In fact, cyber security threats have evolved completely and are more difficult to manage. Not only do you have to worry about advanced tactics unleashed by career cybercriminals, but anyone who could potentially access your social media profiles or other information can become a threat if they decide to.
Compound that on top of the fact that today nearly every aspect of our lives is tied to the Internet. From social media to banking and credit cards, your information is more vulnerable than ever. For many, an innocent online purchase has led to a nightmare including fraudulent credit card charges, drained bank accounts, and identify theft.
So, how do enjoy the efficiency, connectivity, and convenience of the online world without compromising your safety?
Here are 4 cybersecurity tips to keep you safe online:
• Make Your Passwords Unique
It’s no secret that many of us have fallen into the habit of using creating passwords that are easy to remember, or even worse, using the same password for everything. However, this is one of the biggest risks you can take online, especially considering how easy it is to use a free password generator. Surely you’re thinking “But, how will I remember my passwords if they’re random?” Fortunately, there are secure password managers you can use.Using unique, strong passwords for everything from your Paypal to your Twitter is critical to staying safe on social media and elsewhere online.
• Use Caution Before Clicking
Did you know that links can actually be malware in disguise?When you’re going to be using sites where your financial information could be compromised, which is virtually every site nowadays, make sure you verify that you are on the actual, legitimate site. Many people fall victim to domain spoofing because this type of phishing attack imitates the site you were trying to use (sometimes with the logo and all) in order to capture your information like your account password.
Additionally, when you are using sites where you’ll be inputting sensitive information, you want to ensure that they are secure and using encryption to protect your data. Always make sure that there is a lock icon and the URL starts with “https”.
• Don’t Share Sensitive Information
In today’s world, sharing nearly every detail about your day is the norm. And, we’re sharing to much larger audiences than ever before. But, did you know that it could be putting you at serious risk for social media scams?Many of us never think about it but posting your personal information or giving details about your upcoming vacation could you make you a target. And, you know those fun quizzes that you have to enter information about yourself to get an answer? Those could actually be ways of getting personal information from you that can be used to guess passwords, answer your security questions, and otherwise access vital data.
It’s also a good idea to turn off your location tagging on social media sites for greater security.
• Always Update Your Software
Last but not least, always make sure that you have a high-quality antivirus software to protect your computer. It’s not enough to just have it though, you want to make sure you run the required updates. While it can be inconvenient sometimes, it can save you a lot of headaches down the road.Updating your antivirus software on a regular basis allows it to continuously protect your computer from new threats. Without the proper updates, your software isn’t operating to its fullest because it doesn’t have the required files it needs to ward off attacks.
While you can’t anticipate every potential risk, you can make smart choices to be as safe as possible online. Staying on top of the latest scams, taking these preventive cybersecurity measures, and always keeping your guard up when you’re online is the best way to protect yourself.
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