Internet Security: How To Properly Protect Your Data

In a world where everything is digitalized, the vast majority of people’s data is stored online. And with storing your data online comes the question of security. This is especially important when it comes to data that is connected to your bank, your official documents, and so on. Of course, no matter if it is a selfie you took or information about your bank account, you do not want strangers getting a hold of it. This is why it is important that you do a few things to increase your internet security.

People often do not bother working on this, usually because they think it is too complicated. But by making just a few changes to your accounts and devices, you can be secure against outside parties’ attempts to access your personal data. To find out how to protect yourself, as well as your information online, read through the tips in this guide.  

Pro Tip: Before you start reading through these tips, make sure that you have a reliable internet to begin the internet safety journey. This is the first thing you should check, and there must be no compromises. In case you are looking for suggestions, Spectrum Internet is a great choice.

Use a VPN

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself online is using a VPN. VPN is a service that allows you to protect your data and hides your IP address. The way it does this is by bouncing your own network activity through a secure chain to a different server miles away. This hides your online identity, even when you are using a public WiFi network. This means that you can browse the internet anonymously, making it safe and secure. Therefore, if an unwanted party is trying to connect to your device, they will not be able to do so, as it is not even visible to them. 

Moreover, when you get a VPN, you can use it on all your devices. Unlike some other services, which are exclusive to, for example, a computer, you can use a VPN on your tablet, phone, or computer. And the best thing is, it is very cheap to have it. As they say at www.swagbucks.com/shop/nordvpn-coupons, you can get a VPN for just a few dollars per month. So, to hide from third parties, protect your data and browse freely, be sure to use a VPN.

Get antivirus and keep it updated

Antivirus software is the most popular for its ability to fend off actual computer viruses. But, these types of software can also encrypt your files and even demand payments to restore them. This can protect you from the bots who are trying to steal your private information. 

A lot of people only rely on the antivirus built into Windows. Truth be told, these built-in antiviruses just cannot compare with the best programs offered by third parties. To get better protection of your data, opt for a third-party solution. And if you want to achieve an even higher level of protection, make sure that your antivirus has ransomware protection. Of course, no matter what kind of antivirus you opt for, make sure you renew it every year. You can always enroll in automatic renewal, just so you do not forget.

Use different passwords at different places

One of the easiest ways for hackers to steal information is by getting your username and password. So, if you use the same combination for every, or most accounts that you have online, they will be able to hack into everything. So, the best way to protect yourself from them hacking into all your accounts is using a different password everywhere. And then even if they do get a hold of one of your combinations, they will not be able to log into anywhere else. 

Of course, it is understandable that you cannot remember every password for dozens of accounts. But do not worry, there are simple password managers that can help you with this issue. So, in that sense, the only password you need to remember is the one for your password manager,

Use two-factor authentication

The vast majority of people avoid two-factor authentication, as it can be quite annoying. But, nevertheless, it absolutely makes your accounts a lot more secure. If you are not familiar with this term, phishing training will tell you that you need to pass another layer of authentication besides your username and password. If a certain account of yours contains personal information that is sensitive or valuable, make sure to enable this. Dropbox and Gmail are just a couple of examples of online services that allow two-factor authentication.

Turn off the ‘save password’ feature 

The ‘save password’ feature is truly a convenient feature. You just save the password, and anytime you need to log into an account, you are just a click away. However, this built-in password management solution might not be the safest option. The reason being the fact that a hacker can easily see all your passwords if they manage to hack into your device. Instead, install a third-party password manager, and securely save your passwords.

Apply a passcode lock

The majority of smartphones offer you a four-digit PIN by default. However, make sure you do not settle for this. Whenever you can, use biometric authentication and set a strong passcode. This way you will be able to use both Touch ID or an equivalent, as well as the passcode. Similar to two-factor authentication, this gives you additional protection.

Avoid opening suspicious emails or text messages

Hackers will use different techniques to try and get access to your devices and your accounts. They will often send spam emails or text messages, which is why it is important to pay attention to what you click on. Only open links that come from a source that you trust. Of course, the same goes for links that you see on social media sites, even the links that your friends have posted. Bottom line, if it looks suspicious, do not click on it.

The internet can be a great source of information and creativity, it can be a great place for storing anything you want. Unfortunately, with all of these advantages, there is also the danger of being hacked and having your data stolen. This is why it is very important to do everything you can to protect both your data and yourself online. Remember to always use a VPN and an antivirus. Do not use the same password everywhere and use two-factor authentication whenever you can. And of course, do not ever click on any suspicious links, as they might be a hacker’s gateway to your personal information.