Bad news.

There’s really no such thing as the most secure browser.

Want proof?

In a poll in 2013, Firefox was voted as the most secure web browser. However, in a hacking contest in March of 2014, Firefox was deemed as the least secure after it went down to four zero-day exploits.

Because you can’t really rely on one browser to protect you and your data, it’s critical that you know how to make your favorite browser the most secure browser for you.

Here are some steps you can follow:

Check your browser’s default setting

The most convenient way to start using any device, including browsers, is by its default setting. It is, however, not the most secure way.

In fact, it can expose you to a lot of potential threats.

With your browser’s default configuration, hackers can easily access your program and even make internal changes without you knowing.

Creepy, right?

The best solution to that is to configure all your browsers as well as your operating system before use. Doing that can greatly increase your security.

Use only one browser when dealing with sensitive activities

Your computer probably has multiple browsers installed and that’s actually a good thing. It means you’ll be able to dedicate one browser for one activity only, limiting the risk of compromising your sensitive data.

Think of it this way:

You can use one browser to pay your bills or purchase something online. You can use a separate browser for researching and random browsing.

This way, if someone hacked the one you are using for general web browsing, the other browser won’t be compromised.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that using separate browsers will automatically protect your data. You also have to play your part to make your browser the most secure browser.

It can also help if you can make a complete browser comparison first before deciding which ones to use.

Update your browser

Security holes will keep on popping up as more and more security threats emerge. One of the few ways you can protect yourself is by updating your browser.

Make sure to follow your vendor’s instructions when updating your browser. If your operating system no longer supports newer browsers, it’s time to get that updated as well.

Browsers like Chrome and Firefox have an auto-update feature by default. If yours isn’t enabled, check if your computer’s firewall is preventing the auto-update or someone else has configured it the way it is.

Get an antivirus installed

A good anti-virus remains one of the best ways to stay protected on the internet. Just make sure that the one you are using is real as a fake antivirus software is already a security threat on its own.

And if you already have one, keep it up-to-date. Using an expired antivirus is more likely to put your security at risk.

Now, listen closely.

While you might think that the antivirus that came with your computer is enough to protect you, it actually isn’t. You see, free antivirus programs aren’t that comprehensive.

It can only provide limited protection and it can only detect certain threats. It has lower and slower scanning performance, too.

The bottom line?

Don’t skimp on your antivirus program and be sure to keep it updated.

Be careful in installing plugins and extensions

Extensions and plugins might look harmless but they can be extremely dangerous. They have access to your every move online. And because they know everything, you can just imagine the damage they can create.

They know what you’ve been searching and they can capture your passwords. These extensions can even insert advertisements in the pages you visit.

One problem with extensions is that they frequently require access to everything. For example, an extension that’s meant to make changes in Google.com will require access to everything related to Google.

Most of the time, that includes your email and Google account.

To stay safe, use fewer extensions and plugins as possible. If you aren’t using the ones already installed on your computer, uninstall them and stick with the ones you use frequently.

If you are planning on adding more, make sure to read the permissions they require.

Use pop-up blockers

Ads and pages that pop out of nowhere aren’t just annoying; they can also be dangerous.

By using a pop-up blocker, you’ll be able to prevent those ads from installing harmful malware on your computer. They can also prevent your screen from cluttering.

Now, if the website you are trying to access needs you to temporarily disable the blocker, remember to reactivate it once you are done.

Turn on fraud protection

There are tons of untrustworthy websites on the internet. If you aren’t careful, you can inadvertently visit one of those phishing sites and expose your sensitive information.

Phishing sites are sites that are made to look legit and trustworthy so that they can get your personal details. This includes your credit card number and password in your cached data.

To stop that from happening, always turn on fraud protection. It can blacklist known phishing sites so you won’t be able to access them.

See Also: 7 Top Tips to Avoid Being Caught in a Phishing Net

Be careful with auto-complete features

Being able to log into your email or any of your accounts without typing your login details sound convenient. However, in terms of safety and security, it’s a totally different story.

Just think about what can happen when your laptop or device gets stolen or lost. It’s like giving away your personal login information to everyone.

For protection, always turn that feature off. You can do that by accessing your browser’s setting.

If you are using Chrome, for example, you can open its Setting window, select Advanced, and make the necessary changes in the Manage Password section.

In case you are using Firefox, access the Options window, select Privacy, and look for History. Once you are there, select Firefox will: Use custom settings for history and disable the Remember search and form history option.

These changes don’t take a lot of time. In fact, you can complete them in less than a minute.

See Also: How To Maintain Your Privacy Online

 

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What happens to the world around us is called exponential growth. The most powerful processor, the fastest connection, the highest video quality— all of them double in performance each time a new module is out.

If you hear someone complaining how everything sucks, remind them that this is the best we’ve been off since forever. And no matter what it seems like, the facts prove that it gets better each year.

That’s why ordinary things that surround us now will be gone soon and you will only miss them in the 90s-nostalgia-kind of way. What comes to replace them is infinitely better.

So, what are the things that will disappear in our lifetime?

Passwords

Replaced by: fingerprint scanners

Passwords are already migrating inside browsers and all-in-one apps, but that entails obvious security issues. So, the clear trend would be advanced fingerprint recognition.

Surprisingly enough, the technology has been around for quite some time. In fact, the concept has been around 1859 to be exact.

In that glorious year, Sir William Herschel came up with using handprints to tell his Indian employees from non-employees during payday. It must have been a hell of a turnout in his cabin by the end of the month that prompted that idea.

There are, however, a few troubles with current fingerprint scanners.

For one, fingerprints are actually not as unique as we’d like to think. There can be other people with the same or dangerously similar finger patterns as yours. The chances that this person gets near your smartphone are low, but they exist.

Scanning your fingers when they’re sweaty can be tricky. The same goes for older people whose skin is not elastic and clear enough for their scanners.

Apps

Replaced by: smart assistants and built-in tools

You’re probably surprised to see this on the list when there are millions of apps out there. Well, that is exactly the reason why they’ll be gone.

Apps have grown too niche and small.

People don’t need 500 icons on their Macs or iPhones and people shouldn’t be forced to pick only the best apps for their phone.

That can mean wasting time assessing quality, reading reviews, and ranking choices.

That’s why apps will soon merge into a single tool that can help us do stuff.

You can already see it happening with services like Setapp. Keeping up with the spirit of shared economy and subscription-based goods, Setapp rents us apps. You pay once a month for nearly a hundred of apps that can be used without separate purchases.

You still have to look for the app you need for a specific task, but it’s way faster than browsing the Mac App Store.

The next step would be merging all the apps into one intelligent assistant that draws the tools out when the need arises.

For instance, you’ll be telling your future assistant:

“Ok, Samantha, I want to edit this picture and then have it as a closing slide in my presentation.”

And your helper goes:

“You got it, Johnny.”

Done. You get your picture in your presentation.

Wires

Replaced by: WiGig

We already have wireless internet, chargers, headphones, and laptops.

No more than twenty years ago, having such technology as everyday items was unthinkable. With the progress speed we’ve picked up, wires will be entirely gone in three to five years.

The trouble with current WiFi is that it’s too slow for the amount of data we use, like VR and augmented reality. But the new Wireless Gigabit Alliance technology allows multi-gigabit per second speed of communication, which is exactly what we needed. It just needs time to get adopted.

And the headphone jack you’ve joked about since the iPhone 7 keynote. Yeah, that will be gone, too.

Smartphones

Replaced by: wearable AI and the internet of things

Smartphones are slowly dissolving into watches, ear-pods, your own hands, and other small wearables. People want them gone because it’s clearly not the best way to interact with the world anymore.

The futuristic vision is obviously a built-in connection via direct brain implants, like Neuralink or digital eye lenses. If it scares you, remember that trains were once called “the devil’s machines”.

So far, we’re stuck with less intrusive tools, like small wireless headphones or watches that can call, play music, and track your heart rate.

Home appliances will soon be converted into self-controlled and mainly voice-operated systems. Also, they will eventually be unified so you won’t have to use separate interfaces or commands for lights, kitchenware, and cleaning utilities.

You’ll get a real, actual “smart home” that welcomes you back from work, cooks you dinner, and kisses you goodnight (ok, scratch that, there should be a line somewhere).

Credit cards

Replaced by: all things cashless

We’re already almost cashless and we’ll soon forget about credit cards as well.

The only remaining ethical question on our way to becoming a completely cashless society is the privacy of our purchases. What if you are not interested in letting your bank know your sex toy preferences?

Norway refused to adopt a nationwide cashless system because they decided to let their people buy stuff privately. However, this doesn’t seem to be a general trend or a major concern for most countries.

And after all, even if we still have cash, credit cards are over for good.

We can expect Apple Pay, Android Pay, and all kinds of pays to take over plastic cards within the next few years. When paired with advanced fingerprint scanning, it will eliminate or dramatically reduce fraud, speed up transactions, and improve shopping.

The future shines upon us with its beautiful artificial intelligence, drone deliveries, and car-charging roads. And the coolest thing is we’ve lived up to witness it all.

See Also: 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider AI Automation for Small Business

The post 5 Everyday Things That Will Disappear Really Soon appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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With 2017 under our belts, the holidays over, and a slew of unrealistic New Year resolutions to tackle, getting a good start for the new year isn’t easy. Our goals and resolutions have a tendency to change as our priorities shift.

New Year, New Me

Just as you set your own goals for personal growth, you should also set your professional goals, too.

The predicted business trends of 2018, though all different, are based on a single and simple principle: personality. To put it plainly, the road to success in 2018 begins and ends with building character.

See Also: How to Set Personal SMART Goals To Succeed

Anti-Social Media

Companies are beginning to realize that social media does not and will never replace in-person interaction. Even Internet-based companies without a brick and mortar presence recognize this.

Thanks to social media, smart businesses will have an opportunity to reconnect with their customers. As consumers expect more and more of a personal touch from the companies they patronize, businesses will have to deliver.

Consumers are more likely to interact with posts made by humans rather than bot-modded accounts. Adding a face, voice or image to your business will be as important as ever this year as a new generation of consumers enters the industry. This generation highly values human relationships above all else.

Artificial intelligence is good for mundane and repetitive tasks, but it should not be applied to customer service. Real-time interaction between consumer and company benefits both parties.

Think of it this way:

With real-time interactions, consumers feel involved and listened to while companies get a clearer understanding of who their consumers are.

Savvy companies realize that social interaction goes further than a live stream. Since this generation is dedicated to social reform and community support, companies will be encouraged to give back to their communities as well as serve their customers.

Giving back to local or impoverished communities helps companies to appear not only stable and reliable but also aware of local needs.

Smart companies are already seeing the value of earning the trust of their customers rather than creating ads to get their attention.

New Generations

This year will mark the early stages of a business structure overhaul. The youngest of the millennials are taking over more leadership roles within their industries, bringing with them new and different management styles.

New employees will be seeking autonomy and flexibility from employers, rather than just a good salary. One-on-one encounters will help employees solve problems and improve teamwork.

Consumer demographics are also rapidly changing as this year will welcome a new era of 21st-century adults. Smart companies will take this paradigm shift into account, working quickly to understand this new generation of consumers and make room for them within their professional ranks.

Tech-savvy generations taking a front seat in management roles will boost lagging companies into the future. Young and new employees will have an easier time relating to their millennial bosses than previous generations.

See Also: 4 Useful Tips For Managing Millennials In The Workplace

Successful Trends

Don’t let your New Year’s resolutions disappear the minute you step into your office! The future ultimately remains a mystery to us, but with some smart predictions and a little dedication, we will be able to see 2018 as a great year for our personal and professional growth.

Think about your own resolutions and try to apply them in a professional setting. You’ll be surprised at how well they work together.

Remember, don’t be afraid to encourage your company to show a little personality and connect with customers.

It’s not too late to put your best foot forward this year. With the predicted business trends discussed in this infographic, success is closer than ever.

The post Top Business Ideas of 2018 You Should Consider appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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College years are a great time. It’s when you become more independent, make new friends, and learn a lot of new things. From managing your finances to taking care of your health, you start to become more responsible.

The tricky part is that you often need to learn those things from your own experience and if it’s your health we’re talking about, it isn’t always pleasant.

Most of the time, it’s inconvenient. You’ll have a pile of writing assignments to complete and a lot of catching up to do if you want to maintain your grades.

So, instead of waiting for an experience to teach you, why not start making positive changes in your life? You can start with these healthy tips for college students.

Be careful with food

Food poisoning might not last as long as flu does but it’s still unpleasant. The easiest way to avoid it is to wash your hands before you eat (and after, obviously) or simply sanitize it.

A sanitizer is a big help if you go around campus a lot and don’t always have time to go to the bathroom to wash your hands. Sanitize your phone as well. After all, you touch it all the time and put it near your face often.

Also, be careful with drinking from someone else’s cup in parties or eating food someone already ate. That’s the easiest way to become sick.

See Also: The Importance of Personal Hygiene for Healthy Living

Get your vaccines

Getting a vaccine shot may not be that uncomfortable, but it can help you get through the year without getting ill too often. It’s not a complete guarantee that you won’t be sick, but it can help you greatly minimize the risk.

So, don’t forget to get a flu shot before the flu season starts.

Be careful with antibiotics

Antibiotics can fight the most serious forms of flu and help you recover quicker, but you need to be careful when you take them.

First of all, it’s important to finish the whole course of antibiotics to ensure that all the bacteria are completely eliminated.

Second, you need to avoid alcohol during the course. We know that drinking happens often in college.

A 2014 study on college drinking published by the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism showed that 60% of college students drank alcohol during the past month and almost with 2 out of 3 students engaged in binge drinking.

That study might look old but the situation now is pretty much similar, if not worse.

Even moderate drinking should be forgotten during your antibiotics course. This is important because some antibiotics simply become less effective when taken with alcohol.

And even if there’s no such side effect, alcohol simply makes your body more dehydrated, making it hard to recover from an illness.

Invest time in proper cleaning

The dirtier your room is, the easier it is for you to get sick. Even not changing your sheets on time after you recover from the flu can make you sick again.

Proper cleaning means not simply putting all things back to where they belong. If you really want to avoid illnesses, you need to start eliminating all the germs and dust in your room. Start vacuuming, sweeping, and wiping all the dust.

And if this sounds time-consuming, just think about your health.

You don’t need to do all those things every day or even every week. Do them at least once a month and do your best to keep your room generally tidy in between general cleaning. Spending 10 to 15 minutes cleaning daily is much easier than spending the whole weekend tidying up.

Create a first-aid kit

It doesn’t matter whether you bring it with you from home or create one when you’re already living in your dorm. Just make sure that you have one around.

Fill it with all kinds of medicine you might need for different kinds of emergencies. Make sure that there are medicines for the flu, stomach pain, and treating wounds.

Don’t forget to refill your kit when you run out of certain medicines, too.

Eat healthily and drink enough water

One of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick is to stick to a healthy diet on a daily basis. This isn’t always easy but it’s possible. All you need to do is to make it your top priority.

A proper nutrition boosts your immunity and gives you many other perks. For example, you’ll receive all necessary vitamins and minerals, which can make it easier for you to concentrate.

Also, don’t forget to drink enough water.

It’s what helps your brain to function better. It can also hydrate your body, improve digestion, and make your skin clearer.

See Also: 5 Easy Healthy Habits You Can Start Straight Away 

Staying healthy in college is easier than you think. Often, it’s all about basic nutrition and hygiene. These healthy tips for college students should be able to help you get started on the right track.

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