How often do you think about the safety of your data and devices online? It’s easy to forget these things when you’re not constantly reminded of them. The problem is that most of us start thinking of online security when it’s already too late.
Given that the number of cybersecurity attacks is growing rapidly, you shouldn’t wait for one to happen to you. Instead, be proactive and take action to prevent data and identity theft in time. Wondering how? Here are the 5 fastest ways to protect your data online.
#1 Install an Antivirus
Let’s start with the basics. Installing an antivirus is the least you can do to protect your device from outside threats. Still, this kind of software can make a huge difference in your security system. On top of that, it doesn’t require much action on your part, so it’s pretty easy to set it up and let it run in the background.
Keep in mind that although many devices come with an antivirus pre-installed, you should still double-check if the software is activated properly. An antivirus that’s not active or up to date won’t help much in case of a security attack.
#2 Use a VPN for PC
A VPN for PC is the best way to keep your data and devices safe from online threats. If you haven’t used a VPN before, you’ll be happy to hear it’s effortless and straightforward. All you have to do is download a VPN app, choose the server of your choice, connect to it, and you can surf the web safely.
A virtual private network routes your data and traffic through an encrypted tunnel, thus making your digital footsteps invisible to hackers and other third parties.
#3 Manage Your Passwords Properly
Poor password management is one of the most common reasons hackers can get their hands on people’s private information. One thing you should keep in mind is that password management goes way beyond just using a different password for each account.
On top of making sure you’re not using the same password everywhere, you should update your passwords regularly and strengthen them with 2-factor authentication. Moreover, it wouldn’t hurt to use a password management tool to get the most out of login security.
#4 Don’t Use the Same Email
Don’t forget that login info consists of a password and an email address. It’s important to keep your email addresses safe too, which has become way more difficult in the last couple of years. Try to use different email addresses for different kinds of accounts.
Although this won’t directly protect you from a security threat, it will prevent major data losses if one of your addresses gets hacked or stolen. Never use your primary email address if you need to sign up for a website or an app with questionable security.
#5 Keep Your Browser Clean
Last but not least, don’t forget to maintain proper browser hygiene by clearing the cache and history regularly. The cache includes sensitive data, including saved cookies, searches, web history, etc. Clearing it regularly will reduce the risk of data loss.
Don’t forget to turn off the ‘save password’ feature that many browsers activate by default. This feature could cost you a lot of sensitive data in case of a security breach. Whatever you do, don’t import and save passwords in your browser and make sure to get in there and clean things up frequently.