Tech Tuesday: Searching the Internet – Searching the Internet Safely

tech

Part 4: Searching the Internet Safely

This is a big, tricky topic so we’ll focus on a handful of easy things you can do.

-Use a password manager. These programs allow you to store unique passwords for different websites and automatically fill out password fields.

Here is a review of the best password managers available (Wirecutter).

-Use an ad blocker to block pop-ups and a cookie blocker to stop websites from tracking your browsing.

This ad blocker works well (uBlock Origin)

This cookie blocker works well (Privacy Badger).

-Limit the number of extensions installed on your computer.

-When in doubt search for reviews. Add words like “review,” “scam,” “malware” into your search string after the name of the service. This can be a good way to see if anyone has had a negative interaction and posted about their experience.

-Click links carefully, especially if they look urgent. A flashing message stating “your computer is infected with malware, click here to scan your computer.” A click of the scan button will probably infect your computer with malware.

-Nothing is free. Be suspicious of free. Free services usually function by collecting and selling your data. Marketplaces exist to sell products to you. If you can’t figure out how a service is making money that’s a good reason to be suspicious. There isn’t such a thing as “free without risk.” If there aren’t any advertisements and the service doesn’t require payment to be useful the site is probably risky.

Sign up for the TNRL newsletter

Subscribe to get the latest news.

Card
Programs
Digital
Explore
Visit
Notice!
Notice Content Goes Here.
Scroll to Top