The cyber-space has become quite flooded with cybercrime and malicious activities. Previously, one only had to take security measures only in the physical world. Now, on the other hand, one should take an equal, if not higher, level of precaution in the digital world.
That being said, many people still take cybersecurity lightly. One must understand that the digital world is crawling with fraudulent and dangerous people. And if one does not take measures to secure themselves, they can become victims of grave danger.
Thus, we thought to help our readers out and discuss some effective tips to adopt for gaining protection against cyber threats.
- Never Go Online Without a VPN
This is probably the most ignored habit among internet users. While some are ignorant of a VPN’s potential, some even think of it as a sophisticated piece of software that hackers and power users use.
While in reality, a VPN for Windows, iOS, or Android, is just a tool that can keep you secure and anonymous while you are online. A VPN can prevent third-party websites from tracking you, as your actual IP address will be hidden from the public. Moreover, it makes for a great safety tool, as all your personal information would be secure.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication is an added layer of security when someone is attempting to log in to an account. The purpose of this Authentication is to make sure that the person trying to log in is the person to who the account belongs.
When you enable Two-Factor Authentication, the platform will ask for a second piece of credential. Merely providing the correct username and password will not be enough. A One-Time Password (OTP) is a type of Two-Factor Authentication. A platform sends a temporary code to a person’s email or phone number. And only after entering that OTP can a person login.
- Use Strong Passwords
While you might already have heard that you should use a strong password, this cannot be emphasized enough. Passwords are the first line of defense. Thus, they should be thought of carefully.
Ideally, a password should be a combination of random upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers, AND special characters.
- Keep Your Antivirus Updated
Another way of preventing cyberattacks is keeping your antivirus updated. An antivirus can regularly scan your computer or mobile device for possible threats. It can then provide you with detailed analysis, guiding you to the possible solutions. You must understand that antivirus software is not a proper cure after attacks but preventive measures before the attack. And what have we always heard? Prevention is better than a cure.
- Stay Cautious of Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi hotspots have become quite common all over the world. They enable people nearby to access the internet, often free of cost. They are usually present in public libraries, cafes, terminals, and other public spaces.
Even though they offer the luxury of enjoying free Wi-Fi, they come with a significant threat of their own. Since everyone has access to public Wi-Fi hotspots, it becomes easy for cybercriminals to access your personal information through these hotspots. Primarily, one should never connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots. And in desperate times when connecting such hotspots is inevitable, a VPN service should always be a part of the connection.
- Never Save Your Credentials on Devices
It might seem the easy thing to do to store your login credentials on a device you use daily. But nothing could be riskier than that. Even saving your login credentials on your smartphone or laptop should be avoided. Cyber-criminals get one step closer to accessing your personal information if you have saved the login credentials on a device. They won’t need to crack your password. They would already have access to your accounts.
- Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
This type of scam is used to gain access to a person’s private and sensitive information. Cyber-criminals usually send emails or other forms of messages that are designed to be almost legitimate.
They usually ask for things like social security numbers, credit card numbers, login credentials, and more. If not careful, one can quickly become a victim of phishing scams. One way of catering to this is to read the email address for the email you received carefully.
In a Nutshell
There is a lot more that you can do to secure yourself from the threats lurking online. One’s safety is precious in the real world and the digital world as well. And it should never be taken for granted. Hopefully, the tips mentioned above can help you significantly.
