The internet makes daily life easier, whether you are using it for banking, shopping, social media or work. But it also comes with risks – scams, data theft and cyber attacks are more common than ever, as cyber criminals are constantly looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.
The good news? With some smart online habits, you can take control and significantly reduce your chances of falling victim.
Here are seven practical steps to help you stay safe online:
Read: Stay Safe on the Go: 7 Cybersecurity Tips for Traveling
Your passwords are your first line of defense for your accounts. Weak or reused passwords are one of the biggest security risks when using the internet. Create a strong password with at least 19 characters and a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Avoid using common words, personal information or predictable passwords like “password” or “123456.” Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts, as one compromised password could provide access to all other accounts with that password. Remembering dozens of complex passwords can be difficult, so use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.
Passwords alone are no longer sufficient. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection. MFA requires a second form of verification, such as a code or a biometric scan. Even if a hacker manages to steal your password, they can’t log in to your account without that second factor. Enable MFA on all your critical accounts, including email, banking and social media.
Software updates aren’t only for new features – they are crucial for your security. Software companies, operating systems and app developers regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Enable automatic updates on your devices and apps to ensure you have the latest security fixes. Install reputable antivirus software to help detect and block malware and viruses.
Public Wi-Fi networks in places like coffee shops and airports are convenient, but they are often unsecured and can be a gateway for hackers. On an unencrypted public network, a hacker on the same network can intercept your data, including passwords and personal information. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, like banking or online purchases.
Be careful what you post online, as oversharing makes you an easy target for cyber criminals. Be mindful of what you post online – don’t share personal details like your home address, phone number or financial information. Review your privacy settings on apps and platforms regularly to ensure they are up to date.
Even with precautions, things can go wrong. Regular data backups protect your data from ransomware, hardware failures or accidental deletions. Use cloud backups or external hard drives. Automate backups if you struggle to remember.
Plenty of scams and cyber attacks exist online. If you receive suspicious messages, check the sender’s address; scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. Hover over links instead of clicking on them to see where the link actually goes. Be suspicious of messages that contain a sense of urgency, have poor grammar or spelling or ask for personal information. Never open unsolicited attachments, as they can download viruses or malware onto your device.
Staying safe online is about reducing risks. By practicing strong security habits, you can stay ahead of cyber criminals. You could also partner with a managed service provider (MSP) like Thriveon. We offer robust cybersecurity services that significantly reduce your risk and create a safer, more secure online presence.
Schedule a meeting now for more information.