Feeling Vulnerable Online? 7 Simple Steps to Enhance Your Digital Safety
In today's world, the internet has become an integral part of our lives, encompassing work, education, and personal communication. According to a 2022 survey, the number of internet-connected devices in an average American household has more than doubled from 11 to approximately 25 in just two years. This surge in digital presence also increases the potential for cybercriminals to access and exploit personal information. Therefore, the importance of adhering to internet safety protocols to shield both yourself and your family from cyber threats is greater than ever. Now only the lazy don’t talk about internet privacy issues, but less often they mention that you can protect yourself from 99.9% of attacks with simple actions. Here are online safety tips that will prevent your online fortress from being broken into.
#1 Don't Act Impulsively
This week's focus is on spotlighting an important aspect of digital safety: identifying and handling phishing attempts. Phishing is a deceptive practice where fraudsters employ social engineering and technical skills to capture sensitive details like trade secrets, banking information, or personal identifiers. They typically deploy phishing via emails and text messages. Data from the Anti-Phishing Working Group indicated an alarming 316,000 instances of phishing in December 2021 alone, marking a record in the organization's nearly two-decade span of monitoring.
Dodging phishing scams can be as simple as pausing to scrutinize any links before engaging with them. Hover your cursor over any hyperlink to preview the URL it leads to. If the link's destination seems unrelated to its context or includes typos, it's wise to refrain from clicking on it.
#2 Use a VPN
A VPN can confuse the trail for hackers so much that it is almost impossible to establish a connection with you. Ideally, you should be looking for a VPN with a no-logs policy. In simple terms, no log VPN is a service that does not store important information about users. One of the VPNs we know is VeePN. It offers a good level of anonymity also due to additional privacy protection features and strong encryption.
#3 Delete Unnecessary Online Accounts
Online profiles encompass sensitive information such as email addresses, passwords, phone numbers, credit card details, and home addresses. Due to these details, data breaches pose a significant concern. Secure your data by removing any inactive accounts, preventing potential cybercriminal exploitation of your information.
Furthermore, it's prudent to uninstall unused applications from your devices. Many applications are granted permissions that allow access to your contacts, messages, photos, and more. They may even gather data without your knowledge. Ensure you also remove any associated accounts for the apps you delete to further safeguard your privacy.
#4 Limit the Amount of Personal Information
Cyber attackers are progressively fine-tuning their strategies, and a big part of that involves taking advantage of copious personal details. People themselves publish them on social networks and do not even realize the value they can give to attackers.
These personal insights are like gold for these criminals, who craft intricate schemes intended not just to deceive the account owners but often their contacts too, dragging them into cons. They are also often used to crack passwords.
Cybersecurity is not just about technology; it's also about being vigilant with the information you share online. Try to limit the circle of friends who see personal information and do not publish valuable information. Also use VPN online when accessing accounts, especially through unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Stay and cautious stay are safe.
#5 Turn on MFA for Email
It's essential to activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all your accounts to ensure maximum security. Prioritize your email accounts, as they often hold a vast array of personal information. In the event of data breaches, which are becoming increasingly frequent, MFA serves as a critical barrier. It prevents unauthorized access even if someone manages to acquire your password. MFA enhances security by requiring a combination of two or more validation methods: knowledge (like a password or PIN), inherence (biometric data such as facial recognition or fingerprints), or possession (a device only you have). Don't wait until it's too late; safeguard your accounts with MFA today.
#6 Keep Software Updated
Prioritize your digital safety by ensuring that your operating systems and applications are up-to-date. This empowers you with the newest shields against cyber vulnerabilities. It's particularly crucial when dealing with apps that handle your financial transactions, personal health data, or other confidential user information.
#7 Backup Data
Safeguarding your precious personal data is crucial, and one of the most reliable methods is using external hard drives for backups, ensuring you routinely update these backups. In the event of a ransomware attack—where hackers hold your computer hostage blocking access to important files—the damage can be reduced if you've backed up your and your family’s data. Bolster your defenses by installing robust security software. Moreover, be aware that other malware types can block or wipe your personal information by overloading your system. Vigilance is key.
Conclusion
Digital safety is everyone's responsibility. While we can't control the actions of cybercriminals, we can take proactive measures to secure our online presence and minimize potential risks. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of phishing, data breaches, or other cyberattacks. Remember to always think twice before clicking on any links or sharing personal information online and stay informed about potential threats and security measures that can protect you. Stay safe, be vigilant, and prioritize your digital safety today.
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