We have already stepped into 2020 and tech experts are expecting a lot of change this year in the digital world. Search Engines like Google and Yahoo are expected to become more advanced and user-friendly, growing digital marketing habits among businesses, next-level social networking, and a lot more are estimated to enhance by 2021.
The most important of all is online security. How we are going to secure our online activities to keep away the prying eyes and intruders with malicious intentions. We need to find out some sure-shot way to stay protected against online attackers and hackers this year.
Data security and privacy is the trending topic these days where we are increasingly relying on digital platforms. From banking to shopping and entertainment, everything is getting digital. There is no doubt that the internet has brought drastic changes to our lifestyles. There are many positive advancements brought by digital services that make our life simpler than ever before.
But since nothing could be perfect, the internet has a downside too. Keeping your data safe from trespassers and prying eyes is really a challenging task while enjoying the benefits of digital services. We have gathered some of the tips and suggestions that will aid you in keeping your private and confidential data safe and secure.
If you are a beginner, you really need these tips to start and stay safe in the online world. And if you are ignorant until now, you should consider yourself lucky but it is recommended to take some measures to keep your online activities and keep the risk at a distance.
Although there are significant cyber laws and information technology protection measures in place to ensure the security and privacy of internet users but there some small yet prominent things that we should take care from our end
Use an Antivirus
Antivirus is an essential software that you must install on your PC in order to keep it secure from hackers, intruders and malwares. The whole world has shrunk over the internet where along with ease, threats are also multiplying every day.
Thus, it’s become indispensable to install a good antivirus software, you can pick the tools you like and compare their features here. Experts have recommended that you should also use an Antivirus app on your smartphone.
Never Click on Suspicious Links
Use of technology is a double-edged sword. Where on one hand it has immense benefits that simplify life, at the same time it can be dangerous too. Hackers send hundreds of emails and pop-ups online that makes you click on suspicious links.
Sometimes it may be just spam ads but the chances are high that it has a malicious intention. Avoid clicking on such links. Of course, they are very tempting to make sure that you become a fool but beware of them. If you have even 1% doubt on them, avoid it otherwise it will be creepy to lose your privacy and private information.
Avoid Being Lazy to Change Passwords
This is crucial for all sorts of businesses as well as individuals. Be it service sectors like banking or large enterprises or you are just using digital payments, you should regularly change your passwords and keep them random.
Many times it happens that we reuse passwords just because we are too lazy to create a new combination of characters and letters. To ensure greater security of your online information make sure that every now and then you create a new password and do not reuse the old one.
Do Not Covet Public Wi-Fi
The Internet is no longer a luxury today but has become an inseparable part of our life. This is the reason that you can find ample public connections around you in the market, restaurants, Railway station, Bus stand, etc. We would suggest you to never connect your devices with these public networks.
It renders your data vulnerable to hackers and attackers. In case of urgent needs, you should check the security beforehand. If you are forced to connect with public Wifi, make sure to use a secure and private securicritic application that hides your identity.
Always Set Strong Passwords
Passwords are the key to unlock your account and gain access to your personal accounts say bank accounts or social media like Facebook and Twitter. So just changing the password frequently is not just enough for your online security.
You must have noticed those pop-up warnings which advise you to set strong passwords to secure your account. A strong password is the combination of alphabets, numbers and special characters. To make it more complex you may use the mix of Capital and small letters. According to internet experts, your password should be complex yet quick to call to mind.
Activate Dual Authentication
It is always wise to double-check the security aspects. Dual authentication provides the double verification of the information provided by you. By dual authentication, which is popularly known as two-factor authentication, we mean that users have to verify their data twice in two different ways to log in or access any online account. Say, you need to enter the OTP even after entering the correct password.
Keep Your Device Up to Date
Smartphones are one of the popular mediums to browse and surf internet services. Update all the applications timely especially those that carry important information about you. Also, using an Antivirus application is a good step to get secured from hackers and online threats.
If you are accessing the internet or Web Services from your desktop, make sure that you are using the latest and updated version of all the applications and software. Only rely on secure web browsers like Google Chrome.
Use VPN
VPN means Virtual Private Network. It keeps your identity hidden while accessing the web and internet. It does this by tweaking your IP address and keeping the actual IP address secret. This makes sure that hackers and attackers cannot keep into your device and can’t steal your private and confidential information. There are hundreds of VPN applications and services available on the web that you can rely on.
Sum Up
With technology, where we are able to manage our routine activities better, we also have to prepare for facing the ill consequences if it is used in unethical ways. Yes, the government is realizing this fact and has enacted many cyber laws and regulations on this behalf but it would be fruitful for the users not to be reckless in data security. We hope that the tips and suggestions given by us will prove helpful to you in keeping your confidential data safe and secure.
