Internet Anonymity

Internet Security Tips For Online Protection

Nowadays, the internet has become part and parcel of our everyday lives whether it’s socializing with friends, applying to join a college or searching for a new career. With the ever increasing numbers of web users, it has become imperative to take proper steps towards ensuring internet security so that you don’t become a victim of hackers and fraudsters. Here are some internet security tips that can help you to protect yourself and your personal information online

I. Install a powerful Firewall/Antivirus program on your PC. These applications can help block malicious websites and software from accessing your computer, note that some of these viruses have the potential of stealing vital data or even damaging CPU peripherals if left to run unchecked.

II. Use HTTPS when sending or receiving messages through the net. The term HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, it’s a communications protocol that only allows authorized individuals to read information that’s being exchanged between two or more parties. This is done with the help of secret keys which encrypt data flow between the user and his server. The program is very effective in preventing wiretapping and active eavesdropping by uncouth characters.

III. Keep your OS and browser systems updated with the latest Internet Security features. These are called “service packs” or “patches” and should be installed as soon as they become available to the public. Likewise, do not open dubious attachments or mount free software apps from anonymous sources. Such activities badly expose your PC and the data found within to unauthorized personnel.

IV. When adding passwords, avoid using your personal Social Security number as it can easily be hacked by unscrupulous people. Furthermore, ensure that the password has 8 or more characters which combine letters, symbols and numerals. This way hacker would not be able to crack the code.

Don’t give hackers and fraudsters a chance to ruin your life, follow these simple internet security tips and all will be well with you.

Internet Anonymity VS. Pseudonymity

Most individuals tend to use different names or choose to not to use them on the internet. Any choice can have a negative or positive opinion. Most people conceal their identity for the purpose of online privacy and security. Internet anonymity is a state at which person chooses not to use any name while pseudonymity is a state where one disguises his or her true identity by using a false name. Many people confuse the two thinking they are the same, but there are significant differences in them. Below is the apparent disparity between internet anonymity and pseudonymity.

Internet Anonymity

Internet anonymity pertains to users’ interaction on the internet that protects their identities from being shared with another user.Anonymity is often used to protect the privacy of individuals.It requires an individual to deal with other entity that does not need any personal identification profile. Even at the time of dealing, the entity should not identify the individual at all. The users remain anonymous in their accounts. Anonymity lacks individuality in it. It can be termed as being without a name or with an unknown name. To gain greater protection of anonymity, some online users utilize several methods to make identification more difficult such as using VPN and Tor.

Pseudonymity

Pseudonymity is a state of disguised identity.It is a state where an individual hides his/ her real identity by using a false name or “pseudonym”.Some examples of pseudonyms include pen names, nicknames, screen name, and others. Pseudonyms are widely used in social networks and other virtual communication.Unlike in anonymity, your own information can be assessed even if it might not be having the true information about you in it.Pseudonymity does not guarantee you full concealment of your identity but just a mask to cover yourself.

Tools For Internet Security

These days we do everything online, our smartphones, computers and laptops have become an extension of ourselves – literary. As such, ensuring we have the best online security tool is important if we want to rest assured that our documents are not tampered with by intruders. There are many internet security tools out there but getting the best of them all is not that easy either.

Anti-virus software

This is vital for your computer to function properly. When a computer operate without antivirus programs, it has an increased risk of acquiring malicious software that could compromise security completely, damage the system or even delete important information. This software blocks malicious tracking software from being downloaded to your computer by scanning all downloaded files, the entire system and the emails.

Firewalls

A firewall is an internet security tool designed to help you keep external threats from getting access to your computer. Most computers come with a firewall program hence no need to install one but one needs to set and check the settings for the firewall. However, if your system lacks a firewall, you can always download it for free from reputable sites. This Internet security tool works by shutting off access to your computer or to other operating systems connected to your network.

Antispyware software

The function of this software is to prevent wayward persons from spying on you. It provides effective defense against all forms of spyware. One of the important features about this internet security tool is a virtual keyboard which enables you to frustrate keyloggers by entering a unique password without having to use the actual keyboard.

Backup tools

Backup internet security tools work by making copies of your files either when a new version of a file is saved to disk or on a regular schedule. The tool can back up files to a separate folder but on the same hard drive for greater safety. This ensures you don’t lose important documents even if the original ones are deleted by malicious people.

Bottom line

Internet frauds can come from all backgrounds and any person can become a victim if you don’t have the right internet security tool in place. Therefore, it is important to install the right kind of tool so you don’t lose your important documentation to strangers.