CONTENTS

Introduction
Need of Safe Browsing Habits
Some guidelines for safe browsing

Steps to avoid Malicious Websites

Acknowledgement

Reference
 Safe Browsing Habits: How to Avoid Malicious Websites

Introduction:-

Safe browsing habits in the internet refer to a set of practices that help users protect their
personal information, maintain privacy, and avoid malware, viruses, and online scams. These
habits are essential to ensure a secure online experience and prevent cybercriminals from
exploiting your data.

Some key aspects of safe browsing habits:-

1. Visiting only legitimate and trusted websites to avoid malicious content and phishing
attempts.

2. Using discretion when downloading files or software from the internet, as well as
accessing online services using personal information.

3. Exercising caution when sending and receiving emails to protect against phishing and
spamming.

4. Being aware of the harm caused by inappropriate internet browsing, such as exposure to
inappropriate content or online predators.

5. Maintaining confidentiality on the internet by using appropriate firewalls and strong

passwords.
6. Avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi access points when connecting for banking or financial
transactions.

7. Recognizing that children need to follow safe browsing practices to protect them from
online predators.

8. Looking for the "https" and a padlock symbol in the address bar when signing into an
online account or making online purchases to ensure data encryption.

9. Avoiding shady websites that promise offers too good to be true, such as free electronics,
software, or nude celebrities.

10. Using a LinkScanner or similar tool to scan pages before visiting them, preventing drive-
by downloads or malware installation scripts.

11. Installing and keeping antivirus software up-to-date to protect against viruses and
malware.

12. Avoiding questionable websites, only downloading software from trusted sources, and
carefully evaluating free software and file-sharing applications.

13. Keeping web browsers up-to-date to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
 14. Opting for robust privacy and security settings on your web browser.

15. Disabling the password-saving feature in your browser to prevent attackers from stealing
your information.

16. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to enhance privacy and security.

Need of safe browsing habits:-

Safe browsing habits are essential in the internet due to several reasons:-

1. Protecting Personal Information: Cybercriminals use the internet to gather personal,

confidential, and financial information, which can lead to identity theft, fraud, and other
illegal activities

2. Avoiding Malware and Viruses: Malicious software, such as spyware, can infect your
devices and steal sensitive information, compromise your privacy, and damage your
system

3. Preventing Phishing and Scams: Phishing attacks and online scams are common, and safe
browsing habits help you recognize and avoid them
4. Maintaining Confidentiality: Safe browsing practices ensure that your online activities
remain private and secure

5. Protecting Children: Children are vulnerable to online predators, and safe browsing habits
help protect them from inappropriate content and potential exploitation

6. Enhancing Digital Privacy: Practicing safe browsing habits helps you maintain control
over your personal data and protect your digital privacy

7. Securing Financial Transactions: Safe browsing habits are crucial when conducting
financial transactions online to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts

8. Avoiding Spyware: Spyware can be found on seemingly reputable websites, and safe
browsing habits help you avoid falling into these traps

9. Staying Productive: Safe browsing habits help you avoid distractions and maintain
productivity while using the internet

10. Complying with Privacy Laws: Safe browsing habits help you comply with privacy laws
and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Some guidelines for safe browsing:-

1. Keep systems and software up-to-date: Regularly update your operating system, browser,
and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes

2. Use reliable antivirus software: Install and maintain an up-to-date antivirus program to
protect against viruses, malware, and phishing scams

3. Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords that are difficult to guess and
avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to
generate and store passwords securely

4. Practice safe searching: Avoid search terms commonly associated with online scams,
such as "Free Credit Report" or "Tech support phone numbers"

5. Back up your data: Regularly back up your files to a secure location, such as Microsoft
OneDrive, which uses a common virus detection engine

6. Be cautious with emails and downloads: Exercise caution when clicking links, opening
attachments, or downloading files from unknown or suspicious sources

7. Use HTTPS: Ensure that websites you enter personal information into use HTTPS
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) for secure connections
8. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions: Do not use public Wi-Fi for banking,
making purchases, or logging into sensitive accounts

9. Use private browsing modes: Utilize private browsing modes like Google Chrome's
Incognito Mode to prevent browsers from saving your browsing history and cookies

10. Be aware of phishing and scams: Learn to recognize phishing attempts and scams, and
report any suspicious activity to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

11. Use firewalls and strong passwords: Keep your home computers and mobile devices safe
and secure with appropriate firewalls and strong passwords

12. Educate children about safe browsing: Ensure that children are aware of safe browsing
practices to protect them from online predators

13. Disable autocomplete and remember password features: Avoid using autocomplete and
remember password features to prevent attackers from stealing your information

14. Read privacy policies: Review websites' privacy policies to understand how your
information is collected and protected

15. Use popup blockers: Enable popup blockers to prevent unwanted popups from appearing
Steps to avoid Malicious Websites:-

1. Don't click links in emails, especially if they appear to be from a trusted source like your
bank or a retail store

2. Check site security and encryption by looking for the "https" and a padlock symbol in the
address bar

3. Use anti-malware software to protect against malicious websites that seek to cause harm
to your computer

4. Use network filtering software and avoid high-risk sites like pirating, streaming, and
gambling sites

5. Check the URL for misspellings or slight variations from the legitimate site's URL

6. Look for the "https" and a padlock symbol in the address bar to ensure data encryption

7. Check the website's presentation for poor layout, grammar errors, and misspellings

8. Avoid suspicious and high-risk sites such as gambling and adult entertainment sites
9. Check app store reviews and descriptions for legitimacy

10. Use common sense and avoid websites that look strange or ask for sensitive personal
information

11. Check the properties of any links to reveal the true destination of the link

12. Use your browser's security tools and keep them up-to-date

13. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to enhance privacy and security
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all I would like to thank Mrs. Sanchari Joardar of our college for encouraging me to
write this report. I am glad to admit that this report has intensely helped me in learning, creating
and writing. Our knowledge, creativity and self-development have got a new aspect to expose
and explore themselves. I acknowledge our sincere gratitude to our teacher. I am fortunate to
have worked under him.

I would also like to thank Mr. Manas Roy who has given valuable suggestion in making this
report. Last of all, I would like to thank all my family members, friends who have helped me
completing this project.

Thank you all.

 Reference

https://kinetix.com/how-to-avoid-malicious-websites/

https://bwsit.com/safe-internet-browsing-habits/

https://www.shu.edu/technology/news/safe-browsing-habits.html