fi, try not to enter sensitive data (banking, taxes, work) and Postpone sensitive operations until you are on a secure network or use a VPNOn your own network, make sure you have robust encryption (WPA2 or WPA3), a strong password, and a network name that doesn't reveal the router brand or the floor you live in.

Passwords, authentication, and key managers

Passwords remain the Achilles' heel for many users. Using passwords like "123456" or the same password everywhere is practically giving away your accounts.Today, automated attacks test millions of combinations per second, and attackers have access to leaked databases from previous breaches.

A good practice is to create long password phrases (ideally 15-20 characters), with letters, numbers, uppercase, lowercase and symbolsYou can use an adapted phrase that only makes sense to you, introducing changes to some letters and adding details that are easy to remember but difficult to guess.

Since remembering many complex passwords is almost impossible, the sensible thing to do is rely on a reliable password managerThese tools store all your encrypted credentials under a single master key and usually include a secure password generator. This way, each account can have a unique and robust password without you having to memorize them all.

To take it a step further, activate the Use two-step or multi-factor authentication whenever possibleAdding a temporary code sent to your mobile phone, an authentication app, or biometric data (fingerprint, face) means that even if someone steals your password, they still won't be able to easily log in.

It is important too Avoid obvious patterns, personal data, and overly typical substitutionsChanging "password" to "P@ssw0rd" is useless now: attackers have known these basic traps for years. Think of something unrelated to your public life and unseen on social media.

Shopping, online banking and sensitive transactions

Shopping online or managing your bank account from your mobile phone is incredibly convenient, but it involves risks if not done properly. The golden rule is to make sure the connection and site are legitimate before entering any financial data..

Before paying at an online store, check that The URL should begin with "https" and the padlock icon should appear in the browser bar.While not a guarantee, it is a minimum requirement. Also check that the address doesn't have any strange typos or transposed letters, a common trick used to impersonate websites of banks, marketplaces, or well-known businesses.

When shopping or banking online, try Avoid public networks and use trusted connectionsRegularly review your account activity to detect unusual charges and activate SMS or app alerts whenever possible, so you are immediately notified of any suspicious transactions.

Never access your bank or a payment gateway from links received via email, SMS or social mediaIt's much safer to type the address into your browser or use the official app. If you have any doubts, call the organization through their official customer service channels and confirm the information.

Finally, it's worth it Restrict the use of primary cards for online purchasesYou can use virtual cards or intermediary accounts that offer extra protection, as well as spending limits that reduce the impact in case of fraud.

Virtual assistants and IoT devices: the connected home under control

Smart speakers, connected TVs, IP cameras, smartwatches, and fitness trackers have become commonplace in many homes. The problem is that every new device is a potential gateway for an attacker if it is not set up and maintained correctly.

In the case of virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa, or Cortana, it is essential Review what data they collect, for how long, and with whom they share it.From its settings you can limit voice history, disable recordings, manage authorizations for third-party apps, and control what personal information they can use.

The pattern is similar with IoT devices: Always change default passwords, apply firmware updates as soon as they are available, and disable features you don't use.Many mass attacks have taken advantage of cameras or routers with factory credentials and old software versions.

It is also convenient review each permission you grant.Access to location, microphone, camera, contacts, etc. If a device or app asks for more than seems reasonable for what it offers, be suspicious. And if you don't use a feature (for example, remote control from outside your home), it's best to disable it to reduce the attack surface.

Finally, create a routine: Make regular backups of important information and ensure that all devices connect only to secure Wi-Fi networks.A simple, incorrectly configured fitness tracker can reveal more about your schedule and habits than you might imagine.

Children and digital education: from parental control to mediation

Newer generations are experts at swiping their fingers across the screen, but that doesn't mean they know how to protect themselves. The concept of "digital native" is misleading: they know how to use technology, but not necessarily how to use it well.That's why basic online safety for children starts at home.

Organizations such as INCIBE recommend that, between the ages of 3 and 5, the first contact with technology is primarily offlinewith appropriate games and content. From 6-9 years old they can start exploring the Internet, but always with very close supervision and clear rules about what they can do.

From age 10 and up, you can go relaxing technical control and strengthening training and dialogueWhen they approach 13-14 years old and enter social networks such as Instagram, TikTok or similar, direct monitoring becomes complicated, so it is important that by then they have internalized basic rules: what information to share, how to react to insults or threats, who to go to if something makes them uncomfortable.

There are usually two approaches: parental control (more restrictive) and parental mediation (more educational)Parental controls focus on limiting screen time, blocking content, and monitoring user activity. Mediation, on the other hand, focuses on explaining risks, providing support, teaching users how to report and denounce inappropriate content, and promoting responsible use.

Ideally, both should be combined, especially at early ages: Use parental control tools to filter content and, at the same time, talk openly about issues such as cyberbullying, overexposure, or sexting.As children demonstrate maturity and judgment, you can gradually withdraw controls and replace them with ongoing trust and dialogue.

Email, spam, and frequent scams

Email remains one of the preferred methods for attackers. Its open and flexible design makes it ideal for sending spam, phishing, and malicious attachments on a large scale.Therefore, it's advisable to treat any unexpected message with a healthy dose of suspicion.

Email platforms include automatic spam filters, but they are not infallible. If an unwanted message sneaks into your inbox, mark it as spam. to train the system and prevent it from happening again. Conversely, check your spam folder from time to time to retrieve legitimate messages that were mistakenly marked.

You should never Do not open attachments or click on links in emails you weren't expecting or that raise doubts.Many attacks begin with a simple PDF, Word, or compressed file that, when opened, executes malicious code. If the email claims to be from your bank, courier company, or government agency, verify the information through other channels before taking any action.

To reduce your exposure, it is advisable to separate your email addresses according to their purposeOne account for registrations and newsletters, another for personal use, and another for work-related matters. This way, if one of them is compromised in a data breach and starts receiving tons of spam, the impact will be somewhat more contained.

If you suddenly notice a huge increase in spam or receive messages that seem to know some of your information, it could mean that your address has appeared in a data breach. In that case, it's a good idea to change associated passwords and consider creating a new email account for sensitive information..

Updates, antivirus and other technical defenses

Although the human factor is the weakest link, The technical side cannot be neglected either.An outdated system or one lacking basic protection is an open invitation to many types of automated attacks.

First, always keep Update your operating system, browser, and the applications you use daily.Many vulnerabilities that are massively exploited have been patched for years, but they remain effective because some users never install the updates.

Secondly, install A reliable security solution for your devices, both on your computer and your mobile phone.Modern antivirus software not only detects classic malware, but also phishing attempts, malicious websites, dangerous attachments, and suspicious behavior in real time.

Check that the system firewall is enabled and properly configured. The firewall acts as a filter between your device and the Internetblocking unauthorized connections and making it difficult for an attacker to access or for malware to communicate with its command and control servers.

Finally, consider using ad blockers and computer cleaning toolsA blocker reduces exposure to malvertising and aggressive tracking, while cleanup utilities help uninstall programs you don't use or suspicious extensions that have slipped in without your consent.

Safe mobile phone use and specific threats

The smartphone has become the center of our digital life. It contains email, social media, banking, intimate photos, and a huge amount of personal data.so protecting it is a priority.

The first thing is to install Apps only available from official stores like Google Play or the App StoreEven so, you should proceed with caution: check reviews, the number of downloads, the permissions requested, and the developer. Be wary of apps that promise free versions of paid services, game cheats, or miracle tools.

If you notice strange behavior (rapid battery drain, excessive data usage, spontaneous restarts, apps you don't remember installing), it could be malware or spyware. Review the list of applications, remove anything suspicious, and, in extreme cases, consider restoring the device to factory settings. after backing up important data.

It is becoming increasingly common identity theft in calls and SMSThe attackers spoof the number you see on your screen to make it look like it belongs to your bank, a well-known company, or someone in your area. If they ask for sensitive information over the phone, hang up and call the entity's official number directly.

To strengthen security, set up a robust screen lock (long PIN, complex pattern or biometrics) and encrypts device contents If your model allows it. That way, even if you lose your phone or it gets stolen, it will be more difficult to access its contents.

Basic online security is not a one-off trick, but a combination of good habits, the right tools, and a healthy dose of skepticismKnowing the most common risks, applying simple measures to your accounts, devices and networks, and educating those around you (especially minors or less technical people) allows you to enjoy technology with much more peace of mind and significantly reduces the chances of your digital life being turned upside down by carelessness.

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