Afraid of what may be happening to the personal data you’ve entrusted to the internet? You’re not the only one. An issue of online privacy is a critical one. When it comes to avoiding hacker attacks, online life can be a bit of a minefield.
Anti-malware software should be updated, operating system and desktop software patches should be applied, and you should avoid going to the darkest corners of the Internet.
When it comes to protecting your financial and personal information while browsing your favorite social media, news, and entertainment websites, there are a few things you can do.
How to Build a Secure Online Presence
1. IPv6 Security Benefits
Using Internet Protocol (IP), devices can locate and communicate with each other over the Internet. Web-capable devices can be supported by IPv6 because it has all of the features needed for today’s modern Internet. IPv6 has been around for quite some time now. End-to-end encryption is possible with IPv6. A standard feature of IPv6 is the encryption and integrity-checking used in current VPNs, which are supported by any and all compatible devices and systems. In short, IPv6 ensures online security.
2. Install and Update Antivirus
Antivirus software protects against viruses, but that’s only a small part of what it does. Encrypts your files and demands money to decrypt them. A good antivirus protects against these and other malware.
In theory, you can leave your antivirus protection running in the background, downloading updates, etc. In practice, you should check it periodically. A green banner or icon indicates that everything is fine. Please follow the instructions if you open the utility and see yellow or red.
Microsoft Windows Defender Security Center is built into the operating system and automatically takes over protection when no other antivirus is detected and steps aside when third-party protection is installed.
You’ll need to renew your antivirus or security suite every year. Enroll in automatic renewal. With some security products, this guarantees malware-free.
3. Examine Your Security Tools
Great apps and settings help protect your devices and identity, but only if you know how to use them. For maximum protection, you must understand these tools’ features and settings. Your smartphone, for example, almost certainly has a lost-and-found feature that you may have enabled. But did you actively test it so you’ll be prepared if needed?
Most antivirus software can block Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs), which aren’t malware but do nothing useful. Make sure your detection settings are set to block these annoyances. Similarly, your security suite may have components that require activation. When installing a new security product, go through all the pages and look at the options.
To ensure your antivirus is configured and working properly, visit the AMTSO website’s security features check page (Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization). If your antivirus fails, contact tech support to find out why.
4. Unique Passwords for Each Login
Hackers can easily steal information by obtaining a batch of username and password combinations from one source and testing them elsewhere. Assume hackers stole your username and password from an email provider. They may try to log into major online stores or banking sites using the same username and password. The best way to avoid a data breach cascade is to use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts.
A human cannot create a unique and strong password for each account. That’s why you use one. Several excellent password managers are free and easy to use. But paid password managers usually have more features.
When using a password manager, the only password you need to remember is the master password. With the password manager unlocked, you can log in automatically. That increases your efficiency and productivity while keeping you safer. You no longer have to type logins or deal with the frustration of forgotten passwords.
5. Use a VPN
When using a public Wi-Fi network, you should use a virtual private network or VPN. Let’s say you go to a cafe and connect to free Wi-Fi. You have no idea about the security of that link. It’s possible that someone on the network could start snooping on your files and data without your permission. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a VPN server. The owner of the free Wi-Fi network cannot snoop on your data.
Using a VPN also masks your IP. Using a VPN server in another country can also help you access content that isn’t available locally. So, if you use Wi-Fi on a laptop, phone, or tablet, you need a VPN.
6. Use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Two-factor authentication is a hassle, but it makes your accounts safer. With two-factor authentication, you need more than just a username and password to access your accounts. If an account’s data or personal information is sensitive or valuable, you should enable two-factor authentication. Online services like Gmail, Evernote, and Dropbox support two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication verifies your identity using at least two factors: who you are, what you have, and what you know. The password is something you know. Something you are could be fingerprint or facial recognition authentication. It could be your phone. Enter a text message code or tap a mobile app confirmation button. You may also have a physical Security Key; Google and Microsoft have announced support for this method.
Anyone who learns your password owns your account. Passwords alone are useless with two-factor authentication. However, some password managers only require two-factor when connecting from a new device. Your password manager must support two-factor authentication.
7. Pay With Your Phone.
The credit card system is outdated and insecure. That’s not your fault, but you can change it. Instead of pulling out your credit card, use Apple Pay or an Android app. Apps are plentiful. We even have a list of mobile payment apps.
Using your smartphone as a payment device is usually very simple. Take a picture of your credit card to back up your app-based payments. That’s it; you’re ready.
Indicators for smartphone-based payment range from a hand holding a smartphone to a stylized radio wave. Authentication with a thumbprint is all it takes to pay.
When a credit card is used, isn’t that better? The app generates a one-time use authentication code. Even stealing that code would be useless. Paying with a smartphone app also eliminates credit card skimmer data theft.
8. Use distinct email addresses for various accounts
People who are meticulous about security often use different email addresses for different purposes to keep their online identities separate. If a phishing email purporting to be from your bank arrives at your social media account, it’s a scam.
Consider keeping a separate email address for signing up for apps that you want to try but are concerned about security or spam. Then sign up using one of your permanent email accounts.
Many sites use your email address as your username, but some allow you to choose one. Use a unique username each time—your password manager remembers it! Logging into your account now requires both your username and password.
10. Delete Cache
Never underestimate your browser’s cache. SAVED CUSTOMERS, SAVED SEARCHES, AND WEB HISTORY could reveal the home address.
To better protect your personal information, regularly delete browser cookies and clear your browser history. You can choose which elements of browser data to clear by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Del in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Opera.
Some websites may not function properly if you delete cookies. Most browsers let you save favorite websites’ cookies.
11. Disable ‘Save Password’ in Browsers
Concerning what your browser knows about you, most include a built-in password manager. We think it’s best to leave password protection to the pros. To import passwords from the browser storage, most password managers require third-party software. If the password manager can do it, then malicious software can do it too.
12. Avoid Click Bait and Phishing Scams
Choosing wisely what to click is part of online safety. Clickbait isn’t just cat videos and catchy headlines. It can be in email, messaging apps, or Facebook. Phishing links pose as secure websites to steal your login credentials. Drive-by download pages can automatically download malware onto your device.
Don’t click links in emails or texts unless you trust the source. Keep in mind that your trusted source may have been compromised or the message may be bogus The same goes for links on social media, even from friends. A post that doesn’t look like your social media could be a hack.
