Staying safe while browsing online

Hello.  I like to look up expressions and new words in Google, to see what they mean.  I also go to sites like the Cambridge online dictionary.  Sometimes I also look up random stuff in Google and look through the resulting sites that it gives me.

I am just wondering, are these activities safe?  I don't have any kind of security on my computer.  I just make sure I go to sites that appear safe.  Am I safe?

Do you have Google safe Search on?

Hi Dan,

What's that?

It filters out adult oriented material

I see.

Well, I don't have that on.  It doesn't appear that I'd need that.  For one thing, I don't ever search for adult content.

I mostly want to know safe online browsing behavior.  I want to make sure I won't reveal my IP address to would-be hackers.  I do online banking on my computer.  It would be very bad if someone hacked into my computer, he would be able see my balances and would also have access to my login credentials.  

I want to avoid this.

G; luck

It filters out adult oriented material

I see.
 
Well, I don't have that on.  It doesn't appear that I'd need that.  For one thing, I don't ever search for adult content.

JohKe, you said you don't have any security on your computer.  This is very risky.  Any website can be spoofed or compromised.  You need security to protect you against this.

You do not mention your A/V or your Firewall or your OS.

As the browser is 1st place in mostly : https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard MBAM Browser Guard without Ad Block on, Ublock Origin as a Ad Blocker using Advanced Mode and Train it for the sites you visit most often, Privacy Possum and train it as well.

So more information to help you.

Hello JohKe,

Here's an overview:

1) Browsing behaviors: you need to focus on not following "unsafe" links, not downloading "unsafe" files, and not installing "unsafe" software.  These will lead to scams and malware. Technologically, you can use uBlock Origin and MalwareByte Browser Guard to help, but it's really up to you to learn what is unsafe.  Anything sent to you unsolicited are often no good.  Google ads are really bad vectors for spreading malware and scams because they look legitimate.  Even google results are sometimes bad.

2) Your computer, probably a Windows 10 and Windows 10, will normally come pre-installed with Antivirus software and Firewall, which are already OK.  You do need to know that these won't catch everything.  It's again up to you to figure out what behaviors are safe.

3) If you are using a Wifi in your home connected to a carrier router, your home is already fire-walled by the router.  So you are most likely OK here too.

Edited by Dill2046, 08 April 2024 - 10:52 PM.

Thanks to all for the helpful advice.

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Program for bringing out Defender Hidden Firewall commands by a Developer now working for MBAM.

Review from 2022 , link off the page : https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-firewall-control-guide/