The internet can be a dangerous realm. There is malware, violent content and plenty of other threats online. Here are some tools internet users make use of for safety’s sake.
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VPNs
Virtual Private Networks are becoming more and more popular with internet users that want to protect their privacy and access areas of the internet that have been denied to them thanks to their location. A VPN encrypts data and reroutes it through remote servers. This effectively conceals the IP address of a user as they browse the internet. As more and more media streaming companies geoblock content and governments seek to crack down on dissent by blocking social media sites, VPNs have exploded in popularity. To learn more about what is VPN check out the Surfshark site.
Document Scanners
Files downloaded from the internet can come loaded with malware and key loggers that make stealing your information through ransom or slight of digital hand incredibly easy. Known as ‘trojan horse’ malware, these viruses hide behind the respectable veneer of a useful file.
It is very important to scan files before you download them. Document scanning software is standard fare on computers with good security systems installed. If you do not have a comprehensive security system, consider using one of the many free document scanners available.
Adblockers
While advertisements may not be a physical danger, they can seriously damage the quality of experience you have on the internet. The internet is absolutely awash with advertisements, and a great deal of these are targeted at specific internet users thanks to data analysis. Constantly being advertised to – and advertised to effectively – can wear down your defenses and leave you vulnerable to making purchases you don’t really want or need. Betting companies are especially relentless – peddling addictive slot games using targeted advertisements.
Ad blocking software helps to calm the internet down a little bit and makes you feel more like you are walking through the suburbs than Times Square. Although some sites will not load if you use an adblocker, the majority of the internet will remain open to you.
Content Filters
Content filters are used for all sorts of reasons as well as online safety. Businesses, for instance, might employ a web content filter to stop employees from accessing dangerous sites that could leave them open to hacking attacks.
Content filters are, however, primarily used to ensure online safety. This is largely for the safety of children. The internet might not be as wild as it was in the early 2000s, but it is still a rather lawless zone, and there is a lot of very harmful content that is readily accessible. Content filters, such as Google Safe Search, prevent children from easily accessing sensitive or dangerous material on the internet. Most good content filters allow parents to choose exactly what kind of sites they want to block. This familial censorship can help children grow alongside the internet without being exposed to violent or pornographic websites.
