When you want answers to a question, need directions to a restaurant, or check last night’s game’s score, you typically head to the World Wide Web for all your needs (and curiosities).
From medical advice via online providers and support groups for trauma survivors to directions on making the perfect chocolate chip cookies, the internet is a vast landscape full of knowledge and connections.
Yet, in the 21st century, safely surfing the web has become more problematic.
With scammers and other cyber criminals out to gather your personal information, from checking account numbers to insurance information, the comfort of the digital world can easily be turned upside down.
That’s why ensuring your privacy and security when browsing the internet is important.
Despite the swift advancements of this technological era that leave the world at your fingertips with the quick tap of a button, cybercriminals are making progress of their own.
But don’t worry! There are steps you can take to help protect yourself from becoming a victim of a cyber attack. While you can use various web browsers, all can fall prey to cybercriminals.
As the frontrunner in web browser usage, Chrome has designed different extensions you can install to protect you while scrolling online. This guide outlines some of the best ways to keep yourself safe.
Popup Blockers
While popups on the World Wide Web are designed to attract your attention and encourage sign-ups and purchases, they are often unwanted, bothersome, and potentially dangerous.
This leads many internet users to seek digital methods that send cease-and-desist codes to pop-ups, banning them from their web browsers.
Allowing you to roam the virtual world freely, a popup blocker can be an extremely useful extension that prevents annoying ads from interrupting your browsing.
Secure Your Data
Securing your identity and personal data is key if you plan on entering the digital world. While Chrome offers several extensions to secure your data, Ghostery is one of the best extensions for an automatic tracker blocker.
Working smoothly and efficiently, Ghostery successfully blocks all trackers any website might have while also allowing you to unblock trackers on specific ones.
Antivirus and Phishing Protection
While you may already have antivirus protection installed on your computer, you can’t be too careful when it comes to your online browsing protection.
Sneaky and smart cybercriminals are waiting for moments when your walls are down, ready to jump and attack before you know it.
Installing web browser extensions specifically designed to protect you from viruses and malware that pop up while you browse can prove useful in the long run for those entering their personal data on more than one website.
Hoping to deceive internet users, phishing is another way cybercriminals attempt to obtain personal information. They scam you into entering your private information from authentic-looking but bogus emails.
Chrome offers extensions that can help alert you to potential phishing attacks, letting you know when your safety is at risk.
It is important to remember that the extensions you choose to install for security should fit your specific needs.
Chrome offers a diverse collection of extensions that offer specific security tools for web designers, writers, games, and more. Make sure you find the right fit for your protection.