If you’re not worried about cybersecurity, you should. In 2021, he said 188 million people in the US were affected by data breaches. This does not include attacks by ransomware or other malware (such as malicious documents). You will be targeted and you should do everything you can to protect yourself. In fact, if you’ve ever received a phishing email, you’ve already been targeted.
To stay cyber-safe, you should protect sensitive information with unique passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and comprehensive antivirus software. You should use a virtual private network to protect your online activities. Protect your device from theft and always be vigilant, especially when checking email or interacting with friends on social media.
Use unique passwords for each account
You should never reuse the same password for all your online accounts or multiple online accounts. If you do this, say in a data breach, if a hacker gets one of your passwords, all your accounts will be compromised.
Instead, create a unique and strong password for each online account. The easiest way to do this is with a password manager. A password manager helps you generate strong passwords made up of random strings of letters, numbers, and special characters, and stores them as well. You can access the password manager using only one set of login credentials and copy and paste secure passwords to login her account. Change passwords every three months to make them harder for hackers to obtain.
Enable multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a feature that increases the security of your login account by requiring you to submit additional information when you try to log into your account using your username and password. For example, you may be asked to enter a passcode texted to your mobile phone or click a link in an email sent to another address. MFA helps prevent hackers from accessing your login account, even if they can get hold of your password. Also, if you start seeing weird messages asking you to verify your login for something, you know someone is actively trying to hack into that account.
Use a paid antivirus suite
If you can’t afford to pay for an antivirus program, a free program is better than nothing. However, paid programs offer more features and usually offer a better user experience and better customer service. Protect your online activities with our premium internet security suite. Features like spam filters to protect you from phishing scams, ransomware and malware protection, parental content control, VPN protection, extra privacy for financial transactions and social media usage, password management, and more all in one software Wrapping up in a suite is worth it.
Keep your software up to date
If you care about your privacy online, it’s important to keep your operating system (OS) software up to date, as well as your browser and other apps. Software updates usually contain patches for security flaws discovered by developers, so not installing them leaves you vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and viruses. Software updates also improve system performance.
Install a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is required when using public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN encrypts your online activities, so hackers can’t use packet sniffers to spy on you. It creates a secure tunnel for your data to travel through, keeping your banking information, credit card numbers, email, and social media private and secure.
Protect your device from theft
Physical theft of devices is just as threatening as digital theft of information. Lock your laptop, tablet or smartphone with a password to prevent immediate access to all your data if someone steals it. If you’re using your device in public, keep an eye on it. Don’t leave your laptop unattended to go to the coffee shop bathroom.
Stay vigilant online
All the VPNs, antivirus programs, and password managers in the world can’t protect you from yourself. You need to stay vigilant online and keep your wits about you. If you’re in the media and someone texts you that you’re in trouble, don’t panic and open Venmo. If you contact the person in another way, you will find yourself targeted by scammers. Beware of phishing emails and social engineering attacks. They are becoming more and more common and more sophisticated, and just misjudgment or weakness takes its toll.
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and sophisticated, so you should be even more vigilant when going online. Stay safe online and don’t let cybercriminals steal your time, money and peace of mind.
Filed Under: Technology News
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