Top Tips for Protecting Your Information Online

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    From banking to shopping, much of our lives are now conducted over the internet. People are taking full advantage of this. But many people are not aware of the best practices when it comes to private information. Theft of personal data is a devastating experience, which can take several years to correct.

    Cyber threats have become so extensive that the United States federal government has employed a research and development department to create a plan for developing technology and introduce policies, which will truncate the possible risks in cyberspace.

    Moreover, the rise of social media platforms is making more details available to the online world. Hence, it becomes more difficult to protect your information online.

    To help you protect your detailed information, we have compiled a few tips. Let’s check them out.

    Use Stronger Passwords

    One of the best ways to protect your details online is to create a strong password. When you create a password, it is vital that you go for something that cannot be easily decoded or hacked. You should not ever use a number or word that someone can associate with your name, birth date, phone number, anniversary, child’s name, or other identifying numbers or letters.

    It is always better to combine numbers and letters used in the password. Use symbols and a combination of lower and upper case, when possible, to protect your information online. Make sure that you don’t share your password with anyone. It is crucial that you change the password after a few months.

    Use Encryption

    Before making any kind of financial transactions over the internet, you should look for signs to ensure if the site is encrypted. For this, you have to look for trusted security lock icons and the additional ‘s’ at the end of the http.

    As soon as you are on a page where you have to enter your financial details, the http is going to change to https’. Moreover, a lock symbol is going to appear at the bottom-left of the browser window or top-right corner of the address bar. This shows that the site is encrypted.

    So, next time when you are playing in an online casino, look for these encryption signs. The best AGS online casinos makes sure that your details are all safe. The platform is encrypted using a top-quality encryption system. Moreover, AGS games are also secure using AGS encryption.

    The encryption system ensures that no one can see the information, which is sent to the owner of the website. It keeps your name, address, phone number, and credit card number from the prying eyes of hackers.

    Install an Antivirus Software and Keep it Updated

    Even though they are known as antivirus handling viruses isn’t the only job they perform. A ransomware attack will encrypt your files and ask for money for restoring them. It might seem like Trojan horse is a valid program but actually, they are stealing information. Autoboots can transform your system into a soldier in the world of a zombie apocalypse. It can engage in DoS attacks, spew spam, and whatever is being commanded by the bot herder. An efficient antivirus will provide protection against these and various other kinds of malware.

    Set the antivirus protection and let it run in the background but make sure that you download the updates. Keep checking it every now and then.

    Use a VPN

    Whenever you are connecting to the internet using a public Wi-Fi network, use a virtual private network. For instance, you are visiting a coffee shop and you connect your laptop to a free Wi-Fi network. But you have no idea about the security of the network. So, someone can intrude in your network without you knowing, to look through important details and sell them.

    However, if you use a VPN, it will encrypt the network traffic and route it through the server that it owns. So, no one will be able to snoop on your data.

    When you use a VPN, it will also hide your IP address. Trackers and advertisers who look to geo-locate or identify you through the IP address will get to see the address of the VPN company.

    Use Passcodes Even if it Is Optional

    Use a passcode lock whenever you can, even when it is optional. Not using a password is a mistake.

    Almost all smartphones let you add a four-digit PIN by default. Do not just settle for that. You should also use biometric authentication whenever you can and use a strong passcode.  Even if you are using a Touch ID or something similar, you can authenticate using a passcode. Hence, it has to be strong enough.

    Different devices have different alternatives to setting a strong passcode.

    Use a Separate Email Address for Separate Accounts

    People who are methodological and organized about their security use a separate email address for a separate account. It will keep your online activities secure. In case a phishing email claims to be from your bank, you will know it is fake.

    Use one email address to sign up for apps that you want to try but which might spam your inbox with emails. When you have vetted the app or service, use one of the permanent email accounts to sign up for the app.

    Also, whenever you are creating the username, make sure they are secure at all times.

    Bottom Line

    Every device comes with optional security measures that will keep your details protected at all times. Apart from using healthy cyber security practices, use safety features that come with the device to protect your personal information. Whenever you are using a new device, it is crucial to learn as much as possible about the device for protecting your personal details.

    Remember, your personal details are as secure as you choose to make them. In case you haven’t taken any steps to secure your personal details, the process might appear to be a little overwhelming. Rather than procrastinating, employ the above-given steps to protect your details online.

    10 Tips to Protect Your Online Data Privacy in 2019 - GeeksforGeeks