Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Online Data Private and Secure
Why It’s Important To Protect Your Online Data
When it comes to security, we often focus on securing our homes and cars. But what about safeguarding our online lives? Whenever you’re navigating the digital realm, your data is like a little adventurer traveling from one point to another. The catch? It’s vulnerable to theft or attack. We need a shield to keep that data safe and sound, preventing any unwanted activities.
In our daily internet engagements, be it catching up with friends or family, staying informed, binge-watching, or even working, we’re practically mirroring our offline activities. Since you invest a good chunk of time online, it’s crucial to ensure that this virtual adventure doesn’t compromise your security or privacy. After all, it’s a jungle out there on the internet!
Top 10 Tips
Use Strong Passwords
The importance of a password cannot be understated. When we talk about passwords, we are talking about the key to our information.
But what makes a good password?
A strong password should be long, unique and difficult to guess. A password manager can help you create and store different passwords for every account.
Prioritise length and uniqueness rather than relying only on special characters. Never reuse an important password across multiple accounts.
Keeping track of dozens of unique passwords is difficult without a password manager. Choose a reputable tool and protect the account with a strong master password and multi-factor authentication.
A tried and tested way to store your passwords in an encrypted way across multiple devices is by using Bitwarden.
Beware of Phishing
Phishing is a hacking technique that primarily uses emails to trick people into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and bank account information.
Phishing attacks still target passwords, payment details and other sensitive information. Instead of relying on old breach statistics, learn to recognise urgent requests, unexpected attachments and convincing impersonation attempts.
A phishing message may appear to come from a colleague, bank, delivery company or familiar service. Verify unusual requests through an independent contact method rather than replying or following the supplied link.
Keep Your Software Updated for Security Vulnerabilities
Keeping your operating system, browser, apps and security software updated helps close known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates where practical, and install security fixes promptly.
Protect Your Network with Firewall Software
A firewall helps control which network connections are allowed into or out of a device or network. It adds protection, but does not replace software updates, strong authentication and safe browsing habits.
This is what network firewalls do. They act as gatekeepers for your local area networks, protecting the computers on your network from any outside intruders. Most anti-virus software comes with a decent firewall.
Monitor Activity With Web Filtering Services
Monitoring the internet activity is very important for parents with small children. The goal of these web filter services is to protect children from inappropriate content and harmful websites. Parents can make use of parental control apps like Net Nanny and WebWatcher to monitor their kids’ internet usage.
There are devices that also come with a parental control that restricts harmful content. Based on your child’s online activity, age, number of devices, you may or may not need paid monitoring tools.
Encrypt Sensitive Files with Password Protection or File Vaulting Software
Most modern computers and phones include built-in device encryption options. Check whether device encryption is enabled, use a strong screen lock and store recovery keys somewhere secure.
To make sure that your data is safe from unauthorized access you need to encrypt the files before you store them on your hard drive or external storage device.
Encryption makes information unreadable without the correct key. It helps protect files and devices, but it does not by itself prevent phishing scams or other online fraud.
Encryption software programs use a key – a password – to decrypt the files so they can be read by authorized persons.
Use 2FA when available
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step when you sign in. Where offered, passkeys or authenticator apps are strong options; SMS verification is usually preferable to no additional protection.
Two-factor authentication is used for sensitive information such as banking information, social media accounts, and emails.
It is important to use 2FA when available to ensure the safety of the account holder.
There are many ways in which 2FA can be implemented, such as using a second email address, installing an app on your phone, or SMS texts.
Do Not Use Public Internet For Sensitive Data Transfers
Public Wi-Fi can expose you to insecure or malicious networks. Modern HTTPS protects much web traffic, but you should still check website addresses, avoid untrusted connections and keep your device updated.
The vulnerability of public internet has been seen in high-profile cases. For example, hackers broke into the servers of the Democratic National Committee and leaked emails about Hillary Clinton’s campaign in an attempt to destabilize her campaign.
When using a shared or public network, confirm that you are connected to the intended network and that important services use HTTPS. For especially sensitive tasks, using a trusted mobile connection is a sensible alternative.
Email Security
Email remains a common target for phishing and account theft. Secure your mailbox with a unique password, enable multi-factor authentication and be cautious with unexpected links or attachments.
Primarily, it’s important to know whether the message you are about to open is legitimate or not. If you are unsure, call the company who sent it and confirm if they actually sent it or not.
For business email addresses and related setup assistance, explore Web Force’s small-business email solutions.
Data Backup
You might not think about it often, but the fact is following all the above security protocols does not guarantee your data is safe. If you ever lost your laptop or phone, your data would be gone too.
Even worse, if you were hit with a ransomware attack, which encrypts your data and you can only get access to it if you pay a fee through to an anonymous cryptocurrency wallet. Paying the ransom may still not give you access to your data.
Keep regular backups and test that important files can be restored. For better resilience against ransomware, retain at least one backup that is offline, isolated or protected from unauthorised changes.
To keep their data safe, many people invest in external hard drives, cloud storage services, Dropbox subscriptions and other means of backing up their information so that they never lose their valuable information again.
Summary
These tips will certainly improve your Data Security but remember to also use common sense. If it feels like you shouldn’t, don’t do it until you have more information. It is your private data and your responsibility to ensure it is safeguarded by taking preventative action.
If you’re planning a business website, contact Web Force to discuss website development, hosting or business email options. For additional practical checks, see our guide to spotting trustworthy websites.
