How to be more secure online?
Every 39 seconds, hackers perform a cyber attack. By the time you finish reading the article, at least a few companies or individuals globally will get hit by a cyber threat.
Statistically, you have a 30% chance to become a victim of a successful cyber attack. Naturally, the question arises – how to be more secure online? Is there a way to minimize this risk even further?
You can prevent most data breaches.
The reason behind 85% of data breaches is human mistakes. Only 3% of all cyber threats exploit a software vulnerability.
Therefore, accidental mistakes and predictable people’s behavior bring the most damage. Understanding the most common errors is the most crucial step in learning how to be more secure online. Improved privacy and security are directly linked to a lower risk of a data breach.
How to be more secure online ? 10 tips.
- If possible, never use public WiFi.
Free public WiFi poses some serious security risks. Not all network is dangerous, but it is challenging to tell the difference. Do not risk your safety. Avoid using random public networks at all costs.
If you really need to connect, take extra precautions. Do not log in to sensitive accounts or enter passwords.
- Make sure your antivirus and antimalware software is updated.
First, install essential security-oriented programs into your devices (both mobile and desktop). Second, do not forget to check them periodically – do not postpone the warnings and update notifications. This software should automatically run in the background, guarding your devices against various types of threats. Your task is to make sure they run smoothly.
- Create long, complex passwords.
Complex passwords provide better protection. A long password that contains numbers, capital letters, and special symbols are less prone to brute-force attacks. It is more difficult to guess or decrypt. Each time you create a new password, make sure it ticks all the boxes of secure password criteria.
- Use a unique password for every account.
Password reuse is a critical security vulnerability. If one of your passwords is leaked, the hacker can try it to access other accounts. This way, a single data breach can have a disastrous domino effect. The best way to prevent it – use a unique username and password combination for every login.
- Turn on Two-factor Authentication.
Two-factor authentication is one of the most reliable methods to increase password protection. Even if the password is leaked in a data breach, the intruder will not be able to access your account. Before logging into an account, you have to verify your identity using a second factor (f. e., your phone).
How to be more secure online? Turn on Two-factor Authentication on your most critical accounts.
- Turn off automatic password saving in browsers.
Browser password managers have a few security vulnerabilities. Avoid them by turning off automatic password saving in a browser password manager. Choose security over convenience.
- Learn to recognize social engineering scams.
Social engineering attacks are the type of cybercrime where the criminal exploits human psychology or trust to gain information, money, etc. You can fall into a trap and click on a malicious link, open a virus-infected file, and in similar ways.
Fortunately, it is relatively easy to recognize such scams. For that, follow the golden rule – never click, reply or open anything that you do not trust. That means open emails or click on links only if you know the sender or you know where it directs you. Before clicking on a link, always hover a mouse and check the destination URL.
- Use a password manager.
53% of people rely on their memory to manage passwords. Avoid this practice at all costs. One of the most reliable ways to manage passwords is to store them in a password manager. This tool allows you to access all your passwords stored in an encrypted vault by entering only one password.
- Do not reveal too much personal information on social media.
Protect your privacy – never reveal too much personal information online that can be used against you. If possible, never disclose your home (or even work) address, phone number, etc. This information can be used to trace you, impersonate you, or deceive you in any way.
- Avoid paying with a credit card unless you trust the seller.
Choose other than credit card payment methods. If the seller’s website is breached, you will be sure it did not store your credit card information. Pay with PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and equivalents.
Do not just read the tips on how to be more secure online. Start following them today and improve your online security.
