17 Safe Browsing Practices to Protect Your Privacy in 2026

The Internet can be a dangerous place for the careless. Land on the wrong website, and you can infect your computer with malicious software that will steal your data or scramble it and demand a ransom for its return. Fill in a username and password in a bogus form, and your digital life can be turned to toast.

Your privacy takes a hit every time you browse without protection. Companies track your moves, build profiles about you, and share your data without asking. Most of this happens in the background while you’re just trying to read an article or shop online.

This guide will help you avoid the following:

• Identity Theft
• Credit Card Frauds
• Phishing Emails
• and more.

We’ve pointed out 16 ways to keep your online activity super-secure. At the end of the article, we’ve reviewed some IT industry experts who give good insight to the future.

Quick Guide: Safe Browsing Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Look for the padlock icon before entering any credentials
• Switch on HTTPS-Only Mode in your browser settings
• Double-check website URLs for misspellings and odd characters
• Use a URL scanner like Google Safe Browsing to check suspicious links
• View the site’s certificate if something doesn’t feel right
• Confirm that the address bar shows the website you want to visit

Do not: 

• Ignore any browser warning about unsafe connections
• Enter a password or payment information on http:// sites
• Click through those certificate errors on a webpage
• Trust a site just because it has a padlock on display
• Force your browser to use http:// 
• Ignore URLs that seem odd or unfamiliar

1. Use/Install Most Secure Internet Browser

Major browsers offer protection against social engineering malware and phishing, although some offer more protection than others.

According to the latest security research, modern browsers have significantly improved their security capabilities. Microsoft Edge for Business, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox all provide robust protection against cyber threats through advanced security features like sandboxing, phishing protection, and real-time threat detection.

(Latest browser security assessments from cybersecurity research)

3 Best Internet Browsers for Safe Browsing in 2026

1. Microsoft Edge for Business – Features zero trust architecture and AI-powered threat detection
2. Google Chrome – Enhanced Safe Browsing and advanced sandboxing
3. Mozilla Firefox – Open-source security with Enhanced Tracking Protection

Modern browsers now incorporate advanced technologies like machine learning-based threat detection and real-time URL reputation filtering. Microsoft Edge for Business uses zero trust architecture and integrates with Microsoft 365 security tools. Chrome’s Safe Browsing technology now blocks 99.9% of phishing attempts, while Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks third-party tracking cookies by default.

Current browser security features also include improved sandboxing, which isolates web content from the operating system, and automated updates to ensure the latest security patches are applied immediately. These browsers also support modern security standards like Content Security Policy (CSP) and have robust extension security frameworks.

2. Customize Your Security Settings

You can also make a browser more secure by customizing it through its preferences or settings menu. Fiddling with settings, though, can create inconveniences.

For example, shutting off features like autofill, which automatically fills forms on web pages, and password storage prevents files from storing data ready for anyone hacking your system to mine it.

On the other hand, the manual filling of forms and typing in usernames and passwords can be a burden.

Turning off other features can reduce the “attack surface”, the places available to intruders to attack your system, but they can reduce your surfing pleasure, too. Turning off cookies, for instance, can improve your privacy. The problem being that there are plenty of websites that won’t serve up their web pages to you if you don’t have cookies enabled. The same is true for enabling plug-ins, JavaScript and, to a lesser degree, Java.

One option you should definitely turn on, though, is block pop-up windows to prevent pesky ads from popping up over web pages you’re visiting. And if your browser supports it, choose the send “Do Not Track” requests with your browsing traffic option to keep marketers from snooping on your Net travels.

Here are step-by-step guides for securing your browsers (i.e. making them less vulnerable).

• Microsoft Edge Security Guide (Microsoft Official)
• Google Chrome Security Guide (Google Support)
• Mozilla Firefox Security Guide (Mozilla Support)

As with any software, you always want to make sure your browser is up-to-date with the latest upgrades and patches. Many times those patches are created to address new found security flaws in the software. Keeping a browser current is less of a problem than it used to be because now updates are often automated and deployed in real-time.

3. Use a Reputable Ad Blocker

Did you know that Google serves around 29 billion ads every single day? That’s a whole lot of advertising that we need to deal with every day.

Add in the ads that appear on Facebook and other platforms, and that number jumps even higher.

While there’s nothing wrong with seeing ads (they keep many websites free, after all), the way they collect and share your data poses a real threat to your online privacy.

Most of the ads you encounter online:

• Track the websites you visit and how long you stay on each page
• Monitor your clicks and scrolling behavior
• Build profiles around your shopping habits to predict what you’ll buy next
• Share your data with dozens of companies you’ve never heard of
• Use cookies and tracking pixels to identify you even when you’re not logged in

These data collection practices aren’t illegal. Advertising companies build these tracking systems to target you with ads based on your behavior. But just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it values your privacy.

Some ads go beyond tracking and become outright dangerous. For example, malicious ads deliver malware to your device or redirect you to fake sites designed to steal your passwords and payment information. There are also ads that disguise themselves as page elements (links, download buttons, etc.) to trick you into clicking them.

The best way to protect yourself from these threats is to use a reputable ad blocker. Ad blockers prevent ads from loading and block the tracking scripts that come with them.

Here are the best three ad blockers to use in 2026:

1. uBlock Origin: This ad blocker works on Firefox, Edge, and Opera, blocking ads and trackers without slowing your browser. It’s open-source and free to use.
2. AdGuard: This tool stops ads and trackers across your browser and includes parental controls if you need to protect your kids online.
3. Ghostery: This blocker automatically declines cookies and shows you exactly which companies are trying to track your activity across the web.

The best part about these tools is that they’re quick and simple to set up. You can install one in seconds and it starts working right away. Ad blockers also give you the option to “whitelist” trusted websites, which tells the tool to allow ads on those sites while blocking them everywhere else.

4. Use Password Manager (not “AutoFill” options)

Next to your browser, a good password manager has become almost essential for safe surfing. Especially after you turn off the ‘remember passwords and fill forms’ options of your browser.

Features can vary from manager to manager, but they all have one thing in common:

They remember your credentials – username and password – for a website and fill them in when you land on its login page.

That allows you to create unique and secure credentials for every website wanting them without having to commit those credentials to memory. With the average person juggling around 255 passwords, that convenience is exactly what makes password managers so practical. You need only remember one password: the master password for accessing the password manager.

Thousands, sometimes millions of common passwords become compromised every day so password managers can help you avoid the domino effect that occurs when reusing passwords. Credential thieves can take a set of stolen credentials and plug them into thousands of websites through automation techniques. That done they can crack every site where you’ve reused your password. Using unique passwords reduces the damage that can be done with a single password.

Top 5 Password Managers for 2026

1. NordPass ($1.29/mo) – Uses XChaCha20 encryption, considered more secure than AES-256
2. ProtonPass ($2.49/mo) – Best value with generous free tier
3. 1Password ($2.99/mo) – Excellent family sharing and travel mode
4. Bitwarden ($10/year) – Open-source with excellent free tier
5. Dashlane ($2.75/mo) – Premium features with VPN included

Modern password managers in 2026 support passkeys and WebAuthn for passwordless authentication, which is considered the gold standard for security. They also include features like dark web monitoring, breach alerts, and secure sharing. Most offer browser extensions for all major browsers and mobile apps with biometric authentication. Unlike browser-based tools that rely on a single account login, many dedicated password managers also give you more control through features like a separate master password and zero-knowledge encryption.

While inserting something new into your web flow may not sound appealing to you, password managers are relatively unobtrusive after installation. Most install in a browser of your choice as a plug-in. There they’ll watch your cyberspace travels. If you’re new to a website, the program will help you create credentials for it. If you’ve been to the site before, the software will automatically fill in your login info. What’s more, most managers will also create a list of sites for which they’ve stored logins that can be quickly accessed from your browser’s toolbar.

5. Use Creativity When You Create Your Passwords

If remembering a lot of passwords is a big chore, then creating passwords is just as taxing. Password managers can automate that for you, too. You can tell them to create a secure password for you and it’s done in an instant.

In some managers you can even customize the passwords they create.

You can make a password a certain length. The recommended length in 2026 is now 16-20 characters according to CISA and NIST guidelines. You want it to be pronounceable when using numbers, capital letters and special characters. Or if you’re excluding similar characters like 1 and l or O and 0.

If you go old school and create passwords manually, a password manager can help you there too. It’ll tell you if your creation is secure or if you’ve already used that password someplace else.

One of the greatest benefits of a password manager is that most of them work across platforms. Whether you’re working on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop, you always have access to your credentials. That also means you don’t have to type a secure password like F*t5pWU397%6QvAk7K9W on a smartphone keyboard.

What’s more, with information synchronized across platforms your devices will do an automatic updated when you either change your credentials or add new ones.

6. Hide Your IP With a VPN

Having a secure browser and a password manager will offer you a measure of security as you cruise the Web, but if you want to take safety up a notch, consider using a Virtual Private Network service.

VPN services both protect your connection to the Internet by encrypting the data in the connection and hide where you’re connecting to the Net, which protects your privacy.

Encrypting your connection to the Internet is especially important when working on insecure Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in public places like airports, hotels and restaurants. Those networks are insecure because it’s quite easy for a snoop to intercept traffic on them with a software tool called a sniffer. With an encrypted connection though, snoops capturing your data will see only garbage.

When you connect to the VPN service you’re subscribing to, it masks your identity on the Net. That means your Internet Service Provider won’t be able to track your movements online. Your government will also have a more difficult time tailing you. And sites that would ordinarily recognize you, such as your bank, won’t know who you are and will ask you to authenticate yourself to them.

There are some hassles to using a VPN, which is why usually only people with an extra need for privacy use them. For example, they can slow down your Internet experience because your traffic may be making more hops to get from point A to point B than it would have if you weren’t using a VPN.

What’s more, a VPN service’s servers are likely to be located all over the world. That can create problems if you use streaming services that have regional restrictions, like Netflix and YouTube. If you’re connected to a VPN server in Tokyo, then to the streaming service it looks like you’re in Tokyo and not in your home or office.

VPN providers offer their services in both subscription and free offerings. The problem with free services is they have to make their money in some way. More often than not that means selling your data to marketers. So if protecting your privacy is as important as protecting your communication, you may want to avoid free VPNs.

Best VPN Services for 2026

1. NordVPN – Read review – Over 7,150 servers, WireGuard/NordLynx protocol, speeds over 800 Mbps
2. Surfshark – Read review – Unlimited simultaneous connections, excellent value at $1.99/month
3. ProtonVPN – Read review – Swiss privacy laws, open-source apps, best free tier

Modern VPNs in 2026 use advanced protocols like WireGuard for faster speeds and improved security. Leading services offer features like kill switches, DNS leak protection, and multi-hop connections. The best VPNs maintain no-logs policies verified through independent audits and are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.

P.S. Here’s a full list of best VPN services (updated for 2025)

7. Confirming Site’s Security (https vs. http)

One way to determine if a site is trustworthy is if it has a green padlock on your browser’s address bar.

Not only does that mean that traffic between you and the site is encrypted, but that the domain’s ownership has been validated. While domain validation is useful, it doesn’t say anything about the legitimacy of the owner.

There’s another level of validation for that called Extended Validation. Organizations need to prove their identity and their legitimacy as a business before they can get EV validation. This appears as a green address bar and lock in your browser.

As of 2026, over 88% of websites use HTTPS encryption according to SSL adoption statistics. However, it’s important to note that over 90% of phishing sites also use HTTPS to appear legitimate. The presence of HTTPS alone doesn’t guarantee a site’s trustworthiness – it only ensures that data transmission is encrypted.

Modern browsers now mark HTTP sites as “Not Secure” and some completely block access to unencrypted sites for sensitive operations like payment processing. Google and other search engines also prioritize HTTPS sites in search rankings.

Even if you’re rigid about following good security hygiene, some personal information you’ve uploaded to the Internet during your digital lifetime may fall into the wrong hands. If it’s an email address that’s part of a data breach, you can get an automatic notification via a free service offered by the breach monitoring website Have I Been Pwned.

It’s also a good idea to activate any alerts offered by your credit card providers and banks. Those alerts will keep you notified of various kinds of activity in those accounts. Then, in the event of a compromise, you can respond to the situation at once.

8. Be Skeptical: Think Before You Click

Click, click, click… that’s the sound of your average browsing session. Whether you’re opening emails or downloading files, you’re clicking dozens of times without a second thought. Cybercriminals know this and count on you staying on autopilot. 

Sure, slowing down every time feels like a hassle. But it’s important for your security and your privacy. So what are some of the steps you can take to protect yourself?

Be Wary of Phishing Emails

Phishing emails account for 36% of all data breaches. These emails have gotten harder to spot because AI tools now help attackers create convincing messages that mimic trusted brands like Adobe, Google, and Amazon.

So what happens when you open a phishing email? You get malware.

More than 90% of phishing emails carry ransomware. These programs encrypt all your files and demand payment to unlock them. Most of the time, people agree to pay a ransom in the hope of getting their access back. With the average ransom payment jumping from $1,542,333 in 2023 to $3,960,917 in 2024, it’s obvious that phishing emails are financially fruitful for cybercriminals.

The malware doesn’t just lock you out of your files. It spies on everything you do, including the passwords you type into your online banking site. Other malware takes over your computer to send out more spam, which slows down your system and could get you in trouble with your internet provider.

To avoid falling victim to phishing emails:

• Spelling or grammar mistakes. Real companies hire copy editors to check their emails before they go out.
• Be suspicious if an email doesn’t use your name and just says something like “Dear Customer.”
• Delete messages from people you don’t know or about purchases you never made.
• Do not share passwords, bank details, or personal information through email.
• Question offers that sound too good to be true or threats that seem extreme.
• Ignore emails that try to rush you into acting right away.
• Check the sender’s address and any URLs. Phishing sites often use addresses like MyBank-security-urgent.com instead of MyBank.com.

Download Software From Trusted Sources

The Internet is awash with different kinds of software that you can download and install on your computer. Keep in mind that not all downloads are equally trustworthy.

An approved software update for your operating system (usually Windows or macOS) is sure to be safe to install. On the other side of the spectrum, a download from a cheap-looking website that promises to clean up the files on your computer is one to stay away from.

Look to download commercial apps bought from secure sites and free apps from sites with a good reputation (such as official app stores, GitHub for open-source software, and Microsoft Store for Windows apps). If you’re unsure about the origin of any piece of software, don’t download or install it. Look it up on the web and check for reviews and blog posts about the software from reputable sources. It doesn’t take long to tell whether a piece of software is genuine and trusted by the web community.

In 2026, supply chain attacks targeting software distribution have increased significantly. Always verify software signatures when possible and use official package managers or app stores. Be particularly cautious of software distributed through social media links or email attachments.

Avoid File-sharing Sites and Torrenting

Sites used to back up and synchronise your files are generally fine to use, and are much safer than many people might think. But places where you’re active in sharing content with others, file-sharing sites for e.g., have the potential to compromise your computer. This is because such sites often deal in the sharing of files that aren’t intended for sharing.

These files might be films, software or other content that has some commercial, copyrighted value. Someone looking to gain control of others’ computers could easily share some rogue software – called malware. This would allow them access to your machine if it were to run on your system.

Be careful, then, whenever using a service like this. It should go without saying that following copyright laws in your country is a sensible thing to do!

Modern file-sharing networks have become increasingly dangerous in 2026, with cybercriminals using AI to create more convincing fake files that appear legitimate but contain sophisticated malware. These attacks often target popular software, movies, and games to maximize their reach.

9. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication Whenever Possible

Many of the most websites most critical to our lives: online banking websites, Gmail, Facebook etc. offer two-factor authentication.

This means that, if someone looks suspicious in any way they’ll step in. So should it appear that you’re logging in from a computer in China, and you’ve never used that particular computer before, and also you’ve never even left your home town – well, alarm bells will ring and they’ll intervene. For example, the bank might send a one-time code to your phone, or send a code to you by email.

Unless the hacker also somehow got into your email or your phone, they’ll be locked out of your account.

And if you ever lose your password, or someone tries to hijack your account, you can go through the second authorization method to reset your password and get your account back.

But two-factor authentication isn’t automatic. You have to give your cell phone number to your bank and you have to enable the two-factor with Google and Facebook.

If you haven’t done it yet – now is the time.

According to the latest cybersecurity statistics, users who enable 2FA are 99.9% less likely to be compromised compared to those using only passwords. Microsoft reports that 2FA can stop 99.9% of account hacks, while Google states it blocks 100% of automated bot attacks.

The adoption of 2FA has grown significantly, with 89% of businesses projected to use it by 2026. However, not all 2FA methods provide equal protection. CISA now recommends phishing-resistant MFA using FIDO/WebAuthn standards as the gold standard for security.

Here are the instructions for the most popular services:

• PayPal
• Amazon
• Google
• Twitter/X
• Facebook

10. Change Your Passwords After a Breach

Speaking of changing your passwords after a breach – you should do that.

According to the latest data breach statistics, the US experienced 1862 data breaches in 2021, representing a 68 percent increase from the breach number recorded in 2020. , and . Also, an estimated 166 million individuals were affected by data breaches in the first half of 2025.

If you’re one of them, or suspect that you are, go and change your passwords. Start with your most important sites: banking, credit cards, and shopping sites. Then move on to your favorite social media sites.

Chances are you can’t even remember all the places where you have an account, right?

Go back to the previous step and install a password manager.

In 2026, breach notification systems have improved significantly. Most reputable companies now notify users within 72 hours of discovering a breach, and services like Have I Been Pwned provide real-time alerts when your email appears in new data breaches.

11. Consider Using Credit Monitoring

Another thing that the criminals will do if they get access to your personal information is open new accounts in your name. You never see these statements because you don’t know that the accounts even exist. Well not until you start getting hounded by collection agencies and discover that you’ve no longer got a credit rating. It’s also a big reason the numbers are so brutal: credit card fraud alone hit $33.41 billion globally in 2024.

Lucky then that protecting against this is very easy. And free.

You might have heard that you’re allowed one free report a year from each of the credit monitoring services, so you haven’t bothered with it.

Now, there several free options out there will let you check your credit report any time you want, for free, without any damage to your credit rating. And they’ll also send you an alert if anyone tries to open a new credit account in your name.

Capital One and Discover Card both offer free online credit monitoring.

My personal favorite service is Credit Karma, and another popular option is Credit Sesame.

• Credit Karma
• Discover Credit Scorecard
• Capital One CreditWise
• Credit Sesame

In 2026, identity theft protection has become more sophisticated, with many services offering real-time dark web monitoring and automatic fraud alerts. These tools are especially relevant because personal data like phone numbers, addresses, and emails can sell for as little as $1 once it reaches underground marketplaces. Some services also provide identity theft insurance and restoration services if your identity is compromised.

12. Consider Using Extra Anti-Virus Protection & Lock Your Screen

By now you should have the idea that NOT clicking on phishing emails is your first line of defence.

But what happens if you do, and the malware starts invading your computer or smartphone? Many users assume apple products are not imune to these threats only in rare cases, but in reality even Macs and iPhones can be affected if proper precautions are not taken.

With luck you have anti-virus in place to catch it.

Modern antivirus solutions in 2026 use AI-powered threat detection and behavioral analysis to identify new and unknown threats. The latest AV-Comparatives testing shows that top antivirus products now detect over 99% of malware samples.

• Malwarebytes – Excellent anti-malware with browser protection
• Bitdefender – Advanced threat detection with minimal system impact
• Norton 360 – Comprehensive security suite with VPN and dark web monitoring

You can get antivirus software for your smartphone, too. Yet, according to current cybersecurity research, only 32 percent of people have it on mobile devices, despite mobile devices being 25-40% more likely to fall for phishing attacks than desktop computers.

Another way to protect your computer or mobile device is to turn on password or PIN or fingerprint locks.

According to a popular survey, 28 percent of smartphone owners don’t use a screen lock or other security feature to limit access to their phone.

Most people don’t secure their laptops either. It’s simple enough for a thief to grab your device and walk off with it and all the data in it. If you’ve got it set up with automatic logins to your financial sites, email or social media accounts, you’re even more vulnerable.

Do you have a camera on your computer? I keep a Post-It over mine, and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg uses a piece of tape. It’s a quick and easy fix. I’m happy knowing that some stranger isn’t watching me picking spinach out from between my teeth.

Because of the large number of breaches in the news recently, people are more aware of cybersecurity issues than ever before, said cybersecurity researchers.

“But in their day-to-day life, they don’t act as if it’s a central concern,” experts note. “It’s a paradox.”

13. Be Prompt about Updating Your Operating System and Software

When a company discovers that there’s a security problem in its software, it sends out an update.

Some programs do automatic updates, without asking permission. But many operating systems and applications ask first.

Most people don’t approve the update right away. Given the choice, only 32 percent of people opt to have their apps update themselves on an automatic basis. Of the rest, 38 percent run the updates when it’s convenient, and 10 percent never install app updates at all.

When it comes to major updates, like the phone operating system, 42 percent wait until it’s convenient, according to cybersecurity surveys, and 14 percent never update it.

That’s a problem. When hackers find out that there’s a security vulnerability, they rush out to take advantage of it before everyone upgrades. The longer you take, the more at risk you are.

In 2026, the threat landscape is expected to evolve significantly. Cybersecurity statistics show that over 21,500 new vulnerabilities were disclosed by the mid of 2025, representing a 16-18% increase from the same period in 2024. Zero-day exploits are being weaponized faster than ever, often within hours of discovery. China alone represents 33% of all documented state-sponsored cyber operations over the past two decades, underscoring how organized and sustained these campaigns have become.

So why don’t people update right away?

“It might be strictly a matter of convenience and control,” said cybersecurity researchers. “Some people think, I want to do updates in my own time. Or, I don’t want to burn through my data cap.”

Modern operating systems in 2026 have improved their update mechanisms significantly. Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, and mobile operating systems now use smaller, incremental updates and can install them in the background with minimal user interruption.

14. Use Reputable Shopping Sites

Most brand-name e-commerce sites, like Amazon, have good security systems in place and are happy to refund your money if something goes wrong.

Scammers still pop up though promising goods that they don’t deliver. Check the ratings and customer reviews before making a purchase.

As an extra precaution, if you pay with a credit card, you can also have them reverse the charges if it turns out that there’s a problem.

In 2026, e-commerce security has improved dramatically with mandatory HTTPS encryption, advanced fraud detection systems, and secure payment processing. However, fake online stores have also become more sophisticated, often using stolen branding and professional-looking websites to deceive customers.

Look for these security indicators when shopping online:

• HTTPS encryption (padlock icon in address bar)
• Verified business information and contact details
• Secure payment options (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.)
• Customer reviews from verified purchases
• Clear return and refund policies

15. Don’t Use Unsecured WiFi

Most wireless routers – the devices that share the Internet signal around your home or office – will be set to use a form of encryption that needs a password to let you connect to the WiFi network. Although this is a pain, it’s a safe way to ensure you’re not making it easy for others to join your wireless network. Not doing this would mean they might be able to gain un-authorised access to any of the computers or devices on the network.

When you are out of the home or office, you might connect to a public WiFi hotspot. These often have their own joining criteria (a need to register or enter a password, for example), but some WiFi networks are completely open. Connecting to such networks is usually a bad idea. It’s best to pick a secure network instead or to rely on your device’s own connection to your mobile operator.

An alternative is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. This allows you to create a secure connection even when you have joined an unprotected WiFi network.

In 2026, public WiFi security threats have evolved with more sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks and evil twin networks (fake hotspots that mimic legitimate ones). Many devices now automatically connect to known networks, which can be exploited by attackers using network names similar to legitimate hotspots.

Such apps are ideal for Android and iOS. For more comprehensive reviews, take a look at our VPN Reviews.

16. Manage Your Digital Footprint

As kids, we were told not to talk to strangers. Our brains are hardwired to be cautious in person. But no one told us the consequences of sharing our lives online with billions of people watching.

You see, the internet never forgets. So anything you share—a photo, a comment, a location tag—can be found, saved, and used against you years later.

Remember the Harvard incident where 10 students had their admission offers revoked over some things they said on Facebook? That’s the kind of damage your digital footprint can cause when you’re not careful about what you put out there.

To protect yourself and minimize your digital footprint:

• Google yourself to see what information is publicly available about you
• Make your social media accounts private and check privacy settings regularly
• Don’t list your phone number or home address on public profiles
• Turn off location sharing and avoid tagging where you are in posts
• Think before you post (would your future employer be okay with it?)
• Delete accounts you no longer use and remove posts that reflect your personality
• Review the posts your friends tag you in and change your settings to approve tags
• Check which apps access your data and remove permissions you don’t need

17. Back Up Your Data

While it’s crucial to keep your computer protected from the outside world, it’s important to remember that you keep data – that’s files, documents, pictures, music, videos – for a reason: to use them. The last thing you want is for the hard disk inside your computer to fail and for you to lose any or all that precious information. So, what to do? The best course of action is to put in place a backup routine. That means finding a way to copy your information to a safe place so that you don’t rely on your computer’s hard disk alone.

You can make your backups to an external hard disk, such as one connected to the computer via a USB cable.

More and more people are now turning to cloud backups. Cloud backups give you a secure way of transferring data over the Internet to a service such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive.

For the best protection, use a combination of physical and cloud backups. Doing so will mean your data should be safe even if a disaster were to strike. A service such as Acronis may suit you if you wish to go for the hybrid backup route.

In 2026, ransomware attacks have become more sophisticated, with attackers specifically targeting backup systems. The average recovery cost for a ransomware incident was $1,500,000 in 2025, making robust backup strategies more critical than ever.

Modern backup solutions in 2026 include:

• Automated cloud backups with versioning
• Air-gapped backups (disconnected from the network)
• Immutable backups that cannot be encrypted by ransomware
• Zero-trust backup architectures
• AI-powered backup monitoring and anomaly detection

The 3-2-1 backup rule remains the gold standard: 3 copies of your data, 2 different storage types, and 1 offsite backup. In 2025, security experts recommend adding a fourth element: 1 immutable or air-gapped backup for critical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is the best practice for browsing the internet?

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+ What is the most important thing I can do to stay safe online?

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+ How can I tell if my computer has been infected with malware?

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+ Do I really need a VPN, or is my browser\'s incognito mode enough?

Key Takeaways: Your Safe Browsing Checklist

As we browse and engage in more activities over the internet, the stakes of our privacy will continue to rise. Meanwhile, cybercriminals will keep coming up with new ways to track and exploit our personal information. That means it’s on us to make sure we’re doing our best to protect our privacy and keep our accounts secure.

Here’s your safe browsing checklist

• Use a password manager to create unique passwords for every account
• Turn on two-factor authentication for banking and social media
• Install an ad blocker to stop tracking and block malicious ads
• Keep your software updated so hackers can’t exploit vulnerabilities
• Back up your data regularly in case ransomware locks your files
• Think before you click on links, especially in emails
• Manage your digital footprint by keeping social media private

What steps are you taking to engage in safe internet browsing? Share your advice in the comments down below.