Which of the following is a best practice when browsing the Internet?

Which of the following is a best practice when browsing the Internet?

1. Look for h-t-t-p in the URL name

2: Only accept cookies from reputable, trusted websites

3: Set your browser to automatically accept all cookies

4: Confirm that the site uses an unencrypted link

Answer: 2: Only accept cookies from reputable, trusted websites

This practice is regarded as one of the safe Internet use best practices given that it shields your identity and information. Cookies are text files which are placed on your device by the website you are currently browsing. Although they have the advantage of recalling your preferences as well as login information, they can also track your movements online and eventually lead to violation of your privacy.

When you allow cookies only from reliable websites you decrease the chances of tracking and unauthorized data gathering. For instance, you may wish to allow cookies from your favourite e-commerce websites that you often use, or from websites providing current news, whereas you deny cookies from sites that you are not quite sure of or appear to be shady.

Here we describe why the other options are not recommended as best practices. The whole opposite of what you should do is look for “http” in the URL because secure sites have “https.” Accepting cookies from all sites can be dangerous because your browser settings are helplessly allowing it, and this makes you a target for those sites with bad intentions. It is also not recommended to take a confirmation of an unencrypted link (http instead of https) because unencrypted connections are potentially insecure and your information can be intercepted.

Some of the contemporary browsers have options that will help you control the use of cookies in your browser. It is often possible to configure the browser such that third-party cookies, which are normally used to track across sites, are disabled, however, first-party cookies from the sites one accesses are permitted. Some browsers also include features that allow erasing cookies when the browser is closed turning into an additional opportunity to strengthen the protection of privacy.

Remember accepting cookies only from trusted sites is a good practice but it is only part of the whole computer security regime of using strong and complex passwords, updating computer software and being careful what you post or share with others.