In this post I want to provide a little common sense security advice and a couple of security pointers.

The two most obvious things everyone should consider when visiting a website.

1. Does the website have ads?
2. Is the primary business to sell ads?

If the answer to both of these questions is yes, you should be on high alert when clicking anything on the site. Ads are the primary harbinger of malware on websites, and sites that make their money from ads are dangerous. These sites are more than willing to take money for ads from people who wish to steal from you.

As a general rule, all of the free news sites are the worst, with the most aggressive ads. Here are just a few other tips.

Verify the Website’s URL

Before entering any personal information, double-check the URL to ensure you’re on a legitimate site. Cybercriminals often create fake websites that mimic trusted brands.

• Look for “https://” – Secure websites encrypt your data; avoid “http://” sites.
• Check for typos or odd spellings – Fraudulent websites may use slight variations (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
• Click the padlock icon in the address bar – It should display security details about the site.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

A weak password makes it easy for hackers to gain access to your accounts.

• Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., “P@ssw0rd#123”).
• Never reuse passwords across different sites.
• Consider a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.

More password info

Be Cautious of Pop-Ups and Ads

Malicious advertisements (malvertising) can trick users into downloading malware or revealing sensitive information.

• Avoid clicking on pop-ups that claim you’ve won a prize or your device is infected.
• Use an ad blocker to prevent malicious ads from loading.
• If a pop-up won’t close, use Ctrl + W (Windows) or Cmd + W (Mac) to close the tab instead of clicking anything.

Watch Out for Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a common cyberattack where hackers trick users into providing personal information through fake websites or emails.

• Emails or messages with urgent requests (e.g., “Your account will be locked unless you update your password!”).
• Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or strange email addresses.
• Hover over links before clicking to check the actual URL.

If you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links—instead, visit the website directly by typing the URL into your browser.

Keep Your Browser and Software Updated

Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

• Enabling automatic updates for your browser, operating system, and security software.
• Using a trusted antivirus program to scan for malware.
• Regularly updating browser extensions and removing those you no longer use.

Be Wary of Free Downloads and Plugins

Cybercriminals often hide malware in free downloads, browser extensions, and plugins.

• Download software only from official sources (e.g., company websites, app stores).
• Avoid installing unverified browser extensions that request excessive permissions.
• Scan downloads with antivirus software before opening.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe Online

With cyber threats evolving every day, practicing safe browsing habits is more important than ever. By staying vigilant and following these security tips, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.

Best Regards,

David Muegge