We already know that security is a factor highly valued by users. It is something that we must always keep in mind and avoid being victims of attacks that put our equipment at risk. There are certain data and tools that can especially expose us on the net. That is why we wanted to make this article to collect some of the main causes and to be able to prevent.
Data and tools that are exposed to us on the Internet
As we say, there is certain information and some tools or functions that we use that can expose us especially on the network . They could affect our privacy and security. This means that our computers can suffer problems, that we can be victims of certain types of attacks and identity theft.
IP address
One of the data that can expose us the most on the network is the IP address . As we know, each device has an address with which it is identified. They could find out for example our approximate location. It can even be used by advertising companies or our own operator.
To avoid this problem, to prevent the IP address from being leaked, we have at our disposal the possibility of using VPN tools or using the Tor browser.
Metadata in images
The metadata in the images can also expose information that affects our privacy. there will appear data such as the camera we use, the location, date, our name …
This is something that not only affects photos, but also text files. We can always use tools to remove metadata from files.
Cookies
Cookies are files that are stored on a device when we browse the Internet. They allow us to be identified when we re-enter a page. A way to save time by not having to log in again. However, some cookies can be used to be tracked by third parties.
To avoid this we can frequently delete cookies, as well as use privacy-based browsers such as Tor.
Extensions
Of course the extensions are tools that can expose us clearly on the network. We use them very frequently in our day-to-day lives, but we must bear in mind that they can sometimes be a threat. They could collect personal data, send reports on our browsing and, ultimately, put privacy at risk.
It is very important that when we go to install add-ons in the browser we always do so from official sources. In this way we will avoid problems that compromise us.
Shortened links
Shortened links can be a threat that affects all types of systems. We have all ever received a link in this way, where the URL appears shortened. At first this does not mean that it is a threat, but it could be the strategy used by an attacker to hide the real link.
Luckily we can use different platforms that tell us what that link really looks like. This way we will avoid opening one that is actually a threat.
Emails we receive
Finally, the emails we receive can also be exposed to us on the Internet. Through images that are automatically uploaded they could track us. We saw in another article how to avoid image tracking in Gmail.