Admittedly, the online world is not always friendly. Indeed, massive data breaches have alerted businesses and governments to watch for criminal cyber-attacks. Online privacy is your basic right to protect your information from bad people, and defending your digital privacy starts with keeping your online activities fully secure. These simple tips will greatly help as you strengthen your security barriers.
1. Share less info online
Sensitive information is like gold to cybercriminals. It’s advisable to share very little personal information about yourself when interacting with others online. Be mindful of pictures you post with tags potentially revealing your geolocation. Indeed, the social media domain could be the first place to start guarding your private life responsibly. Apart from that, virtually all your apps collect some information. Governments may enact data privacy laws, but few companies observe these protocols. An example is the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandals.
2. Create strong passwords and activate two-factor authentication
You don’t want to keep using a lazy password in 2023, as it can jeopardize your online security. Strong and unique passwords are essential to your web safety; sometimes, they are the only way to keep out malicious hackers. It helps to periodically change your password and active two-factor (2FA) to boost your security. Activating multi-step verification gives your online account an extra security barrier if your password lands in the wrong hands.
3. Install antivirus software
The best antivirus apps protect your computer from malware, including trojan horses; this virus can hide behind your device and steal your vital information. On the other hand, bots can turn your PC into a zombie soldier and further infiltrate your system with spam. Experts recommend you update your antivirus software and upgrade your operating system to the latest version. Most antivirus scanners show a green button when everything is in order, but don’t forget to watch out for the red flags.
4. Don’t be too comfortable with public WIFI
Cybercriminals can threaten security if you love connecting to public WIFI routers without minding your privacy. FCC advises users to stick to their home network connections to help lower their risks of exposure online. If you must use public WIFI, ensure you don’t enter sensitive details about yourself everywhere. And you can achieve this in several ways. For instance, learning how to bypass school WIFI with VPN apps is beneficial if you always utilize it. Virtual private network applications secure and encrypt your connection to the internet, including your school WIFI. This way, you can hide your IP address and browse it anonymously.
5. Desist from installing sketchy software
Not every app you see is healthy for your consumption. Some sketchy apps can track you 24/7 and harvest your crucial information without seeking permission. You create security loopholes when you install untrusted browser extensions and other pieces of software online. Make it a point to configure your privacy settings in your devices to ensure no app is broadcasting your sensitive info like location, contacts, email, etc. As far as your online activity is concerned, security starts with being careful about your digital behavior.
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