The one thing that unites people in all corners of the world by facilitating seamless interaction is the internet. Today, the world has become a global village, thanks to online connectivity and its endless possibilities. However, navigating the internet can require vigilance, as the goal here should be prioritizing user safety and understanding the consequences of your online activities. So, here are a few common mistakes internet users should avoid:

Using easy-to-crack passwords
Besides serving as gateways to your favorite websites and social media platforms, passwords protect you against fraudulent activities and the retrieval of personal information. Easy-to-crack passwords like “12345” or “ABCDE1234” can pose significant security risks, as these are no-brainers for hackers. You should also avoid using your date of birth as a password, as such information is often available on one’s social media profiles. A strong, unconventional, alpha-numeric password ensures optimal security.

Not using VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) helps one establish a secure connection between two networks and is particularly useful when using public or open Wi-Fi networks. VPN technology is used by many organizations today and is also recommended as a reliable option for private users, as it enables safe browsing.

Using one password for all sites
Coming up with a strong password and using it across multiple platforms and websites can seem like a good idea to remember passwords. However, there is always a risk of one’s password being cracked by a hacker on one of the platforms; here, the hacker may try entering this password to hack your other accounts. Using the same password can make it incredibly easy for hackers to access all your online profiles and accounts. So, you should use different passwords for each platform to avoid this common mistake made by many internet users.

Clicking on random email links
Today, there is no dearth of suspicious emails and links through which hackers are discovering innovative ways to pose as genuine vendors or online dealers and exploit innocent users. Consequently, you should avoid opening emails from unknown entities, regardless of how genuine the sender’s email address and subject line may seem. Being wary of the current clickbait culture is essential for ensuring online safety.

Falling for discount fraud
A recent report reveals that youngsters are four times more likely than older adults to be scammed by online discount frauds. Online discount offers can seem exciting, particularly when one has just started earning and investing money. However, verifying a website’s reliability is critical before trusting online discount ads and making a purchase.

Sharing personal information with strangers
Although communications with strangers are common and natural on online platforms today, trusting other online users instantly and providing personal information can pose serious security risks. So, it is crucial to tread carefully when befriending strangers to avoid becoming vulnerable to fraud and misuse of information.

Not reading the privacy policies
A privacy policy provides extensive information on how a platform handles data collected from its visitors. The policy plays a crucial role in explaining how users’ personal information is utilized. Moreover, users who disagree with certain aspects of the policy can contact the company or website or make a conscious decision to avoid using the platform.