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Want to know how to stay safe and secure online? You’re not alone! Online security has become a hot topic as our dependency on internet technologies grows.
But the average internet user usually lacks the resources and readily available information to implement the necessary changes to stay protected. It’s also a crucial factor in any marketing optimization strategy.
This article will cover five essential tips every internet user should know to stay safe and secure online. The tips include basic steps you can take in seconds and more advanced techniques.
5 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online
No one can deny the importance of cyber security, and unfortunately, not many internet users know how to implement it.
So here are the top tips you need to know about in order to stay safe and secure online:
#1 Set Strong Passwords
Passwords are the basic form of security for all your online accounts. But the average person has 100 password-protected accounts, which can be overwhelming.
The logical route many people take is to set easy-to-remember passwords or have the same password for every account. That’s why a password manager is something that everyone who spends a significant time online should invest in.
Password managers make it easy to store all your passwords in one place and access any account with a click of a button.
Additionally, password managers can generate strong passwords for you. Luckily, you won’t have to remember it, as it will be safely stored within the password manager, and you can stay safe and secure online.
#2 Avoid Suspicious Emails
Email continues to be a popular way for scammers and hackers to lure victims in. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, there were over 500 million phishing emails sent.
While the general success rate is pretty low, the sheer amount of phishing emails leads to a considerable number of targets. And no matter how immune you think you are, you might fall for it too. Even security professionals have fallen for these scams before!
Luckily, you can train yourself to recognize suspicious emails. Most have a very urgent tone and usually finish with a threatening call to action. Another sign is if the sender is unfamiliar to you or otherwise seems suspicious.
Generic greetings are an indicator that the sender distributed these emails in masse, hoping to catch someone slipping. Whatever you do, don’t ever download any attachments or click on any link in emails that seem suspicious.
#3 Use a VPN
In the early 2000s, virtual private networks (VPNs) were mainly used by businesses. With the rapid rise in internet use, everyday folks started seeing the benefit of using VPNs in the early 2010s. The VPN market is relatively mature, with many great options and clear benefits that keep people subscribed.
For people working remotely, having a VPN is one of the best e-commerce practices as it enables them to securely work from anywhere they want, even their local coffee shop’s public network. The VPN hides your IP address, preventing malicious actors or your ISP from tracking your activity.
#4 Enable Two-Factor Authentication
While a strong password will protect you from 99% of threats, it’s good to have an additional security measure to minimize risk even further.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) usually comes as a code or a third-party app that confirms your identity before you gain access. Since only you could bypass the additional identification measure, it is nearly impossible for someone else to access your accounts.
All sensitive service providers and platforms offer two-factor authentication. Most will require you to enable it during sign-up, or you can do so in the settings.
#5 Store Sensitive Data in Encrypted Cloud Storage
For most people, their computer or smartphone is where they keep much of their most sensitive info. While it’s not recommended, some even have their social security number, ID cards, and other personal documents.
Simply storing these files on your device is not sufficient for security reasons. Instead, you should consider storing your files safely in encrypted cloud storage.
Cloud encryption ensures that no one can access your sensitive data, as they would need the encryption key. Keys are only available for authorized users, usually just the account holder for individual accounts. The cloud is an excellent technology that will only get better and more secure in the future.
FAQs on How To Stay Safe and Secure Online
In case you have more questions, here are some frequently asked questions regarding our topic:
Q1. How Often Should I Change My Passwords to Stay Safe and Secure Online?
It is generally recommended to change your passwords regularly, ideally every 60 to 90 days. Regular password changes can help protect your accounts from potential unauthorized access.
Additionally, changing passwords frequently reduces the risk of someone gaining prolonged access to your accounts if your credentials are compromised.
Remember to create strong, unique passwords for each account and avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms.
Q2. How Can I Identify a Phishing Email?
Identifying phishing emails is crucial to protecting yourself from online scams. Here are some signs that can help you recognize a phishing email:
- Suspicious sender: Be cautious if the sender’s email address looks unfamiliar or is slightly different from the legitimate domain.
- Urgent or alarming tone: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency or use threatening language to prompt immediate action.
- Generic greetings: Phishing emails are commonly addressed with generic salutations like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Many phishing attempts contain spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
- Suspicious attachments or links: Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments in emails that seem suspicious. Hover over links (without clicking) to check if the URL matches the supposed destination.
- Request for personal information: Be cautious if an email asks you to provide sensitive personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations typically do not ask for such details via email.
Final Thoughts
In a highly digital society, safeguarding our online presence has become more critical than ever. Following a few key practices can enhance our security and protect ourselves from potential threats.
Setting strong passwords, utilizing a VPN, leveraging encrypted cloud storage, being wary of suspicious emails, and enabling two-factor authentication are all essential steps in maintaining a robust online defense.
By embracing these tips, we can confidently navigate the vast virtual landscape, knowing that we have taken proactive steps to stay safe and secure.
