From annoyances like marketers, scammers, and hackers, to websites with popups, tracking cookies or paywalls, you’d be forgiven for thinking that browsing the Internet isn’t as fun or as secure as it used to be. Thankfully, some tips and tricks can help you get past these challenges and enjoy the Internet the way it was meant to be experienced.
#1 Bust Through Paywalls
It’s happened to all of us. You see a piece of clickbait that compels you to check out an article, only to be hit by a paywall. If the paywall stops you because you hit your limit of articles for the month, try a different browser on your computer, phone, or tablet. You can also search Google for ways to bypass firewalls.
#2 Use Browser Security Software
It seems like there are pesky popup ads on every website, selling you products you don’t want, leading you to websites you don’t want to go to, and blocking the actual content you want to consume. Interestingly, popup ads can stem from websites, or a type of malware called adware.
To defend yourself against both, try a free ad blocker for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari that stops annoying ads from ruining your browsing experience. In addition, the security tool defends your privacy by preventing trackers from following you, and your security by blocking malware, scams, and even cryptocurrency miners.
#3 Update Your Browser
Update your browser if you haven’t updated it in a long time. The latest version is likely to be faster and more secure. If that doesn’t help, try restarting your browser or your computer to speed things up.
#4 Change Your WiFi Password
How secure is your WiFi? You may have neighbors leaching on your connection because of a weak password or inadequate security settings. So, set a complex password for your WiFi and use the highest security protocol. Additionally, move your router to a more central location of the house for a better wireless connection. If all else fails to enhance your network speed, try restarting the router to clear its memory.
#5 Scan for Viruses
Viruses and other malicious software like adware, browser hijackers, spyware, and some Trojans can slow your browser and your Internet. Scan for viruses to ensure you don’t have any malicious programs hiding in your system. You may also want to install anti-malware software for a deeper clean.
#6 Try a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
You probably know that free VPNs aren’t a good option because they snoop on users and use outdated protocols that hackers can exploit. Instead of a free VPN, subscribe to a high-tech secure and private VPN that offers servers worldwide and a fast connection. With a good VPN service, you can circumvent geo-blocks and view new movies and TV shows, stop websites from spying on you, and more.
In addition to a VPN, remember to activate your firewall to monitor your network for malicious activity that can negatively impact your browser. With bad actors looking to profit by degrading your Internet activity, you need to fight back with the best countermeasures.
