While more and more of our lives are spent online and everything a click away these days, there is a growing need to balance the convenience the internet provides with an increased awareness of the threats that exist. Staying safe online in the digital age requires a basic understanding of the risks and constant vigilance to protect your privacy and security.
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Protecting Your Privacy In The Digital Age
But what are the best practices for doing so? Can’t you just create a strong password and browse away to your heart’s content? Well, not exactly. As technology continues to advance, so do the tools that hackers and malicious actors use. You may think your password is the equivalent of a digital Fort Knox, but if you are connected to an unsecured network, for example, you may be as vulnerable as if your password were 123456.
Whether you are paying your bills online or playing at an online casino you discovered from a company that evaluates the best platforms out there, there are proactive measures you can take to minimize your vulnerability from various risks.
From the prerequisites like being aware of the risks and creating strong passwords to more advanced cybersecurity tools like using multi-factor authentication and the increased safety of connecting with a virtual private network, this article will explore some essential ways you can protect your online privacy.
Understanding Online Privacy Risks
When it comes to cybersecurity, there are a few risks you need to be aware of so you don’t become another statistic that falls victim to fraud or identity theft. Data is often referred to as the new oil in terms of how valuable it is,
This is why some companies may sell your personal information to third parties. If this data ends up in the wrong hands, though, it could prove to be more than just a headache your bank account could become compromised and someone could steal your identity.
Practicing good cyber hygiene is a surefire way to safeguard sensitive information such as your name, address, phone number, and even financial details. Here are some simple steps to secure your digital world and not fall victim to cybercrime:
Creating Strong And Unique Passwords
A strong and unique password is the foundation for all cybersecurity. Unfortunately, in the name of convenience, too many people use and reuse the same password for several or all of their online accounts. It’s not too hard to understand why this is a cybersecurity no-go if the password to one account is discovered, all accounts are vulnerable to being compromised.
Consider using a passphrase, for example, which can include unique characters like spaces, in addition to numbers and both uppercase and lowercase letters. To go a step further, you could utilize a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass to generate a password for you.
Another benefit of a password manager is a feature that allows you to check if your password has been exposed. It will tell you if your password has been found in any known data breaches and whether or not it is safe to use.
Using Multi-Factor Authentication
While you may be tempted to just use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your online banking, cybersecurity experts recommend you use MFA for all of your accounts, including email, social media, and online shopping.
According to Microsoft, MFA can prevent over 99.9 percent of account compromise attacks�by adding a layer of security and barrier that is extremely difficult for attackers to get past. Sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication,
This cybersecurity instrument requires individuals to verify their identity by providing two or more factors of verification. Most commonly, people opt for a special code to be sent to their phones; but biometrics and authenticator apps are becoming increasingly popular.
Browsing Safely With VPNs
In addition to using strong, unique passwords and employing multi-factor authentication for your various accounts, it’s wise to also connect to a virtual private network (VPN) to further safeguard your online activity.
With a VPN, your internet connection is encrypted and routed through a server located in a different location, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. It also gives you access to geo-blocked content
And an additional layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks. It’s more important than ever to take your online security seriously. By following these easy cybersecurity practices, you can stop cybercrime in its tracks and enjoy privacy online.
