5 Smart Tricks To Avoid Falling For Online Search Traps

Cyber crooks use the internet and often create phishing websites to try to steal your personal information. As a result, it’s hard to feel safe and secure online. However, taking proper precautions can help you avoid getting “trapped” by a suspicious online site.

Here are 5 smart tricks to avoid falling for online search traps.

Be Sure To Double Check The Web Address (Or URL)

The web address of a majority of suspicious websites may closely resemble the web address of the authentic ones. So, if you are surfing the online world or looking for resources or information on the internet websites that have .net, .com or .org at the end are usually trustworthy and less likely to trap you. Also, a suspicious site will start with http://, whereas a safe or reliable site, will start with https://.

Use A Proven Antivirus Software

Majority of issues with an online search or browsing can likely be malware. If you currently do not have antivirus software, be sure to install a reliable one. Protect your devices or networks with Top Antivirus Software, anti-spyware software, and spam filters. They will scan your devices for malware and remove them.

Update As Soon As Possible To Stay Safe And Secure!

This one is important! Cyber crooks always keep a close eye on devices that are outdated and that have not had security patches installed in a very long time. So, the next time you get any notification to update your PC or mobile phone, do it immediately to be sure that you have the latest version (including bug fixes and security updates) –of your software. Remember that, timely updates are extremely important for optimal protection.

Say No To Public WiFi

Public Wi-Fi may look like a free delicious treat, but it can be very dangerous. Never use a public Wifi without using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). When you use a VPN, the traffic between the VPN server and your device is encrypted. In simple terms, when you are using a VPN, it becomes quite hard for a hacker or cyber crook to access your data stored on the device. If you don’t have a VPN, prefer using your mobile cellular data.

Don’t Wait To Act

If you have already fallen for an online search trap, don’t wait to act. In case you have provided your personal information such as your credit card details, or passwords/pins of your online accounts to an unsafe source, be sure to notify the companies to have your accounts with ASAP.

The bottom line is, there is no fixed way to completely to avoid falling for online search traps, but using the above-stated tricks will at least lessen the chances of an online user becoming a victim.