10 things you should never do on the internet

Like many of us, you probably use the internet every day. This can expose you to risks if you don't take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Here are 10 things you should never do online.

Now that using the web is part of our daily lives, we easily feel like experts in the field, but most of us have just learned to use the web as we went along, thus ignoring basic online security principles. That's why today we offer you a little refresher: 10 things you should never do on the internet.

1. Skip setting up two-factor authentication (2FA)

We explained to you in a dedicated article the importance of two-factor authentication . If you have read it, you know that this security step has become essential because cybercriminals have become experts in hacking passwords. Hacking is all the easier if passwords are reused. See the next point ! 2FA adds an additional level of difficulty to the hacker's process, which is a very deterrent because it is time-consuming.

2. Reusing the same passwords multiple times

As mentioned above, reusing passwords is definitely not recommended. The main reason is that if a hacker finds the password for one of your accounts, they'll easily have access to all the other accounts with which you use the same password. To make it easier to manage your multiple different passwords, you can use a password manager.

3. Taking personality quizzes from unknown sources on social media

These quizzes, which may seem harmless at first glance, are often used as a vehicle for tactics to collect your personal information. By asking you very specific questions about yourself, for example, questions that will provide answers to your security questions, the companies behind these quizzes collect this information for resale. Cybercriminals then profit from your data without your consent. Be especially wary if you don't recognize the source of this quiz.  

4. Sharing your personal information online (especially on social media)

Similarly, avoid sharing too much personal information online, especially on social media. We quickly feel very comfortable on our private accounts, and it's tempting to share very personal moments. But this could backfire if you disclose sensitive information that could help hackers hack into your accounts and profit from your information.

5.  Using public Wi-Fi without precautions

Public Wi-Fi networks are often completely unencrypted. This means that your online activities while connected to a public network are very easily accessible. Malicious individuals can then easily retrieve your personal information and use it for profit. We've dedicated an article to this topic, giving you all the keys to using public Wi-Fi networks safely !

6. Leaving old inactive accounts open

As you know, data breaches are quite common on the internet, and your old, inactive accounts are no exception—quite the opposite, in fact! Old, forgotten accounts are the perfect target for cybercriminals. They often contain personal data that users have forgotten about. That's why it's important to delete them to prevent malicious individuals from accessing your information.

To find your inactive accounts, you can start by checking your password managers, especially your web browser's password manager. You can also search your email inbox.

7.  Clicking on a link or attachment in an email from an unknown source

Using links or attachments is a very common tactic used by cybercriminals. They use them to phish for your personal information. Be wary of emails that appear to come from a trusted source and ask you to log in via a link or download an attachment. Make sure the email is from a trusted source: check the sender's email address, spelling, etc. Learn  to recognize phishing attempts .

8. Having outdated antivirus software

It's important to regularly update your antivirus software because computers are regularly threatened by new viruses. Antivirus updates contain the latest files needed to combat new viruses and protect your computer. Without these updates, the software won't be able to recognize new threats, and you could be at risk. Using an EDR can complement your antivirus software and ensure better online security.

9.  Accept cookies on unencrypted sites  

If you don't see the lock icon next to the website address, it's best not to accept cookies. This means the website isn't encrypted, and your data is potentially at risk. If a website isn't encrypted, there's no security to protect your data, which means hackers can easily steal your browser cookies and intercept personal information you probably want to keep private, such as credit card information and other private information, making you more vulnerable to online crimes like identity theft.

10.  Install any Google Chrome extension

Before installing a Google Chrome extension, make sure it's verified by Google to avoid problems. Start by doing some online research to verify the legitimacy of the extension and the company behind it. Read the full description. Check when the last update was made—if it's been 5 years, the extension may already be outdated, and installing it could put you at risk. Also, pay attention to the permissions the extension requests.  

In summary

Keeping these 10 online safety principles in mind, and never doing them on the internet, should ensure your browsing is safe. The important thing is to always remain vigilant and learn to recognize the signs of malicious activity. Staying informed about technological advances related to the web will help you stay ahead of the curve!

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.