More than 600,000 people experience identity theft every year. Many more have their information exposed in hacks and breaches.
These numbers make it clear you need to take digital security seriously. If you’re wondering what you can do to fight off cyber threats, get started with these seven tips.
- Learn about Cyber Threats
One of the best cybersecurity tips is just to take the time to learn. Cyber threats are always changing, so educate yourself about common risks.
A good example is the phishing scams. Fraudsters pose as someone trustworthy, like Netflix, to try and gain your trust. They ask for sensitive information like account details.
Phishing scams can be quite sophisticated and hard to detect. That’s why education is key. If you know what to look for, then you’re in a better position to spot the scammers.
Other common types of threats include malware, ransomware, and formjacking on websites. Read up on these threats and learn how to prevent them.
- Use Multifactor Authentication
Another big step toward better digital security is using multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication means you have more than one layer of identification information.
How does this keep you safer? It makes it more difficult for people to get access to your accounts. Even if they have your password, they may not be able to guess a security question or get by facial recognition.
Of course, you might choose to turn off multifactor authentication for any number of reasons. There are other, simpler ways to protect your account.
- Protect Your Mobile Devices
Mobile security goes far beyond enabling two-factor authentication on your iPhone. In fact, you might prefer some of these solutions to the multi-step login process.
One of the easiest things to do is make sure you keep mobile apps updated. Old apps often have security flaws, which hackers then exploit.
You can also clean up your mobile data, change app access settings, and more. Always check the security features on an app before downloading it. Make sure you install apps from trusted sources.
- Keep an Eye on Your Passwords
Passwords have been a staple of security for a long time. Whether you’re creating a PIN for your phone or a new password for Instagram, using a good password is important.
So, how do you create a good password? The first step is to avoid anything that might be easily guessed. Using your birth date as a PIN for your phone is an example of a weak password.
A strong password uses:
Letters
Numbers
Uppercase and lowercase symbols
Special characters
You should also update your passwords on a regular basis. That way, if anyone happens to steal your data, the information will become outdated.
If you’re concerned you’ll have trouble remembering all your passwords, you can use a password manager to help you keep track of them all. Look for one that has great security.
- Be Careful About What You Share
You can install all the cybersecurity solutions you want, but it won’t matter if you’re freely giving out sensitive information.
That’s why you should pay attention to what you share. Never share credit card numbers, password information, or social security information.
You should also watch out for “games” that ask for answers to common security questions. These are often very popular, but they’re mining data.
An example is someone who asks you to combine your mother’s name with yours to create a name for a mythical creature. It can then be easy to guess if your mother’s name is “Mary” or “Ann.” Another example is asking about your first car or your high school mascot.
These examples prove how easy it can be to accidentally share sensitive information.
If you do share information, be sure you’re doing it on a trustworthy website. Formjacking happens when hackers intercept sensitive information, like payment details, through website forms. You should only shop on sites you trust.
- Improve Digital Security with Software
The software you use plays a big role in keeping you safe from cyber threats. The apps you use on your mobile devices were already mentioned. You should always choose apps with strong security features.
Keeping software up to date across devices is key. Outdated software may be full of holes that hackers can then exploit. Trust that the developers are working to improve security with every update.
Using antivirus and anti-malware software can also help protect you. These programs can find malicious code and apps running on your devices. They can also help you remove them.
- Secure Your Internet Connection
Finally, give some thought to your online security. You should think about how secure your Internet connection is.
One way to improve your connection security is to use a firewall through your modem. You may be able to turn on a firewall via your device using an app. You might also be able to use one on other network hardware like a wireless router.
You can also use encryption to ensure the data you send across your connection is secure. Using a VPN might also help you improve your security.
Finally, try not to use public WiFi. Public WiFi rarely has security features like encryption, so these connections aren’t very secure. Whenever possible, use a private connection.
Better Security Advice is a Click Away
Digital security is a bigger concern than ever before. These seven tips are a great way to get started with it. By using them, you’ll be able to protect yourself against all kinds of cyber threats.
Looking for information on the best security apps for Android, iOS, and more? You’re in the right place! Check out our library and discover the right tools to make your online security a breeze.