One of the great disadvantages of the connectivity that runs the world is that it is increasingly difficult to protect your data on the internet.
Previously, expert hackers with two computers and super-nimble fingers broke the locks that gave access to very little private information stored online. Today violating the security mechanisms of banking or government pages are not uncommon. That is why digital privacy has become one of the important concerns for most internet users.
From changing your passwords to reviewing the devices connected to your accounts, these are the top actions you should take to protect your data online.
1. Protect your access with strong passwords:
Use long, complex, and varied passwords for all the equipment and services you access, whether personal or professional. The majority of attacks are often caused due to passwords that are too simple or reused. Even at the slightest suspicion that your password has been cracked, or better regularly for preventive purposes, change them. Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to boost your security.
2. Do not share your personal information with anyone:
It may happen that in a moment of carelessness, you provide your data to third parties who will put all this information at risk. Avoid falling for this type of scam and never provide any of your private details to anyone, since legitimate companies will never ask you for them.
Before sharing personal information on social networks, verify the identity of your interlocutor on PhoneHistory.
3. Back up your data regularly:
In the event of hacking, as well as theft or loss of your device, backing up is often the only way to keep your data (photos, files, contacts, messages, etc.). Regularly back up data from your PCs, mobile phones, and tablets, and always keep a copy of your backups on a medium external to your equipment (USB key or disk) that you disconnect once the backup has been made. You may also use cloud storage that allows you to securely store files online through a data provider and connect to it either through a public or a private network.
4. Apply security updates to all your devices (PCs, tablets, phones, etc.) as soon as they are offered to you:
Thus, you eliminate the security vulnerabilities that could be used by hackers to break into your devices, steal your personal information or passwords, or even destroy your data or spy on you. Installing the latest security patches and updates is key for keeping your devices safe from malware.
5. Use antivirus:
Antiviruses protect your devices from a large majority of known hacker attacks and malicious software, such as viruses, spyware, adware, fake security software, browser hijacking software, etc. There are many free or paid solutions depending on your goals and the level of protection or services required. Regularly check that the antivirus installed is up to date and carries out in-depth analyzes or scans of your device to verify that it has not been infected.
6. Download apps only from official sites:
Download applications only from official sites or app stores (for example, Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play Store for Android) to limit the risk of installing a malicious application to hack your equipment. Likewise, avoid suspicious or fraudulent websites (illegal downloads, video, streaming) which could inject a virus into your equipment.
7. Check your social media privacy settings:
If you are using any social media site, in the configuration tools of any social network, you can find the privacy option that will allow you to share all the content of your profile only with your friends and the closest environment.
8. Separate your personal and professional life online:
With the increase in digital uses, the boundary between personal and professional use is often tenuous. These uses can sometimes even overlap.
Hardware, messaging, “clouds”. It is important to separate your uses so that the hacking of your personal accounts cannot harm your business, or conversely, that the compromise of your business accounts cannot have an impact on the security of your data.
9. Do not accept friend requests from strangers:
On our social profiles, we post information about the activities we do alone, as a couple, or with our family and friends, and we share photos of the places we visit. If you add a stranger to your friend list, they will have access to this information, which is very risky, so do not accept friend requests from unknown or suspicious people.
10. Be cautious of unexpected messages:
If you get any unexpected messages on your mobile phone, social media platform, or chat, DO NOT answer them. It can be a phishing attack, and this way the scammers can infect your device with harmful malware and steal your sensitive information, such as banking details, identity, passwords, personal photos, and much more.
11. Set location options on the apps you use the most:
Almost all apps have a location feature and you will often be asked if you want to share this information. Surely these internet entrepreneurs do not need to know every step you take, so configure these options appropriately in each case.
12. Avoid public or unknown Wi-Fi networks:
In restaurants, cafes, or airports, you can connect to unsecured open Wi-Fi networks. The biggest risk you face in such a case is hackers’ ability to interpose themselves between you and the connection point to access all the data you share online.
When on the move, give priority to cellular data connection over public Wi-Fi. If you have no choice but to use a public hotspot, make sure you never perform sensitive operations and use a virtual private network (VPN) if possible.
13. Do not buy stuff from untrusted sites:
Today eCommerce sites or apps or websites facilitate purchases and offer the opportunity to do good business. Unfortunately, there are plenty of shady, even malicious sales sites.
Before buying anything on the internet, check that you are not on a fraudulent copy of an official site, the credibility of the offer, and consult the public opinion. Without this verification, you run the risk of having your credit card number stolen and never receiving your order, or even receiving a fake or dangerous product.