When looking at the cybercrime growth in numbers, the data breaches are reported to have increased, especially on FaceBook, because FaceBook is the only social media platform that is accessed the most. The need for secure privacy habits while surfing on the web is crucial nowadays where individuals and businesses risk all their sensitive information unconsciously and consciously and later fall victim to phishing scams and identity hacks.
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Secure Online Privacy
To secure online privacy users need to act smart and protect their privacy and maintain a balance in your life. To bring you on the right path of protection, consider the following tips, and your online privacy will be safer than ever.
Utilize a Privacy Tool: VPN
I would put pressure on using virtual private networks (VPNs) and suggest to keep on connected for life. A good VPN provider will make your online privacy robust and unbreakable through which you will be practically invisible to hackers having a shield in front of you.
Indeed some web browsers are safe to surf the web, but they also pose a threat. Utilizing a privacy tool (VPN) is a step one to secure online privacy.
Protecting your Online Identify
5 Steps for Better Security
Identity theft is on the rise. As noted by the Insurance Information Institute, $16 billion was stolen from more than 15 million U.S. consumers
in 2017 alone that’s $2 million more than 2016. Why the uptick? As users shift to mobile devices and spend more time connected to Internet services, opportunities for hackers are growing. By compromising online accounts, cybercriminals can gain access to credit card data, banking information and personal details that could impact victims for months or even years. Your best bet is to take the time now to protect your online identity. Here are five simple steps to help you get started.
Improve Passwords
Passwords remain the go-to security protection for online accounts users are familiar with login/password requirements, and these protections may deter low-level attackers. The problem is attackers easily guess many passwords. For example, in 2016 the top two passwords were “123456” and “password”.
The solution is to start stronger. Use something that contains at least one capital, one number and one special character, and don’t reuse the password on another site. Change the password at least once every six months. It’s also a good idea to implement multifactor authentication wherever possible. The simplest form is two-factor authentication, which uses a one-time text or app code that users must provide to access their accounts.
Forget “Free” Wi-Fi
As noted by Forbes, free Wi-Fi hotspots are an easy way for hackers to grab personal information. Why? Because all they need to do is set up shop in a public place and create dummy networks called “Coffee Shop Wi-Fi” or “Customer Wi-Fi Access” and then wait for users to join. Once connected, cybercriminals can gain total access to your device. There’s a simple answer here: Don’t use free Wi-Fi. Opt for LTE or 4G on your mobile device, or wait until you’re connected to a secure network.
Obscure Your Origins
If hackers know your IP address, they can start backtracking your connection. If they discover you’re not encrypting data in transit, they could eavesdrop on any network connection and grab critical account data such as usernames and passwords. It’s a good idea to consider a virtual private network (VPN) or other means to obscure your information from prying eyes. VPNs obscure your IP and encrypt traffic, while options such as the Tor Internet browser help ensure hackers don’t know where you’re located.
Know Your Audience
In the age of social media, mobile collaboration and always-on connections, it’s easy to share too much with too many people. The result is hackers could use your social media posts or unencrypted emails to compromise accounts via brute force or by sending you “warning” messages that demand immediate action but carry malware infections.
The rule here: Share sparingly. Don’t post personal details on social media sites, and ensure you check all privacy settings to make sure you’re not sending public updates. In addition, avoid opening any emails from senders you don’t know.
AskforHelp
If you are compromised online, your best bet is to ask for help. The longer you wait, the more time cybercriminals have to exploit your identity and cause ongoing problems. First, leverage a reputable antivirus solution to ensure your device isn’t carrying malware, then contact a digital investigator to determine if stolen data can be recovered and whether details about your attacker can be discovered.
Use a Secure Reviewed Tracker/Blocking Tools
Having the right tool for securing online privacy is difficult, and I recommend using a premium tool that blocks all ads and removes trackers. This kind of tool aids in eliminating the possibility of mass-scale surveillance and spying.
Use Sophisticated Unique Passwords
One of the most important factors when keeping information secure is to create strong, sophisticated passwords. More or less, people reuse their passwords for multiple accounts, whether it is bank accounts or social media accounts.
However, the majority of these passwords are irrelevant and are easily identified by hackers. The most important thing to understand is that these passwords are repeated constantly on different accounts, such as Instagram. Once Instagram is hacked, it would lead to all other social media accounts that use the same password. Using sophisticated unique passwords is one more step to secure online privacy.
Use a Premium Antivirus Software
To be honest, it’s time to start taking antiviruses seriously because these are your first line of defense which needs to be turned on and running. With dozens of software ranking on Google, it’s hard to keep an eye on the software used by your device and, you will end up being targeted or tracked.
It will be a life changing experience and a sense of comfort if your online security remains intact and secure through antivirus software.
Develop Healthy Habits
Public WiFis are a blessing but a threat to your online presence and data at the same time because the traffic on the public wifi can be easily intercepted. It is advised to use a hot spot or cellular network data whenever possible that is far more secure than public wifis.
If that is not possible, then use online privacy services such as a Virtual Private Network that will make sure your online activities remain safe. It is to only browse on websites that use HTTPS certificates and update your browser constantly, so it removes all the bugs. At the same time, go in your account settings and turn on two-factor authentication.
Manage your Cookies Smartly
Everyday users deal with Cookie data that is stored on your computer. These cookies allow the device or PC to retain information like passwords, activities online, and search data. These always offer an easy login and removes the hassle of continually logging in with your credentials. But at the same time, these allow companies to track and target ads as well.
In all the web browsers, you can easily see the cookies in the history section. You can either manually delete them or remove all at once.
Assume your Privacy is Naked
Privacy is a scarce term because if you are connected to the web, your privacy is partially or fully exposed or threatened, and all your activities can be hacked or tracked. Whenever you go online, there is no privacy at all. You have to manage your security by taking careful steps to limit the amount of information you share online.
You will have to use multiple tools that block free services online that inject viruses in the system.
Limit Sensitive Details
It is essential that you limit the information you have shared on your profile, which includes phone numbers, locations, address, and even public check-ins. Do not share information on your profiles publicly; try to minimize and restrict outside access and viewership.
Limiting sensitive details is another step to secure online privacy.
Check Social Privacy Settings
Every person has more than two social media accounts on an average, and the majority of the people overshare everything on these accounts. They will make a bad move of adding their phone numbers, post pictures tagging their children or location tagging, etc. That is why a beginner tip would be to lock down your profile and avoid oversharing.
Don’t Save Bank Details on E-commerce Sites
Once your information is gone online, there is no way to take it down or remove it. However, you can safeguard your credentials more effectively by eliminating all the saved details on different online shopping stores. Whenever you are asked to save your credit card info its always better to decline it. It would be a hassle to punch in the details again, but it will be safer.
Try to Create a Security Habit
Almost all the identity hacks happen through social engineering, which has to be prevented. Having a secure password manager and generator is essential like LastPass that will shuffle the password. Public computer such as in cafes should be avoided because they use cookies and save your login details.
Don’t Give anyone your Information
Private details should not be made available to the public and at one point in your life, all your written documents, email, or forum will be made available. If your data stored online is private, then it’s better not to submit data online, otherwise, use premium online privacy tools.
