The digital world is growing before our eyes, and it’s imperative that we expand our data protection efforts, too.
In fact, 85% of adults around the world feel the need to increase their online privacy protection.
The following seven strategies are designed to protect your data from cyberattacks, data breaches, and other emerging threats.
Identity theft and financial fraud are on the rise, so we must stay vigilant. It’s time to heighten our awareness, stay shielded from unauthorized access, and return to stress-free browsing.
Let’s dive into some safe browsing basics and explore these practical tips to boost your data protection levels.
1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Think of your password as the key to the lock on your digital domain. You wouldn’t want just any key to grant access to this type of data, instead:
- Use a variety: Include capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Keep it unique: Use a different password for each account.
- Make it challenging: Skip the birthdays and pet names.
- Change it regularly: Schedule updates for your passwords every few months.
Follow these recommended guidelines to keep your password locked and key in tip-top shape.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor Authentication, or 2FA, does as it sounds; It requires another form of identification to gain access. When you enable 2FA, you amp up your security measures and add a layer of armor, shielding your private info.
Most individuals (73%) prefer to use smartphones for 2FA. This method is commonly a code sent to your phone after entering your password.
This way, even if a cybercriminal gets ahold of your password, there’s a second line of defense in place. Built-in authenticators, smart cards, and single security keys are just a few alternative 2FA options.
3. Don’t Delay Software Updates
While frequent updates can become annoying, it’s well worth the inconvenience. Having outdated software is like leaving the front door open to your home, welcoming all the cyberthreats inside.
You may even consider enabling automatic updates so you never miss a protection booster. Set up a schedule to ensure the following are up to date:
- Operating system.
- Antivirus software.
- Downloaded applications.
After all, this is your defense against malware and other malicious activities. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to cybercriminals. Stay alert and stay up-to-date.
4. BOLO for Phishing Attempts
Unfortunately, there are so many phishing threats in the digital sea. Every link you are exposed to should be thoroughly inspected before clicking.
Exercise caution, especially from suspicious emails or messages requesting personal information.
If you cannot determine the link source, it is best to delete the message or link instead of opening it. Always verify the legitimacy of requests before sharing sensitive details, even if this means calling the sender or company for confirmation first.
Just by heightening your awareness, you’ll naturally reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams.
5. Ensure Your Wi-Fi Network is Secure
Public Wi-Fi is known to be an unsecured network, so it’s imperative to take extra steps for security when accessing information from these open connections. Your home Wi-Fi, on the other hand, should always remain a digital safe haven. To achieve this trusted home network:
- Set a unique, difficult-to-guess password for your Wi-Fi,
- enable WPA3 encryption if available,
- change the default router login credentials.
By taking these safety measures, you ensure that unauthorized users cannot easily hack your network.
As for public Wi-Fi, take advantage of those simple, useful tools – Virtual Private Networks. If you wonder, “Is there a difference in VPNs?”–you can explore them to better protect your activity depending on the type that best fits your needs.
6. Backup Your Files
This is one of the most useful yet underutilized steps. By regularly backing up your data to an external hard drive or secure cloud service, you are safeguarding your information should the unexpected ever happen.
Cyber incidents aren’t the only reason backups should be done; Hardware failure or loss of your device is an unfortunate possibility, too. The best defense is an offense of preparation.
7. Don’t Skip Over Privacy Settings on Social Media
Many of us are guilty of scrolling past those privacy settings to quickly access content but make it a habit to stop and review.
Remember, you can adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms and limit access to your information.
Be selective about what you share and schedule friend list audits to ensure they only consist of trusted individuals.
While our digital world continues to grow, we must learn how to expand our internet security along with it. We all share the responsibility to keep our sensitive data secure and instil safe browsing practices.
Utilize the tips we learned here today, and your private information will remain better protected. Now go out, search the web, and have peace of mind now that you’ve brushed up on the basics!
