Will avoiding surfing the web lower my chance of being hacked? - Telegraph

If I buy a cheap tablet and use it only for online purchases, using my credit card or PayPal as well as online banking, will this improve my security?

If general surfing, emails etc. are scrupulously avoided then surely the chances of being hacking or infected by malware is quite remote?

Online security is more of a mindset, rather than using, or not using, a particular device or application. It begins with setting a long and strong passcode for your home wireless network, and as far as possible, not using public wireless networks for any form of financial transaction. Create strong and unique passwords for your online finances and other vulnerable or attack-prone services (email, social networks etc.), never store passwords on your tablet or device and always enable or install any security apps that let you remotely track and wipe the device, should it be lost or stolen.

Only install apps from authorised sources but only after you have read through the user comments and, where applicable, read and understood the 'permissions' that you are asked to give, before you press the accept button.

Be wary of apps that want to access your files, messages, contacts or your tablet's camera or microphone for no good reason. Do not download pirated software or media, stay away from dodgy websites, never open unexpected attachments or click on links in spam messages and unsolicited emails.

If you are out and about with your tablet switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections when you are not using them, it also helps improve battery running times.

Finally, do not let it out of your sight, and invest in a good quality case.

By Rick Maybury 25 Jan 2015