Some basic rules of thumb to use when online to increase your safety online, ordered in order of

• General
  • Never open or reply to any email from an unknown. Consider it suspicious.
  • Never click a link given by a stranger or even by a friend if you’ve not asked for it.

• Browser related
  • Disable redirects (links might redirect you to fake pages!)
  • Use HTTPS instead of plain HTTP
  • Block JavaScript & Java
  • Block Ads
  • Block 3rd parties in web pages (most of which are hidden)
  • Control cross-site requests
  • Erase internet history, private data, cookies
  • Erase Flash Local Shared Objects (LSO), also known as long-term Super-Cookies

Note: Pages might not load well enough with the above; you will often need to allow some services & parties, but at least its under your control!

• Chatting
  • Follow the “General”
  • Use a good Instant Messenger
  • Use encryption

And remember, a computer is as smart as its user is & secure as cautious its user is!

Disclaimer: Please be warned that following the above rules increases your online security but it is by no means guaranteed to be completely safe! As a matter of fact, there’s nothing as being completely safe online!

last update: 2013-09-15