The internet is a risky place with all the hacks, scams, and malware taking advanced forms every day. The multitude of devices using the internet, from cell phones to tablets to laptops, has made us even more vulnerable by opening risky gateways. For that matter, we have brought the essential security measures that you can take to stay safe online:
1. Complex and Unique Passwords
Most of you may already know this, but because it is crucial, we will repeat that creating complex and unique passwords is pivotal to keep your financial and personal information safe. This has become particularly true in today’s era of corporate hacks, where just a single database breach is enough to reveal the passwords of thousands of users. Moreover, if you reuse the same passwords, the hacker can use this data to log in to your other accounts. To avoid it, all try to use a password manager that would help you create as well as store strong and complex passwords to manage all your accounts easily. Also, check if the online accounts offer multi-factor authentication and use it to ensure your safety online.
2. Use a Firewall
Even if you are using a secure network, using the firewall can never hurt you. A firewall may be regarded as an electronic barrier that is included with security software and helps to block any unauthorized access to your computers and devices. The firewall makes sure that every device connected to your network is authorized and secured, including the Internet of Things devices like webcams and smart thermostats. This is essential as IoT devices aren’t usually equipped with any security measures which provide hackers with a vulnerable entryway into your network.
3. Have a boosted Network Security
Once your logins and home network are safe, try to ensure that you use secure connections. For instance, at the office or home, you ensure to use a router that is password-protected, which encrypts and secures your data. However, while on the go, this might not be the case, and you may wish to use the Wi-Fi offered in public. This is where the problem arises, as the public free Wi-Fi isn’t secured. This would mean that if you use such a network, your device and information is compromised and at the verge of being accessed by the hacker. However, if you invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN), then your problem might be solved as it is a software that helps you to create a secure connection and be safe while connecting from anywhere over the internet. Check out that review about ExpressVPN and see how investing in it will keep you safe online.
4. Stay Guarded
Always take caution about doing anything while being online, from the sites you visit the information and other stuff your share. Make sure to use security software that is comprehensive and backup your data on a regular basis in case of any mishaps. Marketers and hackers love to know everything there is to know about you. And they can learn a lot about you through your social media usage and browsing details. However, you must always remain in charge of your information. Take steps to keep your web browsers as well as the mobile operating system guarded against such scammers. Websites like Twitter and Facebook also have settings that enhance your privacy to keep you safe online. These settings are often hard to find, as companies may want to reach your information for increasing their marketing value. Ensure that your privacy safeguards are always enabled, and you are guarded online.
5. Surf and Shop Safely
While surfing online for shopping or using online banking, ensure that the address of the site you visit starts with ‘https’ before making any sensitive transactions. This will indicate that this website is safe and encrypted for scrambling your data such that it can’t be used or intercepted by anyone else.
Also, watch out for a website with typos and grammatical errors in the website addresses as these could be copies of the legitimate website, which could be risky. Cybercriminals today use luring content as bait to attract the people into their trap. They are well aware that people let their guard down when tempted with such content. So, you always have to be on the lookout and not fall for the urge to click on anything tempting that appears on your screen.
By taking the above-mentioned preventive measures, you can keep yourself safe online and avoid the headaches and hassles of getting hacked.