With potential threats to your online security lurking around every corner of the web, beefing up your digital defenses should be high atop your to-do list. Fortunately, while many cyberthreats can facilitate serious consequences, protecting yourself from them is a much more straightforward undertaking than you may think.

A willingness to learn new things and correct potentially dangerous online habits can go a surprisingly long way towards enhancing your overall cybersecurity for years to come. So, if your online security could use a shot in the arm, consider the following steps.

1. Use a Dependable VPN

If you’re not crazy about your traffic being monitored by third parties, don’t hesitate to seek out a dependable virtual private network (VPN). Despite being around for quite a while, VPNs didn’t rise to prominence until recently – and they’re essential for anyone who values their online privacy. So, if your computer, phone, and other internet-capable devices are bereft of a good VPN, now would be an excellent time to rectify this.

For those who have never heard of virtual private networks, VPNs essentially create secure data tunnels through which you can use the internet without fear of third-party spying. By encrypting your data and network traffic, a VPN can conceal your IP address and mask your network identity, thus making it all but impossible for your data and online activity to be monitored.

Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you should have no trouble installing a VPN and navigating its settings. Furthermore, since there’s no shortage of options on the VPN front, finding a virtual private network uniquely suited to your needs shouldn’t prove challenging. Just be advised that while free VPNs are easy to find, they generally don’t provide the same level of protection as their paid contemporaries. If excellent security and peace of mind are what you’re after, consider VPN Proxy One Pro.

2. Avoid Clicking Links from Unknown or Suspicious Parties

Clicking links from people, you don’t know and trust can result in virus infection, data theft, or other undesirable consequences. Fortunately, avoiding suspicious links doesn’t take much effort. For starters, never click on links found in emails or text messages from unfamiliar parties.

Additionally, note any strange language contained therein, even if an email or text appears to be from someone you know, as a malicious third party may have gotten ahold of your contacts list. When in doubt, contact the person purported to have sent the message and ask if they were, in fact, the one who sent the link.

Additionally, before clicking a link, take care to hover your cursor over it. This will show you the URL to which the link intends to redirect you. If this URL doesn’t match up with the link itself, this should be regarded as a red flag. You may also want to consider running the link through an online link checker for added security. As the name suggests, these handy applications will provide you with a list of potential security threats associated with any links you put forth.

3. Install Updates Posthaste

It’s no secret that installing system and software updates can be inconvenient – especially if an update drops while you’re in the middle of using one of your devices. As a result, many people opt to postpone installing important updates, leaving their devices vulnerable to new and emerging threats since many updates are created to patch vulnerabilities and respond to new types of cyberthreats, allowing them to sit on the backburner stands to compromise your security severely.

With this in mind, please install system and software updates as they become available. This may entail dropping what you’re doing and restarting your device, but your continued security is undoubtedly worth dealing with such a minor inconvenience.

There’s no denying that the web can be a dangerous place. Everyone has at least one horror story about a horrible virus, network breach, or other prominent cyber threat. Luckily, keeping yourself safe from some of the web’s most heinous digital dangers doesn’t have to be complicated.

Educating yourself on proper cybersecurity practices and committing to change unsafe online behaviors can go a long way towards bolstering your defenses against the machinations of cybercriminals.