We live in a time when connectivity is so taken for granted that we’ve stopped thinking about it. Our bank accounts, work files and important documents are all dependent on one internet server or another. To make matters worse, at the current rate thatInternet of Things (IoT) is trending, we’ll soon see the growing pains of potential data breaches and security issues galore.
The good news is that you don’tneed to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars into your online security. Simple tips and tools are ubiquitous and protecting yourself against cyber-attacks could be as easy as following these five, quick steps.
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Use a Quality VPN
One of the top ways to secure your data when using the internet is by using a VPN.
A high quality and trustworthy VPN should encapsulate data within your carrier protocol before communicating this to your server. Said data can only be decrypted at thereceiving end alonebut not before it gets there, which means that your ISP or malicious hackers cannot see your naked traffic.
This is known as tunneling, a mode of encryptionthat makes it difficult for anyone snooping around to intercept your data midway.
Express VPN is one tool we recommend for masking your data from hackers, ISPs or government intelligence. The premium high-speed VPN service provider is now offering up to 49% off their software for all devices on their 15-month plan. At just US$6.67 per month, you’ll get a blazing fast VPN from the industry’s speed test winner. Claim the exclusive Express VPN coupon here now to enjoy it before it’s gone!
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Protect your Logins
Even if you’vesetup a unique strong password for your accounts, there is a slight chance that adedicated hacker will still find a loophole to exploit.
To ramp up your account security, set up atwo-factor authentication. This simple procedure ensures that your account(s) will not be accessible with your password alone but will also require a randomly generated token that only you have access to.
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Update Your Social Media Privacy Settings
Social media is a great way to connect with loved ones, but it also exposes you and your personal datain more ways than one. Not only are advertisersaggressivelypoaching your information, you are also a possible target of scam artists and government agencies.
You can lower your vulnerability by limiting your posts’visibility to Friends only. Furthermore, opt not to appear in search results so you don’t come up when unscrupulous individuals are seeking a specific demographic to target.
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Protect Your Phone with a Secure Password
Smartphones have gotten so smart thatunlocking them with just a password seems almost a thing of the past.
Biometric systems (fingerprint and facial unlock sensors) are now the order of the day. That has led to laxity among many phone users, causing them to pick rather weak passwords and concentrate on the biometrics instead.
Wrong move
There had been numerous cases where smart devices or intelligent systems mis-identified the owner. German hackers were recently able to trick a Samsung Galaxy S8’s iris scanner with a mere picture of the owner’s eye, and HSBC’s voice recognition system was fooled by a journalist testing the limits of such AI. While we don’t advise against setting up biometrics, make sure they are coupled withthe use of a strong password that is a tough nut to crack.
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Question Your Need for Smart Devices
Smart home devices are a way to make life easier. Thermostats, baby monitors, printers, computers and even lights can now be hooked onto a Wi-Fi and controlled remotely.
But we should always bear in mind that anything that’s online is potentially at risk of attacks. Devices under the umbrella of IoT (Internet of Things) are usually ill-protected in terms of its software, which makes them an easy doorway to gain unauthorized access to your home network.
Ideally, you should limit the number of home appliances connected to the Wi-Fi network as the more devices there are, the higher the risk factor.
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Act Now
These tips are inexpensive and very easy to employ. Spare a moment to revisit your privacy settings, setup two-factor authentication on all your accounts, and secure your phone with a good-old strong password. On top of it all, choose a good VPNthat is compatible with all your devices to add that extra layer of protection. You know what they say – better safe than sorry!
