With the increase in the number of people saving sensitive information on their computers, it is important to protect yourself against online “predators” trying to access your files. They tend to seek for the slightest opportunity you give them to feed on.
These “predators” can access your files in a variety of ways, including hacking your computer or attempting to collect information from an infected or malicious website you may visit, even if it is only once.
The best course of action is to stay away from harmful websites entirely. In this guide, you should learn how to identify malicious or fraudulent websites by their URL.
Among the most important aspects of the Internet is the URL. Browsers employ this technology to retrieve any website resource, such as documents, images, videos or ordinary text that has been published. For you to access a website, such as folklight.ng, you will need to input the text http://folklight.ng or https://folklight.ng or www.folklight.ng or just folklight.ng in the address bar. When you click enter, it will take you to Folklight studios website.
Another way you can access a website address is by redirecting. When you click on a link (which can be hidden in a text, images, videos, buttons, files etc.), you will be directed to the same or a different address.
For example;
When you search for Folklight on Google search bar as shown below, you will be provided some suggestions based on the Google ranking index.
This will give you some suggestion relating to your search. The list come with some vital information such as the website address, website title and some other tags and description as shown below.
First thing first, be sure before you click a link. This is very important. A click is all these predators need and boom, they have access to your laptop or phone to devour your personal information and data.
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself against their tactic. The list below are the most prevalent warning signs of a phishing site, as well as some precautions you can take:
The URL of a website you frequently visit or relating to a job offer or a company promotion can be spelled incorrectly and suggested to you.
Sometimes these “predators” will create websites that are nearly identical to the spelling of the site you are attempting to visit. This may direct you to a counterfeit version of the site. Example; www.dangote.com is different from www.dangote.folklight.ng or www.folklight.ng/dangote or www.dongote.com. Please take note.
Also, some original links have been shortened to prevent you from reading the actual destination. Example include . This is www.folklight.ng that has been shortened.
To check the original URL
Copy and paste the bit.ly URL in the address bar and add a plus sign (+) to it. Example is given below.
Other shrinking or shortening platform include goo.gl and tinyurl.com.
We see the signs everyday but just ignored them. Sometimes, when we access a page, a warning sign will pop up that indicate the website is not secure. These suggestion are made based on the records collected as regards the website over time.
Too many English, let’s break it down a little.
Please note that when you enter your information online, it is sent as plain text. What this means is that anyone can intercept your information and consume them. To avoid this, you should make sure that the website is encrypted and accessible via a secure connection.
HTTP Vs. HTTP. The URL of a secure website should begin with “https” rather than “http”. The “s” at the end of “http” stands for secure. This equally mean that the connection come with a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). You can read more about SSL on this Google page.
When you send your information on a secure website, your data will be encrypted before it is sent to a server.
Another simple way to check if you are on a secure website is to check for the “lock” usually at the top of the address bar as shown below.
Some offers, suggestions, advice and decision-modules are too good to be true. Is the website offering you a product or service at an obscure price? Or perhaps they’re promising you a huge return on investment. Trust your instincts if the offer appears to be too good to be true. Conduct some research to find user reviews or warnings.
Most internet browsers come with certain amazing security features. Some are enabled as a default setting while others may require your inputs. If you need access this features meet a friends who is an IT pro to help you out.
Another important thing is to install the most recent version of your web browser. Most browsers include sophisticated filters that can detect and alert you to potential security threats and they are often upgraded overtime.
There are a lot of browsers out there. Get some advice before opting for a browsers you intend using.
Another thing to do prevent these “predators” from accessing your data is by doing a little work, research! Get some information about them before involving yourself with them. Here are some few tips.
The Privacy:
You should try to verify the website Privacy Policy. Most websites are required by laws and regulations to provide website visitors with privacy policies and procedures governing how their data is collected, used, protected, and stored.
The Bombs:
Run away when you observe that something smells funny! Legitimate business websites will take great care to have a professional appearance. Too many spelling error, punctuation, and grammar could indicate that the website was launched quickly. If you observed any of such, run!
The Spy:
You can spy on a website by reading up some information about them. There are tools readily available online to help with this. One of such tools is the “WhoIs” checker. Here is a search for Folklight.ng https://www.whois.com/whois/folklight.ng
Another easier way is to search the website on the Google search bar. If it has no record of such website, that’s your call. A website not showing up on search result may mean that it is either new or was never indexed by Search engine.
Online predators are everywhere and hungry to devour your personal information. Emails, blog post as angelic as this one, videos, chats messages with links and page suggestions can be very dangerous. Make use of common sense. If you find a website strange or requesting sensitive personal data, run away! Don’t take the chance if it appears to be dangerous.
Happy New Year! Great things ahead!
Love from Folklight Studios.