Online security has never been easy, but it has gotten much harder in recent years. Security breaches are rising, and online attacks are growing in sophistication and frequency.
Whether it’s your bank account number or your social security number, there’s a chance you might have it floating around the internet in a way that could lead to identity theft and financial ruin.
But this doesn’t mean you should live in fear or paranoia. Just do what you can to ensure that your accounts stay secure. Use these steps to keep your data safe and prevent theft of your identity or money.
Keep Your Devices Updated
One of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself is to ensure you’re running the latest version of your operating system and any apps you use.
If you’re using an Apple device for playing online games on non Gamstop casinos, this is as simple as opening the App Store and checking for updates, then downloading them when prompted. For Android users, this process varies by device manufacturer — but it’s usually a matter of going into the Settings app, then tapping on System Update.
Both iOS and Android have built-in security features that require apps to check in with their servers before they can run on your device. This helps prevent attackers from simply installing malware onto someone’s phone by tricking them into installing an app from somewhere other than Google Play or Apple’s App Store — so long as those apps are up-to-date and verified by Apple or Google.
Set Up a Second Email Address
Like most people, you probably have more than one email account. You may have a work email, personal email, and maybe even an old Hotmail account from back in the day that you still use from time to time.
It could be risky if you only use one email address for all your sensitive communications like bank statements, credit card applications, and other private matters. That’s because if a hacker or identity thief gets hold of that information through another method, such as phishing or malware infection, you may lose them.
So consider setting up a second email address and using it only for secure websites such as banks and credit card companies. That way, if someone hacks into your main email account, they won’t have access to this important one.
Use an Encrypted Chat App
You should always use an encrypted chat app whenever you need to discuss sensitive information. The point of encryption is to ensure that only the sender and the recipient can see the message. In the case of WhatsApp, this means that even if someone were to intercept your messages, they would not read them.
Encryption is also useful for avoiding data breaches because it ensures that your information cannot be stolen from a third party. Many companies use encryption for their websites, but it is not always easy for people to know whether or not their personal information is secure on those sites.
Consider Using a VPN
A VPN works by encrypting all of your data, then sending it through a tunnel to a server run by the VPN provider. There, it’s decrypted and sent back to you. Anyone trying to spy on you would have to break the encryption to read your data.
If you’re worried that an attacker might be trying to intercept your data using public Wi-Fi, or if you want extra protection for sensitive information like banking details or passwords, a VPN is a great option. Some VPNs also offer additional features such as ad blocking and malware protection.
Keep reading for tips on choosing the best VPN for your needs:
- Subscription length. Most VPNs offer a one-month subscription, which is great if you’re trying them out for the first time. However, if you plan on using it regularly, choose a longer subscription period, such as one year or more.
- Server locations and number of available devices. The more servers a company has and the more devices you can connect simultaneously using its app, the better.
- Number of servers: This is important because it determines the wide range of IP addresses available to connect through. The more servers there are, the greater choice you’ll have in selecting one that’s nearby or allows you to browse anonymously.
- VPN protocol – There are different options when it comes to VPN protocols. Some are faster than others, while others offer more security features. If you want better performance, go with OpenVPN over IPSec or PPTP.
Don’t Use Free Wi-Fi
If you’ve visited a coffee shop or a library, you must have noticed people sitting around with their laptops open, surfing the web, or checking their email. These people are probably doing so because they can access free Wi-Fi at these places but are they aware of the risks involved?
Free Wi-Fi may seem like an attractive option, but it comes with its set of problems. It is difficult to tell if someone else is using the same network as yours and snooping on your activity. Hackers can easily use fake Wi-Fi hotspots that look genuine and steal sensitive information from unsuspecting targets who connect to them, thinking they are secure sites like Google.
Avoid “Phishing” Scams
Phishing scams are common in today’s world. The idea behind these scams is that a hacker or scammer will send out an email or other message to potential victims. They might claim that they need to update their account with new information—such as their passwords or credit card information to complete an official government task (such as renewing a passport) or for another legitimate purpose.
However, the message is coming from someone who does not work for the company or organization they claim to represent; instead, they are hoping that you will give them access to your account so that they can steal your money or other resources.
Stay Safe Online!
You can take many steps to ensure that your secret is protected online and kept safe from the prying eyes of hackers and other Internet criminals. These steps will help you stay safe online and tighten your online security.