Keeping yourself safe online is essential in this day and age, we show you 5 things you can do to up your security immediately
Online security has become a major concern in recent years, with data breaches and cyber attacks happening on a daily basis. With the increasing use of technology in our daily lives, it has become more important than ever to keep our personal information and online activities safe and secure. In this blog, we’ll be discussing the five most important security measures that you must take in order to stay safe online.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication is the first and most important step in protecting your online accounts. You should always use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords and make sure that each password is different for each account. In addition to this, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your information. Using a password manager such as KeyPass, LastPass, or Dashlane is also a good idea, as it allows you to securely store all of your passwords in one place, and share the passwords across your devices.
Use Antivirus, Antimalware, Anti-Spyware, and Anti-Phishing Software
Antivirus software is crucial in protecting your computer from viruses, malware, spyware, and phishing attacks. Even if you’re using a Mac, it’s still important to use antivirus software as Macs are not immune to these types of attacks. In fact, the first ever reported virus was on a Apple Mac! Make sure to keep your antivirus software up-to-date and run regular scans to ensure that your computer is protected.
Keep Software and Operating Systems Updated to Patch Vulnerabilities
Zero day vulnerabilities are a real problem, and it’s essential that you patch your online devices immediately in order to protect yourself from cyber attacks. Software and operating systems are regularly updated to fix these vulnerabilities, so make sure to keep your software and operating systems up-to-date. Good Antivirus, Antimaleware etc software will often do this for you. This includes updating your computer’s operating system, web browser, and any other software that you use regularly.
Be Cautious of Phishing Scams and Suspicious Emails
Phishing scams are a common tactic used by hackers to steal personal information. These scams typically involve an email that appears to be from a reputable source, but actually contains a link that leads to a fake website designed to steal your information. To stay safe, do not click on links from people and organizations that you do not know, and wherever possible, do not give out your personal information. If an email doesn’t look quite right, trust your gut and delete it.
Use HTTPS Sites and Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks
Finally, it’s important to only use HTTPS sites, as these sites encrypt your information and protect it from prying eyes. Instead of seeing “http://www….” HTTPS websites have extra “s” in the address. For example “https://www…. “
Just about all reputable websites now use HTTPS, so make sure to check for the “HTTPS” in the address bar before entering any personal information. You will also see a little padlock in the address in your web browser when using a site that uses HTTPS. In addition, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as these networks are often unsecured and can be easily hacked. If you do need to use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure to use a VPN to encrypt your traffic to the internet.
In conclusion, keeping yourself safe online is crucial in today’s technology-driven world. By following the five steps outlined in this blog, you’ll be taking important steps to protect your personal information and online activities. Remember, taking the time to secure your online presence is well worth the effort in the long run, as the cost of a data breach can be significant and far-reaching.
Have more questions and want to discuss your security with us? We are here to help 24×7. Call us on 02 9072 1661.
