It's more important than ever to keep your personal information safe in this increasingly digital age. The world wide web certainly brings incredible conveniences with it: letting you stay in touch with distant friends at the push of a button, helping you grab your groceries without ever leaving the house, and keeping you entertained with a veritable viewing feast of shows and movies at your fingertips. As wonderful as all of those perks are, there are, unfortunately, an increasing number of dangers that come alongside them, predominantly in the form of cyber threats.
It can be scary out there at times; with phishing scams trying to take your personal data, unsafe downloads placing malware on your computer, or shady websites gaining access to your credit information, it can feel overwhelming. Phishing scams alone were responsible for approximately 323,972 cases of global online security breaches in 2021 alone.
This is a worldwide issue that we are collectively facing, which harms the lives of many people, but going online doesn’t have to be such a dangerous experience. So, to help combat these potential issues, here are a few important steps you can take to make sure that you are safer and more secure than ever, ensuring an enjoyable and stress-free internet experience.
What can I do to make my online accounts more secure?
It is likely that at some point you will be the victim of a cyber threat, as millions upon millions of people are every day. However, there is a multitude of actions you can take to make sure that your online accounts are protected, and to give yourself the best chance to avoiding suffering any losses of information or money.
1. Two-Factor Authentication
Designed to provide an additional layer of security to your online accounts, two-factor authentication (2FA) makes it so you need at least two forms of identity verification when accessing a system. This could be a combination of passwords, pins or security questions, alongside a biometrics fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scan.
Many websites or applications that value cyber security will have two-step authentication functions already built in that will request you complete their set up when you first create an account. Some websites let you skip this stage, but try to make sure you take the time to allow 2FA when you have the chance.
2. Keep Passwords Unique
Something that many people around the world are guilty of is having the same three passwords for everything. This is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make, as all it requires is a scammer get ahold of one password, and, suddenly, all of your accounts are in danger.
Try to keep passwords as unique and different from each other as possible. Try to go against your instinct to make it something memorable, and perhaps even take a recommended password if the website offers one. Passwords that are a selection of random numbers, letters, and symbols are far harder to crack than passwords that are pet names or dates of birth.
In addition to this, if you need help remembering these passwords, try to write them down somewhere physical like a notepad or piece of paper. Try not to keep them listed on your phone or computer, as these devices are themselves vulnerable to cyber threats. If anyone manages to make it onto your computer of phone via malware, they may be able to immediately gain access to said list.
3. Use VPNs
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a piece of software that creates an encrypted connection between the user’s computer and whatever website they may be visiting. VPNs do require a subscription, but if you want to make sure your internet activity cannot be intercepted or reviewed by a third-party, they are one of the most secure methods of doing so available to general consumers. Additionally, VPNs can be set up to prevent anyone from even knowing what country you are in, let alone what websites you visit.
4. Be Wary of Phishing
Be immediately wary of anyone who ever asks about personal information online. These people can pose as members of your bank, internet providers, or any other business official. Never reveal any information to anyone you do not trust, and if you receive a call or an email from someone claiming to be from a business you deal with, call a trusted number of that business or visit your nearest branch in person to be as safe as possible.
Furthermore, there are many simple techniques that scammers may try that you might not immediately think suspicious. There have been Facebook Status chains that pose as fun questionnaires, asking seemingly innocuous questions about your life, such as where you were born, what your mothers maiden name is, what your first pets name was, and other things that may be answers to security questions or clues to passwords. Simply do not engage, and the threat will dissipate.
5. Regular Monitoring
Regularly monitoring your account activity is crucial. Try to visit sites that you often use at least once a month, and make sure there is no suspicious activity. If you see something you do not recognize, report it immediately to the relevant people and try to have the situation resolved.
If you remember that you have an account on a site that you do not visit anymore, consider deactivating the account to prevent anyone gaining access after the fact. There may still be personal or credit information on the site, and this act prevents anyone from gaining access to it.
What about my business?
If you have a business and are concerned about any of these potential issues, follow the same steps with all business accounts to reduce risk. Moreover, it would be best to consider working together with a dedicated and trusted IT team and/or Managed Service Provider to make sure that all business, employee and client information is kept safe from any cyber threats. This can ensure that larger companies are safe across the board with a standardized security that works for all.
The Bottom Line
There are a number of potential threats that anyone using the internet can face on a daily basis, and many people may think that it will never happen to them, but it is crucial that you do not take that risk. One small slip up could snowball into a much larger issue if left unchecked.
Follow the steps provided and always stay prepared. The danger of cyber threats never goes away, but it can certainly be minimized by staying secure and never cutting corners.
