How to Stay Safe Online
10 easy tips for creating passwords, installing antivirus software, and using a VPN to keep you safe online.
We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.
It’s no secret that the internet is home to some shady characters, but staying safe online doesn’t require you to turn your internet off. Instead, stay mindful and take a look at these 10 easy tips for internet safety:
- Don’t share personal information.
- Double-check and verify links.
- Use secure public Wi-Fi.
- Use a VPN.
- Only log into sites that start with https://.
- Be careful who you chat with.
- Turn off your Bluetooth.
- Use antivirus software.
- Use secure passwords.
- Backup your data.
Read on to learn more about each tip, plus find out about resources that can help you and your family stay safe while surfing the web.
1. Don’t share your personal information
When it comes to online safety, it goes without saying that you should never share your passwords, banking information, social media account access, or address online. And keep in mind that identity theft isn’t the only risk with of a lack of cyber security, so some details are riskier to share than you’d expect. Other information, like details about your relationship, could be used to figure out answers to your security questions or even give hackers a tip-off when it comes to guessing your password.
You should also be aware that anything you post on social media (or anywhere) may continue to exist online even after you delete it. We’ve had prospective employers ask about content from our high school blog—and that’s been offline for about a decade or longer now. (Cue the facepalm emoji.)
2. Double-check any links before you click
When checking your email or scrolling through social media, make sure you know and trust any links before you click on them.
One way to tell if a link is safe is to mouse over it. This will show a preview of the full link in your web browser’s status bar. Check to make sure the preview link matches the site it should be from—you can verify the correct site link by googling the company name.
For example, if you get an email from Wells Fargo bank and the link preview shows “www.wells-fargo-bank.com,” it doesn’t match the correct site link that comes up in Google: “www.wellsfargo.com.”
“You can mouse over a link in an email or on a website to preview it in your browser’s status bar. Make sure it matches the official company link before you click.”
And if you get an email that asks you to log in, it’s safer to not click the login link in the email, and instead go to the brand’s official site to sign in there. You can go to the official site either by googling the brand’s name or, if you know it by heart, typing the site address in the URL bar of your browser.
This tip includes links sent to you by friends on messaging apps. True story time: We’ve had our computer compromised by a link sent by a trusted friend over a messaging app before. The bottom line is, if it seems sketchy, play it safe and don’t click.
If you’re not sure if a link is safe, you can always Google the company to find a link to the official site. Or, if an email or site asks you to log in to your bank or other accounts, you can always call to verify the request.
Many cybercriminals seek to infest your computer with malware by tricking you into downloading compromised apps and software. Before you download, be sure you trust the site you’re getting your new game or app from. And just straight up avoid downloading anything that looks suspicious.
Verizon Cell Phone Plans Review 2022
What has high speeds and coverage all over? Verizon does—but it comes at a price.
We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.
Verizon Wireless offers some of the most powerful unlimited plans on the market, with amazing coverage, tons of hotspot data, flexible family plan options, and a rapidly expanding 5G nationwide network that offers unprecedented speeds. There’s no question that it’s one of the best carriers around.
The only real downside is the cost: Verizon’s plans run about $5 to $15 more than similar plans from its competitors.
So, is Verizon worth its top-shelf price? If you want the best coverage and fast data speeds, then we think you’ll like Verizon’s options. Read on to learn all the nitty-gritty details about Verizon Wireless cell phone plans.
The only way to take advantage of Verizon’s (and other carriers’) incredible 5G speeds is to have a 5G capable device, like the iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S21. Check out the latest deals from Verizon and other companies on our deals page!
How to choose the perfect plan
We’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and writing these reviews. In that time, we’ve come up with some important features to consider when choosing your next cell phone plan. Here are some tips before we get into the in-depth review.
- Data: If you don’t have enough high-speed data, then your smartphone is basically useless. Make sure you have the 4G LTE and 5G data that you need for work, gaming, streaming, scrolling, and everything else.
- Price: Get the best price available by comparing plans using tools like the Whistle Out widgets in this article.
- Coverage: All three major networks—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—have pretty good 4G coverage in major cities. But 5G nationwide coverage and rural coverage can vary widely. Check coverage maps for the carrier with the best network in your area.
- Features: There are tons of extra features—like mobile hotspot data, international benefits, and HD video streaming—that you can get. Check the fine print to see what a plan offers before you sign up.
Verizon unlimited plans
Yes, Verizon’s prices are a bit higher than its main competitors (AT&T and T-Mobile). But we think Verizon’s coverage, speed, and performance—three things the company rates highly for—make the price worthwhile.
Take a look at the company’s unlimited plan pricing and features to decide for yourself.
Verizon unlimited plans features
On the surface, these four unlimited plans may look pretty much the same (besides price, of course). They each come with unlimited talk, text, and data. But there are actually some significant differences. This chart breaks it all down.
Data effective 5/02/2022. Offers subject to change.
* Data speeds can be throttled after reaching data cap
As you can see, the real difference between these plans comes down to data allotment and perks.
The 5G Start plan is the cheapest, but your data speeds can be deprioritized at any time, making it hard to reliably stream, game, or work on your phone. This plan also comes with no mobile hotspot data, and you have to pay extra for ultra-wideband 5G.
The Play More and Do More plans are quite similar. They both come with 50 GB of high-speed 5G/4G LTE data (can be slowed after that cap), 720p streaming quality, and 25 GB of hotspot data. Play More gives you more free subscriptions and Do More comes with Verizon Cloud storage and other business perks.
The Get More plan has pretty much all of the above (but a smidge better): Unlimited premium data (no data deprioritization cap to be seen here), 720p video streams, free subscriptions, cloud storage, plus 50 GB of hotspot data! It’s a real powerhouse of a plan.
If you’re confused about 5G, don’t worry. You’re not alone. It’s a new mobile technology that basically means that you’ll get faster data speeds. But there are different kinds of 5G.
Verizon’s “Nationwide 5G” is kind of like 5G-lite. It gives you just slightly faster speeds than the 4G LTE you’re used to and it’s available all over the country. But ultra-wideband 5G can give you wildly fast data speeds—like 100–200+ Mbps! That’s faster than most home broadband connections. But it’s only available on certain devices and in certain areas.
Verizon unlimited plans comparison
Now let’s put those Verizon prices in context with the other major wireless competitors. Be forewarned: price isn’t everything. Of course, we all want to pay less for our wireless plans, but remember that perks, speed, and coverage matter too.
Imagine you’re stuck waiting at the DMV and your data speeds are too slow to stream. Or what if your car breaks down and your coverage is https://jiji.ng/ too shoddy to call AAA? There are some very real reasons that people pay extra for Verizon.
Discounts for seniors, first responders, and others
Never pay full price for anything if you don’t have to. There are several ways to get discounts on Verizon plans. For those who are 55+ there is an unlimited data plan that can save you $20 a month or more. Here’s a look at the company’s senior plan.
Verizon will also hook up students, teachers, first responders, active military, and nurses. Eligible customers can save at least $10 with these plans.
Verizon family plans
We love family plans. There is simply no better way to save money on your phone bill, no matter which carrier you’re with. When it comes to Verizon, you can cut your phone bill in half when you have four lines on your account.
Just check out the prices in this chart.
Verizon’s Mix and Match family plan lets each member of your family get the unlimited plan they want (Do More, Play More, etc.) while still getting family plan discounts. This way your teenager can get the streaming perks and you can get the business perks.
Verizon’s Just Kids plan
Smartphones are powerful machines. But when little kids have all that power in their hands it can lead to trouble. Thankfully, Verizon offers the best parental controls in the industry with its Just Kids plan. This plan allows guardians to control what content and apps are on the device, who their kid can contact, and track their location.
Verizon family plans comparison
Adding lines to your Verizon plan will save you money. But your bill will still be higher than it could be with other carriers. If you’re willing to go with a discount carrier, like the Verizon-owned Visible Wireless, you could get a four-line plan for as little as $100 a month.
Verizon prepaid plans
The classic cellular loophole of getting a cheaper deal with a prepaid plan sadly doesn’t work too well with Verizon. The prepaid plans end up being more expensive than cheaper services. But Verizon prepaid plans still offer excellent coverage, so you do have that going for you.
Also, not all of Verizon’s prepaid plans come with features like hotspot tethering. If you’ve ever needed to access your computer on the go, you know how important a hotspot can be.
Oh, and one more thing—you could experience slower speeds due to data deprioritization (which is a fancy way of saying you’re at the back of the line when the network is congested).
If you’re set on getting a prepaid plan, you might want to check out Metro by T-Mobile.