Connecting to the world’s greatest digital hub (and repository of cat memes) has never been easier and more inclusive. That said, the fact that almost anyone can access the internet now doesn’t mean we’re all using it responsibly or getting the most out of the experience.

This short guide will introduce you to four essential steps towards savvier and safer internet use.

Understand the Basics of Cybersecurity

While it's no longer the digital wild west of yesteryear, the internet can still be a dangerous place for the careless. You've likely already received phishing emails or have friends who have been scammed on social media. There's also malware, harmful software you can pick up simply by visiting a sketchy website, which can slow down your devices or even make them inaccessible.

Being proactive about cybersecurity drastically reduces risk. Start by ensuring your operating system and browser have automatic updates. Install anti-malware and have it run regular checks. Read up on recognizing phishing and other social engineering attacks.

Most importantly, secure your passwords. That means having long, complex, and unique strings of random characters for each to prevent data breaches and account takeovers. Using a password manager will make this easy. They can create hackproof passwords for all your accounts and store them securely, while you only need to remember one.

Password managers can also fortify your accounts with two-factor authentication. Doing so sends a security code to your phone whenever someone tries to log into an account from an unknown device or location.

Start Using Ad Blockers

Ads have overrun the internet to the point that something as simple as trying to watch a video or read a blog has become unnecessarily complicated and frustrating. Worse yet, advertisers track the sites you visit and may bombard you with irrelevant ads based on a single search. The answer? An ad blocker!

Ad blockers are extensions, little extra features you manually add to your browser, that prevent ads from showing up in sidebars or playing before/during videos. You can set one up in seconds and marvel at how cleaner, less distracting, and safer your browsing experience will become.

Develop Media Literacy

Fake news and misinformation existed long before the internet. Sadly, the advent of AI has ramped their quantity up to extremes. It’s easier than ever to distort the truth to support an agenda or outright lie since people are so overwhelmed with information that they won't bother to verify it.

Navigating the morass of sensationalism and misinformation requires not just digital but media literacy as well. Honing your media literacy skills will help you spot false news and become well-informed.

Protect Your Privacy

Today’s internet encourages voicing your opinion under your real name and revealing minute details about your life. While these may connect you with like-minded individuals, they're also crumbs that help cybercriminals, ISPs, and advertisers access sensitive information you’d rather not share.

Responsible social media and general internet use play a major part. Be mindful of what information you post and adjust privacy settings on all the platforms you use to limit displaying your activity to contacts only.

To take your privacy to the next level, be mindful of the information you share online. Every time you register on a website or post on social media, your data can end up in databrokers' databases. To regain control of your data, consider using only the best data removal services. These services work on your behalf to request the removal of your personal information from databrokers' records.

Conclusion

Using the internet has become second nature, yet doing so responsibly takes practice and a little effort. Now you know what to look out for, and your journey of discovery can begin!