Although using secure software is essential, user competence is one of the most important ways to keeping your identity safe online. While the Internet will always involve a certain amount of risk, there are safe web browsing practices you can follow that will help average users avoid the most common web dangers.

Use a Good Password

Picking a strong password is obviously important, but what exactly makes a password strong? One of the first rules is that any word that is on your public record should be kept off limits. Your birthday, pet’s name, or last name will make the password very easy to crack, especially if the hacker already has personal information about you. Do not use words that can easily be found in a dictionary because most computer programs trying to crack your password will launch a “dictionary attack”. A dictionary attack will systematically test every word in a common dictionary unit it has found the match. This does not have to take very long because a program can process thousands of combinations each second. You should use a lengthy, complex password that has a combination of digits, numbers, and symbols.

Don’t Browse Unguarded

Windows is one of the most insecure operating systems around. Mac OSX and Linux are far more secure, but they are still not perfect. Since most people use Windows, there are more Windows-based viruses than any other kind of operating system, so the first time you boot windows you should immediately install anti-virus software. Protection software costs money to purchase and slows down your computer, but it is well worth the trouble.

Use a Safe Browser

While there are hundreds of web browsers available online, many of them have serious security holes that can endanger your computer. Firefox is one of the most secure web browsers and it is also one of the easiest to use. Internet Explorer is nightmare for security but Firefox will protect you quite well.