Safe surfing on the net: What to look out for?

It is enormously important to pay attention to the protection of one’s personal data when surfing the Internet. Due to marketing reasons, many companies and institutions use trackers on the net to be able to read user behavior even better. For example, providers are interested in which page you come from or where you navigate to next.

This also applies to legal casinos in Germany and their websites. If you enter your personal data there, it can be read by malicious cookies. These are tiny files that are stored on your hard drive. With a little trick, however, this can be easily circumvented on the mobile Android device.

This is how malware does not cause any damage to the Android operating system

If you use the Internet on your cell phone, you need a solid firewall, just like on your PC. Otherwise, it is all too easy for hackers to access personal data. User protection is somewhat higher within the Apple product family. However, after Apple user numbers have exploded in recent years, as can be read here on Statista, there are more and more attacks on iPhone and Co.

Linux systems are currently considered particularly secure. The main reason for this is that it simply does not cause enough damage to break into such an operating system in the first place.

For Android, there are various browsers that never let downloaded files or file snippets out of the browser app. This means that under no circumstances can Trojans get onto the cell phone’s board without first having to go through the hassle of searching for and installing software in the Playstore. However, those who do not want to go this route of a secure Internet browser cannot avoid a virus scanner.

This equipment is needed for secure Internet use

In addition to software-based solutions for more security on the Internet, it also depends on suitable PC hardware, as you can read here with us. The router’s operating system should always be kept up to date, as this can have a favorable effect on surfing speed. If you want even more protection for wireless connections, you can control access with external components such as smartcards or hardware tokens. This requires hardware that enables additional authentication.

Whether this should involve scanning biometric data is a decision that everyone must make for themselves, measured against their personal security needs. Biometric security devices that store data on irises or fingerprints can also be read by unauthorized third parties.

This is how a Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps to achieve more anonymity on the Net

A VPN provides an encrypted connection between an Internet-enabled device and the Internet. This virtual security solution disguises the user’s IP address, and the data sent is safe from prying eyes. Either use a well-rated VPN service from a trusted provider or simply set up your own VPN hardware.

With some antivirus programs, a virtual private network is included in the scope of functions. However, the computer’s services and systems should be kept up to date so that these pre-made VPNs can run without fail.

Set up your own VPN connection: Here’s how!

The easiest way to set up your own virtual private network is to download a ready-made software solution for Windows or the correct iOS version. There are free VPNs, but also paid versions with an extended range of functions or the option of being personally guided through the setup by customer service in real time.

After the installation, you can access the customer account area via your user name. There you can first check the current Internet connection and read out the current IP address. Afterwards, all possible settings can be made to change the logging, set split tunneling or edit the type of automatic connection.

For most VPN networks, there are online video tutorials to make the setup easier. Without the necessary background knowledge, laymen are easily overwhelmed and do not know the appropriate values to enter. On sites like “whatismyip.com” or “iplocation.net”, however, you can always check in between whether the IP address has already been changed to that of the VPN server.