Do you know that 79% of internet users feel that they have no hold over personal data as every service provider invades their privacy?
Well, we won’t call these users over-concerned or over-thinkers. With time, digital tools and service providers have a deeper interface in our lives. Whether you believe it or not, a bolt-on of your personal data is made each time you use an app, internet, or tool.
Starting from your location to the device used for connecting to the world digitally, everything is recorded. It may seem scary. But, with a few changes here and there, you can enjoy a better online presence with the least possible traces left behind.
In this article, you will learn seven viable cybersecurity tips to improve your online presence. But before that, let us tell you what is cybersecurity.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a strategy involving multiple steps and procedures used widely to protect the crucial information stored in IT devices and online storage. It teaches us to stay protected from internet threats and dangers.
The surged data breaches and the higher resultant incurred cost compelled us to become aware of cybersecurity practices and ensure their upright implementation.
7 Tried and Test Cybersecurity Tips
A strategically curated cybersecurity program will strengthen the online presence and minimize the data risks. Use these tips to make this happen.
Tip #1: Take Your Accounts’ Security Seriously & Protect it in all Possible Ways
From bank to social media to gaming – all your accounts are important. Having an account for any of the online services or facilities is what you need to remain connected with the world. But, it’s that account only via which a hacker or threat actor reaches you and steals crucial information.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram; all are big names, and yet users having accounts on these platforms have experienced compromised personal data. No matter how high claims that an online service provider makes for adopting best security practices, it’s your responsibility to be aware of the dangers of an unsecured account.
The great part is you can achieve the goal easily. All you need to do is:
- Using a strong password. The password should feature signs and symbols. Don’t use any personal information like date of birth or age in the password.
- Change the password at regular intervals. Keeping one password for too long is not suggested.
- Using 2 step-verification for better security.
Tip #2: Use a VPN
VPN or Virtual Private Network is the best cybersecurity approach, as the implementation of this one tool will make things better than before on multiple fronts. It’s basically an inventive technology that resides between the internet users and the internet and encrypts every piece of information.
With encryption, information exchanged over the internet becomes a tough nut to crack for hackers. They will have to make extra efforts to decode the encrypted information. Additionally, a quality VPN can hide the actual IP address with a false IP address and confuses the hackers. Hackers or anyone else won’t know where the end-user is and what all content s/he is searching over the internet.
There are many good choices to make. If you’re having trouble finding out the best VPN, then pay attention to the detailed comparison done by EN.VPNwelt. Here, a detailed comparison of the market’s best leaders is offered so that you’re able to make a wise choice. Pick one, as per your preferences, and enjoy better online protection.
Tip #3: Safeguard the Web-browsing Details
Are you stunned seeing the ads of a product again and again that you searched online two days back? Well, don’t be stunned, as everything that you’re doing online is tracked and recorded by browsers, ISP, and online service providers. The details are then shared with the third parties willing to sell their services to you.
You can stop this unwanted browser activity monitoring by simply activating the browser extension. Based on the features offered, a high-end browser extension can prevent ads from collecting your data, malware targeting your browser, and automatically directing you to a safe website.
Tip #4: Bring Antivirus Software into Action
We know this one is a no-brainer. But, we have to remind you once again to use anti-virus software as around 50% of US internet users are not doing so.
This is a basic step taken towards a better online presence. Yet, many of us skip it. Using anti-virus software will help you keep viruses and malware at bay. Users of Windows 10 and Mac are already enjoying an in-built anti-virus software.
Tip #5: Keep the Systems and Devices Used Updated
Updating software and OS used in the device can seem a burden, but the outcomes of doing so are very lucrative as updated OS are less prone to online attacks and information stealing. With each update, you get better bug fixing ability, protection against new threats, and new features. You will get auto-updates when a new version of your software is offered.
Tip #6: Don’t Visit Free Websites or Other Free Resources
We know the word ‘Free’ is very tempting. But, while you’re presently online, this is the last thing to entertain or pay attention to. Free websites, software, web pages, or any other content are the easiest way to invite online dangers. Hackers use these websites to introduce malware and viruses to your systems. So, presenting here is like putting your feet on the ax.
Tip #7: Take Back-up of Your Data
Even if you remain highly diligent, 100% cybersecurity protection is a real tough task and you can still end up being victimized. Well, to minimize the risks and data loss, our suggestion is to take backups regularly and delete redundant data. Keep your databases updated, backed up, and password protected.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe.
The online world is filled with dangers and is the home for hackers who are just waiting for you to make a mistake. The above-shared tips, when implemented correctly, will protect you greatly. They are part of most of the best cybersecurity programs and help millions of internet users to stay safe in the world of cyber vulnerabilities.