We are connected almost non-stop via a variety of devices, from laptops and tablets to phones and fitness bracelets. Therefore, online security should be a priority. Robert Herjavec, CEO of Herjavec Group’s Cyber Security Service Company, who has been an investor at the Shark Tank TV show, offers ten useful, easy-to-use tips to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals and stay safe online.
Tips To Stay Safe Online
First of all, use your common sense. You do not send anyone in Russia emails because she wants to marry you. Your best friend did not leave on a journey in a faraway country without informing you, and now he desperately needs a bank transfer and, you have not won the lottery if you have not even played. Here are some tips to stay safe online.
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Use multi-factor authentication for all online accounts
This means that besides your password, you will need to enter a verification code that you will receive via email or SMS when you want to access your accounts. If a site noticed that someone is trying to enter your account from a new device, it will send you such a verification code to make sure that it’s you.
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Cover the laptop webcam
Hackers can access your laptop’s laptop remotely and spy through it without you even realizing it. You can easily eliminate this risk with a piece of adhesive tape, as Mark Zuckerberg does.
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Do not shop online or perform bank transactions when you are connected to public Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsafe and can easily be attacked by hackers to obtain user’s personal data. If you use such a network, you should also use a VPN (virtual private network) service that will encrypt your data.
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Make sure the site has an SSL certificate (uses https instead of http) before making financial transactions
Sites that have an SSL security certificate (using https: //) protect personal information entered by users, a very important aspect that should be taken especially by those who shop online.
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Delete old programs and applications that you no longer use
If you do not use them, you probably are not up to date with the latest security updates available, and hackers can use hobbies known to access your computer or phone with outdated software.
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Keep antivirus updated
To be one step ahead of hackers who develop new methods to attack your devices, install security software updates as soon as they are available.
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Change all your passwords after 30 days and use unique passwords for each account
This is an essential practice to stay safe online. Hackers take advantage of the fact that many people use a single password for all of their accounts.
Regularly update your software on your PC and mobile phone
This ensures that the known vulnerabilities have been resolved, and the risk of being attacked is lower.
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Do not access unknown links and files
It is useful to recall the threat of phishing emails that use false links and files to gain access to victim’s personal data.
Do not forget to change the manufacturer-set passwords for all the programs you use
Manufacturers use simple passwords like “password123” or “admin”, which are among the first things hackers try when they want to attack your devices through these programs. In fact, the 2016 cyber attack targeting Dyn Internet service provider and affecting sites such as Twitter, Netflix, and Spotify has been facilitated by the fact that many devices still used factory-set passwords.
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Follow these tips if you want to stay safe online. They are very simple and will save you from a lot of trouble later on.
