Increasingly, life’s essential tasks are being completed online. Even though it is convenient, it has the side effect of making data information more readily available. Data breaches and scams are getting more common, and there are no signs that it will change any time soon. Due to all of this, we need to be proactive and protect ourselves online.
Unlike large corporations, we may not have the resources to combat cybercrime, but we do have options. Keeping protected may be as straightforward as using common sense, but having the education to back it up is crucial. In addition to online protection, you need offline protection; old devices and records should be securely shred or stored securely, but online protection is somewhat more complex.
Let’s explore six ways to protect your data online.
Make Sure Your Operating System is Up-to-Date
No one likes having to update their OS. It is frustrating to turn off your computer and discover a massive update is awaiting you. Although this may be the case, keeping things updated is important.
There are a number of reasons for the updates, including that they fix any new security vulnerabilities discovered. Falling behind on updates leaves your computer vulnerable to attacks. It is for this reason that updates are set to happen automatically: it prevents you from falling behind on those vital security updates.
As a rule of thumb, make sure they are enabled and, if not, update your system at least once a month.
Secure Your WI-FI Connection by Avoiding Public Hotspots
There is a very good chance that most people have a password for their wireless connection. Make sure your password isn’t obvious, and take the time to think about it before using it.
You should avoid naming your wi-fi something that people can identify as yours. You can setup your router to not broadcast the network name so that no one can trace this back to you. That’s even better than simply naming it something that’s not traceable. A Service Set Identifier (SSID) is used for this purpose.
We are fortunate to have public wi-fi available to us now. Unlike in the past, it can be difficult to find a place that doesn’t offer it. Although it can be helpful, it doesn’t come without risk, and many people aren’t aware of this fact. Despite its prevalence, public wi-fi is susceptible to cybercrime because of the amount of data coming in and out.
If you use public wi-fi, avoid doing anything private, don’t do any banking, or make any big purchases. Keep that type of activity to when you know you’re on a secure network.
Senders From Unknown Sources Should be Deleted
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it’s still used today because people are still fooled by it. An email arrives from your “bank” asking you to respond with some important data information immediately. Now you have willingly handed over your data information to the scammers.
If an email comes from a sender you do not recognize or seems suspicious in any way, simply delete it. Any attachments to emails should be treated with extreme caution as they may leave your desktop with something nasty.
Create a Two-Factor Authentication System
The two-factor authentication process is becoming more popular as a secondary layer of security. It typically involves entering a unique pin or answering security questions when attempting to login to an account.
Your answer will be whatever you chose when you created your account, but the PIN is generated for you when you log in and doesn’t last long. These PINs are usually sent to your phone number, provided by an app you can download, or generated using a device you carry. Logging in requires entering a PIN, but if the PIN is not entered within a given period of time, it is invalidated and you cannot log in. This makes it very difficult for cybercriminals to steal your data information.
Use Different Login Credentials
For many of us, using one or two passwords for multiple accounts has become a habit. The consequences of this are not good. In the event that your password is cracked, all of your accounts will be compromised.
Using a different username and password for each account is your best option. Does that make keeping track of them difficult? Certainly, but doing so will keep your identity secure, as identity theft is a much more painful issue.
Don’t Download Files From Random Websites
Not all websites that offer you downloads have good intentions. As with downloading suspect files from suspicious emails, downloading files from unfamiliar websites can be equally dangerous.
There are instances in which a link looks like it will take you to another page, but is actually a download for a file. You can see the full hyperlink text if you hover over the link for a moment, and then check the bottom of your browser. A download will be anything that ends in .exe.
If it doesn’t look right to you and you aren’t sure, don’t click.
While these tips have been helpful in keeping your data safe online, there are countless other things that you should be doing. Make sure you are vigilant for your own safety and take some extra time with these things. It is in your best interest at the end of the day!
Have more questions about online safety or how you can better protect yourself offline? ATI SecureDocs has you covered. Feel free to reach out to our team at any time.at any time.