Ensuring you are properly and thoroughly protected online has become an absolute necessity in this modern world of technology.
The risk of exploitation from hackers and a host of other internet predators grows ever more prevalent and it is your responsibility to ensure you are as protected as possible when sharing data on the internet. Here are six top ways to ensure you are protected as much as possible whilst using the internet.
Be Password Savvy
Identity theft is most commonly achieved when personal passwords are hacked. The best kind of password is one that is significant and memorable to you but would be extremely difficult to replicate. A phrase, rather than a simple word with numbers preceding it, is far more effective and secure than a memorable date or deceased pet’s name.
Additionally, ensure that you change your passwords regularly and never use the same password for every online account: if your password is hacked, then the culprit will automatically be able to access everything.
Social Media Security
This one is simple. Always remember that whatever you share online, especially on social media platforms, the information is ‘out there’ forever and there is essentially no viable means of permanently deleting it. Even seemingly meaningless snippets of your life can be stored and sewn together to create a detailed canvas impression of your financial and personal identity. Only share the bare minimum information.
Secure File Transfer
Whether your important or sensitive media and data is stored on your personal device or saved to a cloud or business intranet, when sending such data, it is strongly advisable to invest in a secure managed file transfer solution that automates, encrypts and streamlines cloud file sharing. Follow this link and ensure your files are protected when you share https://www.goanywhere.com/solutions/cloud-file-transfer.
Anti-Virus Software
The benefits of investing in an anti-virus software are numerous and it would be ill-advised to regularly use the internet, even just browsing, without such software. Anti-virus software programs detect and eradicate viruses, provide firewall protection, data theft protection as well as real-time in-browsing protection.
Screen Mail & Attachments
Never opening an e-mail from an unknown sender has been sound advice for a while now. These days, however, it is no longer just a case of avoiding unusual mail, you must truly realize how sophisticated, manipulative and altogether cunning hackers and scamsters have become. Even if an e-mail looks legitimate, maybe you have one from your bank, your car insurance provider or mortgage broker, never, under any circumstances, give any financial information without first checking with the company through other means if the e-mail is legitimate.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is when a regularly visited website requires more information to verify your identity after the initial username and password have been provided. Sometimes, this can be a text message to the mobile registered with the account (often the case with online banking) or a personalized security question with an answer you will have provided when you initially created the account.