Did you know cybercrime surged 600 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic?
With millions of people working from home and spending their free time on the web, the stage was set for hackers to launch their attacks. Easy targets, like individual users and small business websites, were quickly infiltrated.
A hacker can do a lot of damage when they break into your online accounts, computer, smartphone, and other digital devices. They can steal your personal and financial data and use it to commit a crime.
With so much at risk, it’s crucial to maintain your online security. But do you know how to do it?
In this article, we’re sharing tips on how to protect yourself online.
Let’s hack it!
- Enlighten Yourself About Common Cyber Threats
If you or anyone close to you has never been hacked, it’s easy to assume that cyberattacks aren’t real. With this attitude, you’ll let your guard down and make yourself a likely victim.
This is why it’s essential to enlighten yourself about common cyber threats and how they’re perpetuated. For example, you should be familiar with phishing, malware, spear phishing, and ransomware.
The more you know about these cyber threats, the easier it will be to detect that you’ve been a victim. If you wake up one morning and find that you can’t log in to your email account using your password, you’ll quickly know that the account has been comprised, instead of assuming that there’s a problem with the email service provider.
- Create Strong Passwords
Speaking of passwords, did you know these are your first line of defense against cyberattacks?
Yet, millions of people still set up weak passwords for their digital devices and online accounts. A simple (weak) password is easy to break. A sophisticated hacker will make a light meal of it.
Although most online platforms and systems now require you to create passwords with a combination of numerals, letters of the alphabet, and special characters, you should make it your responsibility to create an ultra-strong password.
Sure, it can be difficult to remember strong passwords, especially if you have to use different passwords across various accounts and devices, but with a password manager like LogMeOnce, that’s no longer a worry.
- Don’t Ignore Those Updates
Of course, nobody likes installing software updates. They get in the way of important things like watching YouTube videos, right?
Well, those updates aren’t designed to just improve your user experience. Some include critical security patches, which seal loopholes in your current software version. Ignoring installing a software update is akin to holding the door open for hackers.
- Take Proper Physical Care of Your Devices
Your internet-enabled devices are an obvious target for remote hackers, but they would all prefer if they had physical access. If your computer or smartphone gets into the wrong hands, can you imagine the damage they can do, especially if they’re not password-protected.
Take good care of your devices. Ensure they have a password at all times and don’t leave them with anyone you don’t trust.
Your Online Security Is Key
Most people don’t give a hoot about online security until they’ve been a victim of a cyberattack. Don’t be like them! Use these tips to protect your personal online security.
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