Before the internet became the quintessential socioeconomic tool that it is today, everyone was concerned with users’ safety and the ‘stranger danger’. Even though we now understand it better, the risks of browsing the internet are continuously developing. No matter how careful you are, there are things out of your control, such as data leaks or hacks. In this article, we will present three main tools for online safety and explain the differences between them, so you can decide if they are right for you.
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VPN
A VPN is a software that hides your IP address and protects your data from being read or stolen by third parties. It does this by encrypting your data and sending it to a server far away, which will then act as your address. The software is also responsible for the decryption of the data you receive back, therefore making your experience smooth and as fast as usual.
It is an important part of internet safety, because it creates a safe space for users to navigate websites without their data being collected and sold to advertisers. A VPN allows you to connect to public Wi-Fi connections without too much worry, it protects your identity online, and unlocks content otherwise blocked in your area. If you are not sure yet that you would benefit from using a VPN, we suggest you to try it out for free.
Antivirus
Even though an antivirus is arguably the most obvious tool when it comes to internet safety, plenty of people still do not invest in a reliable one. An antivirus is software created to detect and eliminate any viruses that you might have accidentally downloaded from the internet.
Viruses are a safety risk because they might delete files off your computer, they could damage programs, or even stop your system from working altogether. Hackers may also use viruses to get to vulnerable information such as your data that can then be stolen, sold, or used for blackmail.
To stop this from happening, the antivirus software makes sure that all of the data that is going in and out of the computer is safe by comparing it to its database of known viruses.
Password Manager
A password manager is a program that allows you to generate, save, and manage your passwords for various online services. The software helps you to create complex and safe passwords and to store them in an encrypted database.
This program is useful because it helps you to create strong passwords, without having to worry about memorising them or saving them in an unsafe space, such as a document on your computer. In addition, password managers encrypt your data so that it’s nearly impossible for hackers to access your personal information or break into your accounts.
Conclusion
It is completely up to you to decide if you need all three tools, but they are recommended for the safest online experience. Even when using these programs, you must keep in mind that they cannot fully protect you if you do not act responsibly on the internet. Make sure to only download files from trusted sources, purchase from secure websites, and keep personal information professional.
