Being online allows you to have access to a lot of information, communicate with other people across the world, and do transactions that you couldn’t otherwise do. However online life also comes with its fair share of dangers from cyberbullying to privacy issues.
In a recent study, the 2021 Norton Cybercrime Report found that online crimes are on the rise and that online crime costs the world $124 billion annually. Overall, the study found that the most common crime was identity theft with 69% of people have experienced it in some way.
So, what is the best way to stay safe online? One of the best ways is to use a managed security service provider. To know more, click here. Here are 14 tips that can help you protect yourself and your data online.
Use a VPN
A VPN or virtual private network can help protect your online data by encrypting the information you send. A VPN will hide your IP address (your unique number when you are connected to the internet) and replace it with its own/a fake one making it harder for hackers in public hotspots to get access to your personal data.
Always Update
Make sure your computer, phone, and applications are updated regularly. This ensures that hackers have a harder time getting into your data because they’ll be going after known vulnerabilities that should have been fixed by updates.
Cover Your Webcam
Hackers will use webcams to spy on you, especially if your device is less secure. You can avoid this by covering your webcam with a piece of tape or post-it notes when you are not using it. This way even if someone gets access to your computer, they won’t be able to see anything because the camera will be covered.
Be Mindful of Your Digital Footprint
Whatever you do online is documented, so whether you’re searching for a new home or browsing a sugar baby website, you should always be mindful of your digital footprint. This means that certain searches and websites may follow you even after you’re done using them.
Delete Your Cookies Regularly
You can improve your privacy by deleting your cookies every once in a while, especially after using a public computer or Wi-Fi hotspot. This way hackers won’t have access to your data and cookies.
Don’t Click on Anything Suspicious or Unknown
Hackers will use a variety of techniques to get you to click on their links. Some common tactics include clicking on a link that is disguised as an email, pop-up ads, or even something from someone you know. If the content seems suspicious do not click it and mark the email as spam or trash.
Use Unique Passwords
One of the most important things you need to do is make sure your passwords are unique and secure. Hackers will use websites with easy-to-guess passwords to get into your account, so using complex and unique passwords can help prevent this. If you’re having a hard time keeping track of all your different passwords, you can use a password manager to help generate secure passwords.
Don’t Upload Any Personal Info to Social Media Sites
Many social media sites like Facebook and Twitter want you to post as much information about yourself as possible. One-way hackers can get into your accounts is by taking information that you’ve posted online and then using it for malicious purposes.
Always Use HTTPS
HTTPS will encrypt certain data, especially when making online transactions or doing research on sensitive topics. You can tell whether a site has HTTPS by looking at the URL, if it starts with “https://” then you know it is secure.
Never Share Your Password
Many people have been hacked by giving their passwords away to friends or family. Malicious hackers will pose as someone you know and offer them your password so they can get access to your account. It’s best not to share any personal information with anyone on the internet, especially your password, so make sure you never do this.
Enable 2 Factor Authentication on All Accounts You Own
Two-factor authentication means that you will need more than just a password to access your account. A common way this is done is by entering a code from your phone every time you log in, so even if someone gets your password, they won’t have what’s needed for two-factor authentication.
Use a Password Generator
To create a secure password that is also easy to remember you can use a password generator. Password generators will start by asking for a keyword which they use to produce a long, random sequence of numbers and letters. Make sure the website is secure before entering in your information, so hackers don’t get access to it.
Don’t Click Suspicious Links in Emails
Many people get emails from hackers posing as friends, family members, or even banks. These emails may contain a link that will open your account to any number of malicious hacking techniques. You should never click on these links and mark the email as spam or trash.
Don’t Plug in Any Unsolicited USB Drives
Hackers often leave USB drives in public spaces to try and trick people into plugging them in. If you find one of these USB drives make sure it isn’t plugged in before you get too close, if someone wants to give you a USB drive, they will ask for your information or walk up to you themselves.
Conclusion
Although there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself from hackers, the only way to make sure your information is 100% secure is by not using the internet at all. However, until full teleportation becomes available most people will have to rely on digital communications, so they must know how to stay safe online.