Security has become a prime concern of internet users. People these days are more aware of their right to privacy and security than they were in the past. What’s more, even the government is taking substantial initiatives to ensure maximum security online. However, there are still a few things people don’t pay much attention to.
This is why in this article we have listed some of the best and most effective tips you can incorporate in order to maximize your internet security.
So, without much further ado, let’s get started.
1. Get a Trusted Security Software
If you already don’t have good security software installed in your system, then what are you waiting for? Accessing the World Wide Web without a shield to protect you from any harmful virus can be the worst thing you can do. Good security software ensures maximum protection from agents like malicious viruses, and hackers.
You can either go for major names in the business like Norton AntiVirus, AVG, or McAfee, or you can start by getting a subscription to a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP). Take Xfinity for example, its subscribers can get Advanced Security which is included Free with the xFi Gateway. This built-in security provides the users of Xfinity Internet an absolute protection from all kinds of cyber-attacks.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to have security software installed on your devices before going online.
2. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi
This may sound like something everyone already knows about but you would be surprised to know how many people immediately connect their devices to public Wi-Fi, especially to hurriedly check their emails or urgent data.
This includes users accessing their bank accounts or other sensitive data via public Wi-Fi. By doing this, you are inviting malicious agents to hack your accounts or worse, steal your data. Of course, it does get tempting to connect to public Wi-Fi since it is free, however, the danger lurking on the other side is way worse than you can imagine.
Using public Wi-Fi can lead to data breaches and as a result, you put your identity and security at risk, only to check an important email.
3. Use Strong Passwords
Everyone knows that they are supposed to use strong passwords for all their accounts, but the real question is, how many of us actually do it? Ask yourself, do you follow all the necessary steps while creating a password? Probably not, most people don’t even know the complete list of criteria that you can keep under consideration while creating a password.
This is why we have mentioned all the factors you need to consider while coming up with a strong password:
- The length should consist of 12 characters
- It should contain numbers, alphabets, a combination of both, with special characters
- Upper and lowercase letters should be incorporated
- Must contain phrases
- Must contain upper and lowercase letters
By following these steps, you can create a strong password, or you can use password generators to help you with it.
4. Use VPN
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an added layer to your safety. It protects you from online threats and makes your online activities untraceable. Basically, it sort of draws a curtain between you and the online agents who are waiting to check your online activities.
This is also ideal for people who frequently use the internet for online transactions. By enabling a VPN on your devices, you can safeguard your personal information and all kinds of data so you can browse the web as much as you can.
5. Beware of Phishing
You might have heard of the term phishing in the context of cybercrimes. When people try to steal your personal information by sending shady emails or links, then this whole act is called phishing. But don’t worry, you can easily save yourself from becoming a victim of it by keeping these below-mentioned factors.
- Never open a suspicious email or click on any strange attachments
- Without opening it, delete the email from your inbox and trash your folders
- Only click on the links that have been sent from trusted sources
- Never install software advertised to you by a random website, especially if you have never heard of it
- Don’t let your devices get connected to any available free networks since they are often unencrypted and insecure
- In such a situation when you accidentally click on something, don’t panic, instead, unplug or switch off the device (laptop/computer, mobile) immediately
These essential steps can save you from the kind of danger you cannot even imagine.
To Sum it Up!
Internet security is quite crucial, especially in today’s world where all our data is available online. Whether it is our credit card details or personal information, anyone with decent knowledge of hacking can steal all the sensitive details. Therefore, it is highly essential that
