Several possible solutions for safer browsing on the Internet are described below
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Switch to a safer Domain Name Service (DNS)
In the Internet every website is identified by a unique IP address. Because it would be very difficult to remember the IP address of a website, we are using names instead. Therefore, a mechanism for assigning names to IP addresses is needed. In principle this works in the same way than an old telephone book.
The DNS does this automatically when a name for a website is given. This service is included with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). To simplify and speed up the procedure, the naming service will store the fetched IP addresses with their corresponding names locally on your computer.
Principle how the DNS works
You will find more information about the DNS on Wikipedia:Domain_Name_System
Some DNS provide more protection by blocking automatically malicious web sites or sites with inappropriate content.
Following categories of protections are available:
1. Automatically blocks malware and phishing sites
2. Functionality of 1 and blocks sites with violence and adult related content
A few DNS with enhanced protection are free to use, and some are free for private use only.
Services are available on Windows, Android, Linux and MAC OS devices.
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Take advantage of a more secure web browser 
The web browser is the program that opens the door to the Internet. As such it is the first that will experience all kinds of requests from websites opened. Certain browsers already include features to increase security and improve privacy.
Like several other browsers, also the Avast Secure and the Brave Browser are built on Chromium. This is an open source browser project that aims to build a safer, faster, and more stable way for users to experience the web.
Brave Browser 
Brave is a free open source Chromium based browser for Windows, Linux, Android, Mac OS, and iOS. It offers its users a fast, secure, and private browsing on the Internet.
By default, Brave includes shields that will block malicious sites and most trackers and advertisements. Moreover, it provides a Private Window feature. This allows you either to browse the internet privately or anonymously. To browse anonymously, you need to open the Private Window in Tor mode.
You can turn on Brave Rewards to earn frequent flier-like tokens for viewing privacy-respecting ads.
Librewolf web browser 
Librewolf is an open source web browser based on Firefox. The project is a customized and independent version of Firefox, that focuses primarily on privacy, security and user freedom. LibreWolf is designed to increase protection against tracking and fingerprinting techniques, but it additionally includes a few security improvements.
For automatic updates of Librewolf on Windows computers, a separate program needs to be installed.
Currently the browser is available for Windows, Mac-OS and certain Linux systems.
Services are offered on Windows computers, certain Linux systems, Mac and Android devices.
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Safer browsing on the web in a “sandbox” 
Sandboxing is a form of software virtualization that let programs run in an isolated environment. This means, programs executed in a sandbox, run in an area separated from the rest of your computer.
Programs running in a sandbox have limited or no access to your files and system, and they can make no permanent changes in your computer. Whatever happens in the sandbox stays there or can leave the sandbox only with your permission.
When running a program in a sandbox, it is shown in a frame with a specific colour surrounding the current window.
What is the advantage of running the web browser in a sandbox?
It will prevent damage from infections you pick up while browsing, processing your emails, or opening attachments.
Some sandbox programs additionally allow to run also other programs.
One sandbox software is a free open source software, and others are free only for private use.
Services are available on Windows and Linux computers.
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Safer online shopping 
What to consider for a more secure online shopping experience when buying from an unknown shop.
If the web shop is unknown to you, then check it on Whois.com
This will offer information of the name of the website, when it was registered and who has provided the registration data.
Search for the online shop
Maybe there are already warnings about the shop. Look also for reviews about the shop, e. g. on Trustpilot.com.
Prices are too good to be true
Try to find other online shops for comparing the price. Be careful if the offer is only valid for a short time and you have to pay in advanced.
Refund policy is unclear
Check carefully, if there are clear instructions for returning items and who needs to pay.
Shady contact information
Verify the contact information of the online shop. Does it match the information from Whois? The telephone number should match with the country where the shop is located.
The web shop offers only a few items 
The online store has only store-exclusive items and only a very limited selection. But still is so cheap.
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Consider other web browsers 
The web browser is the program that opens the door to the Internet. As such it is the first that will face all kinds of requests
Some browsers allow additional features for improving the safety. Another important point is, how fast identified security leaks are corrected and distributed to the users. For this, the Firefox browser from Mozilla is one of the best.
Windows and Android systems often already include a web browser. If many people are using the predefined browsers, then these are an attractive target for hackers.
Therefore it is worth to use web browsers that will allow you to improve the security, also by adding little programs. These are called extensions.
The web browsers are free to use.
Services are available on Windows and Linux computer, as well for Android smartphones and tablets.
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Browser extensions for safer surfing and searching on the Internet 
A browser extension is a small program that expands the functionality of a web browser. A plug-in, add-on, or extension is a program that adds a specific feature to an existing software.
This enables users to customize the functionality of a browser.
A few extensions will help make surfing on the Internet safer. They will warn you
- before you open a harmful website, or it is already indicated in the result list of an Internet search
- prevent intrusive and malicious ads, banners, and pop-ups from loading, or
- identifies hidden programs in download files
On the other hand browser extensions may have some downsides:
- using many extensions will make the browser slower
- it will increase the browser’s memory consumption
- Extensions may make the browser insecure. Browser extensions are developed by others with different attitudes about quality and security
A good practise is to use only well known extensions and minimize the use of those that are really needed.
Many extensions are free to use.
Services are offered for certain browsers on Windows and Linux computers.
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Prevent falling victim to scams 
Come to know of certain fraudulent practices and how to avoid them.
Many of these methods target vulnerabilities in applications and operating systems. However, criminals are also developing new methods that combine technical procedures and social engineering to achieve their goals.
Social engineering describes methods where human characteristics such as helpfulness, trust, fear or respect for authority are used to manipulate victims.
Phishing 
Phishing is a type of fraud in which attackers trick people into disclosing confidential information or downloading harmful software, like viruses or ransomware.
Scammers often construct a scenario that requires you to perform urgent actions. For example, you receive a message that claims to be from your bank. You are urged to check your account settings or confirm a bank transfer..
Typically, a prompt action is demanded. You are put under time pressure so that you do not think about the authenticity and plausibility of the message.
A button or link is provided to enable a quick response. 
Sometimes a QR-code is provided.
One way to check if a link is being used for phishing is to copy the link and paste it on the website isitphishing.org.
You can find more information about a link at: What is a Link and how to check if it is safe.
Ransomware 
Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents you from accessing your device. A more advanced version makes the data stored on it unusable, usually by encrypting your files.
More about ransomware and possible removal: Internet threats and possible prevention
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Stay safe on public Wi-Fi Networks 
Free Wi-Fi is offered at more and more places.
But, here you should care about security, especially when you are working and you want to save data on your phone or laptop.
You should:
- Keep your Antivirus up to date
- Use a browser extension for more secure browsing
- Add a browser extension for a better privacy
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN makes sure that your data is encrypted between you and the website you are connected to
The extensions are available for certain browsers on Windows and Linux computers. They are free to use.
Services are available for certain browsers on Windows and Linux computer as well for Android smartphones and tablets.
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