The internet has revolutionized the way we interact with the world. Paying bills is no longer a matter of mailing checks but a quick online process. Shopping has transformed from a trip to the store to a simple click on your phone. For businesses, the internet has provided endless growth opportunities, from digital marketing and e-commerce to global networking. However, unfortunately, there are risks with navigating all that is offered by this cornerstone of efficiency and connectivity. Digital threats, such as malware, phishing, and identity theft are becoming more common, so it is important to learn and develop safe habits when using the internet. Here is a guide to help you stay safe online.
1. Use Strong and Secure Passwords
Since most online services and websites require users to create accounts, the simplest and most effective way to keep yourself secure is by using strong and unique passwords. Here are some tips to remember:
Avoid Using Common Words: Refrain from using your name, your birthdate, or common phrases for passwords. It may seem convenient to use “Password”, “YourStreetName”, or your name as a password, but it is just as easy for someone to guess this as it is for you to remember it.
Think Big: Passwords that are longer are more secure and harder to crack. Try to use passwords that are 12 characters r longer and utilize a mixture of upper and lower-case letters as well as numbers and symbols. Programs dedicated to figuring out your password can take a fraction of a second to guess “Password”, but something like “1L0v3Esta+es29!” would take the same program multiple years to figure out.
Password Managers: Consider using a program to help track passwords across different accounts. These can be as simple as merely tracking your passwords and accounts or more complex like providing passwords that are virtually unbreakable to outsiders. Some reat options are Bitwarden, LastPass or 1Password, which offer services and packages for both families and individuals.
2. Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication requires someone to use two different methods of verification when accessing an account, such as a password as well as a verification code sent via email or text, or an authentication application. While MFA can often be frustrating and a little timelier to login, your chances of identity theft are decreased exponentially. This is because the bad actor would need to have access to multiple devices simultaneously (like your email address and your smartphone) to penetrate the account.
3. Update Your Software
Do not ignore the update notice on your device that there is a new version ready for your software. Though you will see new features available after installation, updates often include patches in security to protect against new vulnerabilities.
Enable Automatic Updates: This takes some of the work out of your hands by allowing your device to make the version updates when they are available. You can even set the automatic updates to take effect during the night-time hours, so you won’t be interrupted and remain protected.
Regular Check-Ups: For services that do not provide automated updates, set a reminder to regularly check that your device or program is not out of date. When making a habit of this, most updates will be small and only take a few seconds to apply.
4. Beware of Phishing Scams
Phishing is the term for when a bad actor tries to trick you into giving them your personal information, often by pretending to be a legitimate source. Here are ways to check for them:
Hover Over Links: When using a mouse with a computer, placing the cursor over a hyperlink will usually show where the link leads in the bottom right corner of the screen. If the links do not match or if the URL is not a website you are not familiar with, do not click!
Double-check Sender’s Email Address: A common technique by phishers and scammers is to message from an email address that seems similar at a quick glance. Does Google have three O’s?
5. Ensure Secure Connections
Secure connections are vital to protecting your personal data online, as they ensure that the information you share is encrypted and shielded from potential cyber threats. When browsing the web, look for secure connections and ensure you are connected to a reliable internet source.
HTTPS: Ensure that the website URL (that is the web address, such as https://www.EstateSales.NET) starts with https:// rather than just http://. The “s” indicates that there is a secure connection to the site.
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Information: When using publicly offered Wi-Fi, avoid sensitive accounts like banking. If you need to do this, consider tethering to your personal smartphone internet or utilizing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to add additional security to your browsing.
By adopting and implementing these practices in your day-to-day life when navigating the web, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to online threats. Though this list is not comprehensive, it is a start to give yourself some piece of mind about internet security and remaining informed on how to notice potential threats before they become a reality.