Internet technology is a modern-age mandate. Hardly there would be something that we do without the internet. For studies, cooking, entertainment, business, job, and everything that we missed mentioning. However, there is a big concern that has been there since the invention of the internet. Even after many advancements in technology, this problem persists and that is internet security.
After using the internet for decades, we all still feel insecure while browsing or surfing. Though there is no hard and fast rule or formula to get rid of internet security issues. Still, there are some essential and easy ways you can use to prevent cyber crimes and scams.
Security Tips To Shield Online Data And Privacy
More often your browsing history and data are collected for marketers to share relevant ads with you. If you do not like such spamming, you can use these tips that will help you make a preventive shield over your data and browsing history.
1. Limit Sharing Personal Information On Social Media
If your account isn’t private on social media, you should avoid sharing much about yourself. Especially the live feeds. Many cases took place as criminals were spying on the victim on social media. Even if you have a private account, think before you share anything.
2. Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks
Wi-fi networks can be easily accessed or hacked if not protected with a password. Make sure you protect your wi-fi with a password. Also, there are many ways you can prevent a cyber attack on your wi-fi network such as turning on network encryption, adding a MAC address, etc.
3. Browse In Incognito Mode
As we said, search engines use your browsing history and data that is available on the internet to help marketers run their campaigns. If you want your history, temporary internet files, caches, or cookies not to be saved, surf the internet in incognito mode.
4. Use The Anonymous Search Engine
Though Google Chrome is ruling the search engines world, it is one of the biggest search engines that sell your data to marketers (with all your permissions). You can use anonymous search engines to ensure no data tracking.
5. Use A Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPN is a tool that hides your network on the internet and offers a different IP address than yours to access the internet securely. It creates a private network for you so that your data doesn’t get exposed.
6. Use Secure Passwords
Passwords prevent hackers from accessing your data. While creating a secure password, make sure you consider all essential tips for a high-security password. This way it will become difficult for hackers to decode your password even with the help of password decoding software.
7. Think Before Clicking On Any Link
Cybercriminals have become too sophisticated. Now it has become more difficult to identify whether the link is authentic or a trap. Many times you may even get an email or a pop-up claiming a brand’s name but you will have to determine its authenticity by checking its logo, language, and grammar. If you find any discrepancy. Immediately discard the pop-up or delete the email.
8. Safeguard Your Phones
Your phones are the mini-laptops you carry everywhere. Moreover, due to the banking revolution, our phones have become our mini banks as well. That means they are more exposed to the public and there are more chances of them getting hacked.
Keep your phones locked and password protected. Do not connect them with public hotspots. Also, install antivirus on your phones. They need it too.
9. Use Quality Antivirus Software
Many companies offer antivirus software. Some are paid and some are non-paid. You can use both depending on your needs. However, please check the authenticity of the company before using its software.
Some antivirus software makes your phones and laptops slow. Make
sure you choose the one that is compatible with your devices.
10. Check Social Privacy Settings
We all are active on social media and share our information consistently. Our feelings, insecurities, happy moments, and much more. Have you ever realized that all this information can backfire on you sometime later?
In case you don’t know, many hacking attempts and robberies take place due to the information criminals get from your social media. Thus, make your account private and do not add strangers to your account. Moreover, do not share too much about your life.
11. Don’t Use Public Storage For Private Information
The cloud is the new-gen storage solution but have you ever thought about how safe is the cloud and what are the challenges you can face with cloud storage.
If not yet, then think now! Do not trust all cloud storage providers. Companies like Google and Dropbox are one of the safest cloud storage providers.
The Bottom Line
Protecting online data and maintaining privacy on the internet is difficult. Almost everything is present on the internet. You must secure your gadgets and devices to avoid cyber attacks. Read this blog before you become prey to a hacker.