Safe Browsing Habits
In this lesson, let’s understand the concepts
- How to identify secure websites and avoid unsafe ones
- Best practices for safe browsing
- How to spot and avoid suspicious links that may lead to phishing or malware sites
by considering a scenario as described below.
Rahul was browsing the web and came across an ad for an amazing deal on a new smartwatch. The offer seemed too good to pass up, so he clicked the link and landed on a website that looked almost identical to a popular e-commerce site. However, he noticed a few things that made him feel uneasy. Unsure if the site was trustworthy, he reached out to Rohit for advice on how to determine whether the website was safe.
Recognizing Secure Websites
Rahul:
“Rohit, I found a website offering a great deal on a smartwatch, but something doesn’t feel quite right. It looks like a popular store, but I’m not sure if I should trust it. What should I look for to make sure it’s secure?”
Rohit:
“Good instinct, Rahul! Here’s how you can tell if a website is safe:
- Look for HTTPS:
- Secure websites begin their URLs with ‘https://’ instead of ‘http://’. The ‘s’ stands for secure and indicates that the website uses encryption to protect your data. Without HTTPS, your data can be intercepted by attackers.
- Padlock Icon:
- A padlock icon next to the URL in your browser indicates that the website is secure. When you click on the padlock, you should also see the website’s certificate details.
- Domain Name Check:
- Double-check the domain name for any unusual spelling or characters. Fraudulent websites often use fake domain names that look similar to well-known brands, such as ‘amaazon.com’ instead of ‘amazon.com’.
- Verify the Privacy Policy:
- Legitimate websites usually have a clear privacy policy outlining how your information will be used. If the site lacks a privacy policy, it’s a red flag.”
Rahul:
“Okay, I’ll look for HTTPS, check the padlock, and verify the domain name. What about the design of the website? Is that a good indicator?”
Rohit:
“Definitely! While design isn’t everything, a poorly designed website with broken links, low-quality images, or spelling errors is often a sign that the site isn’t legitimate. Reputable stores invest in professional, polished websites to build trust with their customers.”
Avoiding Suspicious Links
Rahul:
“What if I’m browsing and come across a suspicious link? How can I tell if it’s safe?”
Rohit:
“Great question, Rahul! Here’s what you should do:
- Hover Over Links Before Clicking:
- Always hover your mouse over links before clicking. The actual URL should appear at the bottom of your browser or in the status bar. If it’s a suspicious or unfamiliar URL, avoid clicking it.
- Beware of Shortened URLs:
- Shortened URLs like bit.ly or goo.gl may disguise harmful websites. If you’re unsure, you can use a URL expander to see the full link before you click.
- Look for Misspellings or Odd Phrases:
- Phishing links often contain errors, such as odd phrases or words that don’t make sense. If the link contains an unfamiliar or misspelled brand name, don’t click it.
- Avoid Pop-Up Links:
- Be cautious of pop-up ads that offer deals, downloads, or free products. These could be attempts to trick you into visiting unsafe websites or downloading malware.
- Check for HTTPS on Links:
- Just like websites, links leading to payment pages should also use HTTPS to ensure a secure connection. Always check for the padlock icon before entering sensitive information like credit card details.”
Safe Browsing Habits to Follow
Rahul:
“Thanks for the tips, Rohit. So, I know I need to be careful with links and websites. Are there any general browsing habits I should adopt to stay even safer online?”
Rohit:
“Absolutely, Rahul. In addition to recognizing secure sites and avoiding suspicious links, there are a few proactive browsing habits that can help you stay safer while navigating the internet. Let me share a few additional tips that go beyond just identifying red flags:
- Be Cautious with Browser Extensions:
- Extensions can be very useful, but they can also pose security risks if they come from untrusted sources. Always install extensions only from verified platforms like the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. Additionally, periodically review and remove extensions you don’t need or recognize. Some malicious extensions can collect your browsing history or personal data without your knowledge.
- Clear Your Cache Regularly:
- Over time, your browser collects cache, cookies, and browsing history, which can hold personal data, such as login credentials and search history. Regularly clearing your cache and cookies helps prevent unauthorized access to this information, especially if you’re using shared or public computers.
- Limit Personal Information on Social Media:
- The more personal details you share on social media, the easier it is for hackers to gather information for targeted attacks. Be mindful of the information you share—avoid disclosing full names, addresses, birthdays, or sensitive details that could be used to guess security questions or gain access to your accounts.
- Use Different Browsers for Sensitive Tasks:
- Consider using one browser for everyday browsing and a different one when you need to access sensitive accounts, like online banking. By keeping them separate, you reduce the risk of cross-site tracking, malware, or phishing attempts that target specific accounts.
- Check Website Reviews and Reputation:
- Before entering personal or payment information on a website, it’s a good idea to check reviews, ratings, and feedback from other users. Look for red flags like complaints about security breaches, poor customer service, or websites that don’t respond to inquiries. Websites like Trustpilot and BBB (Better Business Bureau) can provide insights into a company’s reputation and reliability.
- Consider Using a Privacy-Focused Search Engine:
- Popular search engines collect and store your data, which may be used for targeted ads or sold to third parties. Privacy-focused search engines, such as DuckDuckGo or StartPage, don’t track or store your search history, offering you an additional layer of privacy while browsing.”
Takeaway: Browse Smart and Stay Safe
- Secure websites use HTTPS and show a padlock icon in the URL. Always check these signs before sharing sensitive information.
- Suspicious links can lead to phishing sites or malware downloads. Hover over links to verify the URL, and be cautious with shortened links.
- Adopt safe browsing habits like using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, and regularly clearing your cache to stay protected online.
Rahul:
“Thanks, Rohit! I’ll definitely start checking for HTTPS, avoiding suspicious links, and using these browsing habits to stay safe online.”
Rohit:
“Good decision, Rahul! These habits will go a long way in keeping you secure while browsing the web.”
