Most of us spend hours on the internet every day. If we're going to dedicate that much time to an activity, doesn't it make sense for us to make sure that we're doing it right? As it turns out, you may be sabotaging your own web browsing experience with a few simple mistakes.

When we say sabotage, that means everything from slowing down your browser to leaving yourself vulnerable to viruses and hackers. The sad truth is that "proper browsing habits" don't require all that much effort, yet people still neglect them—and the only people they're hurting are themselves.

Don't be like them and avoid these mistakes while browsing the internet for an overall better and safer web surfing experience.

1. Disregarding Browser Updates

Manually Checking for Updates in Google Chrome

You must have seen the notice that pops up every once in a while asking if you'd like to update your browser to the next version, haven't you? Chrome users probably don't know what we're talking about because Google handles most of its updates in the background, but for the rest of us, that little notice is important.

Browser updates exist for two key reasons: to add new features and to fix flaws in previous versions. Big features are normally added in major version updates, so most of the time, these browser updates are minor tweaks and changes that can be applied in just a few seconds.

What kind of changes? Patching security vulnerabilities, for one. Another common example is improving on issues of user experience, such as memory leaks and performance bottlenecks.

Unless you have a good and purposeful reason for sticking with an older version—for example, it's the last version before a critical feature was removed—it's always best to go for the latest version of your browser.

2. Allowing Cookies From Everywhere

Cookies Menu in the Settings of Google Chrome

You've probably heard about cookies before, but maybe you don't understand exactly what they are or why they're so important. You can get by without knowing much about them, but if you want to maintain your privacy fully while browsing the web, you should learn what cookies are.

In short, cookies are files created on your computer when you visit a website. These files are meant to store information that must be available from session to session—such as login data—and aren't inherently harmful. However, they can be used in harmful ways, like tracking your web-behavior.

What you should do is allow first-party cookies, which are set by the actual site domain that you're visiting and disallow third-party cookies, which are set by other domains, like advertising networks.

Some sites might need third-party cookies to operate properly. For example, online banking sometimes requires these cookies for user verification. A more mundane example is Disqus comments, which can break when third-party cookies are disabled.

3. The "It Won't Happen to Me" Mindset

The right tools can certainly make it easier for you to stay secure, but on the whole, security is more about mindset and attitude than it is the specific tools you use. That is, you can do all the right things and still be at risk due to an arrogant approach to the web.

The first thing to do is install antivirus software if you haven't already. There are plenty of free antivirus solutions out there, and the default security apps like Windows Security Essentials are pretty solid nowadays—so turn it on!

Another thing to do is watch out for scams. It's incredibly easy to be tricked on the internet, which is why you can never let your guard down. You've got eBay scams, Craigslist scams, Facebook scams, and even fake reviews plaguing nearly every online marketplace in existence.

Learn the warning signs. If an online offer ever seems fishy or too good to be true, don't hesitate to turn in the other direction. Even when everything looks legitimate, always verify everything two or three times.

4. Cluttering Up Space With Tabs

Chrome's tab search tool

"Open now; read it later." That's the web-browsing motto for many of us, right? Whenever you come across interesting links, you open them all in new tabs. With time, they just pile up, filling up the browser with dozens of tabs that can impact its performance.

The easiest thing to do is use tab groups. The tab group is a minimalist solution for tab overload in almost all modern browsers, allowing you to categorize tabs according to the topic and only have tabs of a particular group open at any given time.

Or you could always store it for later. You can use the built-in Reading List feature in Chrome and other browsers, and you can also go for third-party read-later plugins available for Chrome.

5. Relying on Too Many Plugins

lastpass-download-page-screenshot

Browser plugins certainly enhance your browsing experience by providing unique new features or improving the existing ones. Plugins like grammar checkers, password managers, video downloaders, and many others are widely popular.

The thing is, these plugins are little apps in themselves, so they consume memory and resources while they are installed and enabled. If you are using too many plugins, they might degrade your browser's performance.

You should only keep the necessary plugins, while deleting or deactivating the ones you don't use often. The plugins you use to personalize your browser's theme and look can also slow it down, and they don't really add any utility value either.

6. Not Using a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

A person holding a credit card with a VPN connected on a laptop

A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) hides your IP address from the websites you visit to keep you safe and your activities private on the web. It gives you a virtual IP so that no one can track you. You don't even need to install a VPN app, as many VPN extensions are available as browser plugins.

VPNs can prove particularly helpful if you're using public Wi-Fi. In this way, you can easily protect your confidential data in case public Wi-Fi is used for hacking.

7. Using the Same Passwords Without 2FA

google 2fa authenticator options

Weak passwords are one of the most prominent online theft and hacking sources. You should always use a strong password. And if you're not sure, learn the characteristics of a good password and make sure you use a different password for every site to prevent the problem of a hacker who cracks one password gaining access to all of your accounts.

If password memory is a nuisance to you, consider using a password management tool. They're convenient and effective.

You can also go a step further and use two-factor authentication to keep your accounts safe. In this way, you get a code on your registered device or mobile number to complete the login process. This makes your credentials much safer and more secure.

Spam signs warnings

Hackers use a method called spoofing to make fake links and emails look legitimate. This type of attack is mostly targeted toward web users. They usually use catchy ads on web pages and in emails offering discounts or free giveaways to attract you.

Once you click on such ads and links, the hackers send viruses your way or try to steal your data. So, it is pretty important that you develop a habit of avoiding opening these shady links.

9. Using Your Credit Card on Dodgy Websites

Black credit card seen on dark blue background

Credit cards make your online shopping convenient. However, it is vital that you use your credit card on well-reputed websites only. If you are suspicious, here is how you can check if a website is secure.

It goes without saying that a dodgy website can steal money from you if you give it your credit card details. The hackers might not do so immediately, but they can at any point. If you've recently used your credit card on a doubtful website, you might want to inform your bank to take the necessary actions to ensure safety.

10. Sharing Too Much on Social Media

Social media has its benefits, but it has some risks too. For example, you can't track someone who is stalking you. If you share too much on social media, like which college you go to, places you visit, and where you live, it can potentially put you in danger.

There are predators on the internet that watch people and track their movements. And it's not just you. You can also put people around you in danger.

So, always use social media with the right privacy practices, and don't disclose your locations, habits, and financial information publicly. Keep your friends lists tidy with only the people you actually know, and restrict your data and updates to them alone.

Stay Safe While Browsing the Web

Browsing the web is something you do every day. So, it is crucial to understand that with benefits, there are also possible risks associated with web surfing.

The points mentioned above will help you avoid common web browsing mistakes. You'll see improvements in your browsing experience and feel safer if you adopt these habits.