By Nora Campbell
Using the internet is both helpful and risky. Hackers, spammers, and fake accounts are ready to trap and fool you.
In 2024, people in the USA alone lost 16 billion USD to cybercrime. The global loss can cross over 16 trillion USD by 2029. Thankfully, there are ways to stay safe without spending a penny. Use these 7 online tools to protect your information and device.
- Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication. It is similar to adding another lock to open your account. This prevents people from entering your account even if they know your password. They need an additional code to access your information.
Using two-factor authentication helps you to:
- Stops hackers who guess passwords
- Protects your email, banking, and social media
- Sends alerts if someone tries to enter your account
Most websites allow users to turn on this feature without additional cost.
- Use a Free Password Manager
Using the same password for every account eases the job of hackers. They can access your account easily. Keep a different password for every account. If you find it hard to remember or create a password, use a free password manager. This tool suggests a unique password for every account and saves it.
This reduces your work for:
- Making hard-to-crack passwords
- Storing all passwords in one safe place
- Log in quickly without typing everything
Using a password manager instantly makes your account much safer to use.
- Install Free Antivirus Protection
You can download harmful files into your system without noticing. It can destroy and steal information from your computer and phone. Free antivirus scans your system. It blocks dangerous files from entering your system and notifies you if you click on harmful links.
Other ways in which free antivirus tools can help you are:
- Warn you about unsafe downloads
- Block harmful websites
- Remove viruses automatically
Keep antivirus software updated. It will protect your device every day.
- Use People-Search Tools to Check Unknown Contacts
Sometimes, random, unknown people call, text, or email you. Before you trust them, check who they are. Use free people search tools to learn basic details about a person before they scam you.
You can get information, like:
- Check if a caller is real
- See if a name or number is linked to scams
- Confirm the identity of strangers
If you find something suspicious, you can also find information about a person. This can stop scams even before they begin.
- Use a Free VPN for Safe Browsing
While surfing online, scammers can track your real location and your digital activities and trick you in various ways. This can happen more often if you use public Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, or airports. Using a VPN helps you to hide these details, and you can perform any online activities without worry.
Here is a what a VPN does:
- Protect your data from hackers
- Hide your IP address
- Make your internet activity harder to track
This keeps your personal information away from strangers.
- Check Website Safety Before Clicking
There are many safe-looking fake websites. They aim to steal your personal information. Using website safety checkers updates you about the authenticity of the website before you open it.
These tools can:
- Show if a site is risky
- Warn you about phishing pages
- Block harmful links
Use them before clicking unknown links in chats, ads, or emails.
- Use Email Spam Filters
Spam filters block suspicious and dangerous-looking emails from entering your inbox.
This keeps you safe by:
- Move scam emails into a separate folder
- Warning you when an email looks unsafe
- Minimising the chances of clicking on harmful links
- Most email services have powerful spam filters for free.
Additional Safety Tips
Simple habits can save you more from the digital wrongdoers.
- Keep your apps and devices updated
- Avoid sharing personal information online.
- Check privacy settings on social media
- Ignore messages that request money or passwords.
Simple actions can avert most online risks.
How Safe Browsing Habits Can Protect You
The best tools may fail to save you if you click on unsafe links or disclose too much personal information. Build good browsing habits. This will add another layer of protection to keep your digital life safe.
Here are simple habits that help:
- Check the website’s URL before inputting personal details.
- Avoid downloading files from random websites.
- Do not click on pop-up advertisements that say you won a prize
- Stop and think before sharing your phone number or your address.
- Type website addresses yourself instead of clicking on unknown links.
These are easy habits to keep, even for kids. They help you avoid scams, fake websites, and hidden viruses.
Conclusion
You do not need to spend money to keep your device and online activity safe. Stay alert and use these free tools today to protect your privacy, devices, and personal information. You can easily control your online safety.
