Authored by: @hetty-rowan
The hype starts to fade
The hype surrounding PolyCUB seems to be fading a bit, and it makes sense. This will allow PolyCUB to slowly find its real price, and I am curious where PolyCUB will find its bottom. It's always an exciting time right after a launch with all the airdrop hype surrounding it. And this actually brings me to another point. Because of course you want to enjoy all the possibilities that this can offer, but everything goes via the internet, and the internet itself has many pitfalls. How can you use the internet as safely as possible.
Actually, I assume that everyone knows the basics of using the internet safely, but sometimes it is good to explain it once in a while. Especially because we all remain vulnerable via the internet. And without internet, no crypto! So it's important to surf the internet safely, before you get pushed into the facts and have to admit that you haven't paid enough attention to your online safety.
1. Installing updates
Whatever you use to surf the internet, and thus access your crypto, it doesn't matter. Whether it's a PC, a tablet or a phone, make sure your device is equipped with the latest updates. It may be a tip that is obvious to many people, but you will be surprised how many people ignore it. If your phone can no longer receive updates, it is recommended that you DO NOT use this phone to access your crypto.
2. Use an antivirus and firewall
In addition to installing the updates on your computer or smartphone, it is also important to use antivirus and a firewall.
If you have an iPhone, you have less to worry about with regard to fake websites and phishing when it comes to viruses. Apple has this well under control with iOS. If you use a Mac, it is advisable to install an antivirus and firewall.
As well as Apple has protected iOS, Android's security is just as bad. It is therefore very important to install an antivirus and firewall via a reliable app in the Google Play store. There are many providers, so do your own research and find a reliable service.
3. Check for HTTPS
Check, check, double check. Checking the domain name is something we often don't do. But is one of the most necessary actions you can do when browsing websites.
You can check in the browser whether you are dealing with an encrypted connection. The S stands for secure. The website owner has a security certificate on his or her website that indicates that the data traffic on the website is encrypted. You can easily check whether there is a lock (sometimes with the name of the website), whether it contains https or whether it simply says “secured”.
Check whether the certificate is valid by clicking on the lock, you will also see who issued this security certificate. Don't see a lock or https? Then be extra careful. Preferably, you do not log in to the site. Do not enter any personal information. If it concerns an important website that you cannot avoid, try contacting them before to verify that you have the correct domain name.
4. Check the login screen and ask for the correct Wi-Fi network
Hackers are smart. If you can't do anything else now and have to use the internet on a public network, try to do this as smartly as possible. There are a few tips for this. Always check the name of the network with an employee of the location where you are at that moment. Hackers sometimes create a fake Wi-Fi hotspot that resembles a real, public Wi-Fi network.
For example, the hotspot can have a name that resembles the Wi-Fi network of the location where you are at that moment, or they use names such as “free guest Wi-Fi hotspot”. A more general name that implies that it is a public network of the location where you are at that moment.
Also, always check the login screen, check the URL and especially pay attention to small changes that you can easily overlook. A network can have a name like: jumboxl, a hacker can set up a similar network called jumbo.xl. A small difference, but with potentially big consequences.
5. Forget the networks you've already connected to
Forget the networks you have already connected to, your phone or laptop will automatically connect to these networks and that is something you do not want if you use a public network.
6. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Another tip is two-factor authentication. In addition to using a login name and password, an extra factor is needed to log in. It is important to set up two-factor authentication on the websites where this is possible. Simply because it adds an extra factor that is harder to crack.
7. Restrict Yourself on a Public Network
It is not a good idea to use internet banking or to carry out other financial transactions on a public network. So don't surf to sites where you have crypto! This also includes LeoFinance or Hive. Security is often not in order, and the last thing you want is for hackers to gain access to your crypto.
8. Auto connect
With some websites, your smartphone or computer connects automatically. That's no problem if it's your own home network or the network at the office. But automatic login to websites on public networks is NOT recommended. So always choose to connect manually, preferably via an incognito window so that you are 'forced' to log in manually. Especially with public networks.
9. Use a VPN
The device with which you surf the internet has its own address, its own IP address. This is a unique address that is necessary so that you can see the information displayed on a website.
It is, as it were, sent to your online address for you to view.
A disadvantage of this is that it can be traced back to which information you have requested and which websites you have visited. Everything you do is therefore visible to others. You can surf the internet more anonymously with the help of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) without finding out your exact location.
A VPN is easy to set up and gives you more security online. There are plenty of VPNs available, if you want to learn more about what a VPN is and what it can do, the internet is your best friend! But I will definitely write a blog about this soon.
10. Mobile Internet
Do you have a large mobile data bundle? Then consider setting up your phone as a hotspot. Then you can be sure that you are using a secure mobile connection. Of course, do this in moderation and only if you have a large bundle. It is often wiser to increase your bundle (once) in advance so that you can use mobile data. In addition, a 4G connection is often faster than a public Wi-Fi network.
11. The last, always log out and clear your browser history!
Hopefully, these tips for safe surfing on the go will help you feel a little better prepared for using public networks, and help keep your home network a little more secure.
With using your common sense and applying these tips, I hope it can help to prevent a lot of trouble.
Have a great Sunday!
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
