Nowadays it is getting harder and harder to stay online safely. Ransomware and phishing emails are just a few of the many ways that people can steal personal information or trick people into getting their files back in some way (mostly financially). In order not to encounter such problems in the first place, there are a few easy-to-implement tips with which you can ensure your safety in cyberspace.
1. Update Your Software and Apps Regularly
Waiting while an update is being installed on your phone or computer can
be frustrating, but it's worth the wait. Nothing is perfect and almost
every operating system has vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to get people's
money and data. Usually, developers discover these bugs faster and release
updates that resolve the potential problem before it occurs. For example,
the famous Wannacry ransomware wave could have been prevented if users had
installed the latest version of Windows, which fixed the security flaw.
2. Create Strong Passwords
It can't be stressed enough, but creating a strong password is critical
to keeping your accounts safe. Private information and banking websites
are often attacked by hackers, and common and/or short passwords (less than 8
characters) are very easy to break. "Digital Trends" published
an overview of the most frequently used passwords in the world. Make sure
that your passwords are over 9 characters long, contain upper and lower case
(preferably arbitrary), special characters, numbers, and no personal information
(names, years of birth, etc.). For example, sentences with punctuation are
easy to remember and very safe.
If you want to know how secure your password is, visit this page and enter a modified version of your password to see how long it would take to attempt to hack your account.
3. Use 2-Step Authentication
In addition to a good password, two-step authentication provides
additional security for your online accounts. Make sure this feature is
enabled for apps that may contain private or confidential information, such as
your Google or Leitz cloud account or your online banking app. Even if
your password were stolen, hackers would have to get their hands on your phone
or biometric data (fingerprints or iris scans) to access your
account. Ideally, in the event of theft, you can remotely delete the files
on the stolen device.
4. Never Trust Unknown Files
Malware doesn't always have to be hacked into a computer. Very
often it actually happens that you are unintentionally open or installs a virus
yourself. Often this happens by opening unknown emails and clicking on the unknown, specified links and documents. So if you get an email from a
stranger, be it a company or an individual, don't open it right
away. Google for the company and call there and give the subject of the
email. But if you already suspect that it is a fraud, delete this email
directly.
5. Use a VPN (Especially with Public WiFi)
Connecting to a public WiFi network at an airport or in a coffee shop is convenient, but far from secure. Other people connected to the same network can intercept information that you are sending and receiving. A VPN acts as an encrypted tunnel for all your online traffic, which remains hidden from the "viewer" and makes it illegible. However, choosing the right VPN is also important, as free versions hide risks like selling information. Avoid free VPNs.
6. Shop Through Secure Websites
When you visit websites from which you want to buy something, make sure
that the website begins with the certificate “HTTPS” and not just
“HTTP”. The address symbol also contains a lock symbol. The
"S" in the HTTPS part stands for "safe". This means
that information that you exchange with the website, for example, your bank, is
reliably encrypted.
7. Keep Track of Breaking News
While it may seem obvious, staying up to date with the latest cyber
world news can be difficult in the future. There are currently many
articles online that describe the risks of clicking links in your email or
using a free VPN. It is also recommended to improve cyber
hygiene. Knowing that ransomware reports are on the rise in your area, you
will be more careful while browsing.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this blog has shown and explained some new tips and tricks for
your online life. Last but not least, we give you something that you
better keep in mind: No matter what you use your Internet for, make sure that
only you have access to your files. Hackers, and some non-GDPR compliant
companies, will always find a way to make money with your information and, in
the worst case, harm you in the process. So never assume that you are not
interesting to strangers.
Pro Tips: Use Protegent Free Antivirus for A Free Trial.
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