However, online services aren’t without their risks. Staying safe online is more important than ever, especially as we divulge more personal data, such as contact and financial information. We’ve written up a guide with three simple ways you can improve online security. Check it out below.
Use Strong Passwords
One of the downsides of our digital modern lives is having to remember passwords. Research has revealed that the average person has around 100 passwords for different accounts, that’s a lot to remember!
It can be easy to choose something easy, such as the name of your pet, and use this as your password for all of your online accounts. However, this is a bad move. Hackers could easily guess this password, and once they have access to one of your accounts, they’ll could have access to them all.
Instead, use different passwords for each account, and ensure each of these is strong. Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. This will give you a secure password that will be impossible for cybercriminals to guess.
Use a Digital Wallet
We pay for all sorts of goods and services online. People buy their groceries, clothes, books and much more. In the past, this meant we had to submit financial data, like credit card information, to online platforms in order to make purchases and process transactions.
Online merchants and platforms store this information in their own systems, which has made them an attractive target for criminals. A data breach is when hackers compromise secure systems and steal personal customer information.
Whether you’re shopping on Amazon, setting up a new social book of cherished photos or visiting an online casino, one of the best ways to protect your information is by using a digital wallet. These serve as a space where you can safely store your payment information and allow you to make purchases and deposits without having to reveal sensitive data.
Make Use of Anti-Virus Software
Computer viruses are a type of malicious software, or malware, which can infect your computer and cause serious damage and destruction. They can delete vital files and even monitor your activity and steal information.
Your computer can get viruses by clicking on fraudulent links, often in pop-up ads and in emails. Never click on a link you are unsure of and always carefully check where an email has come from. Phishing scams are extremely common online, but you can avoid them if you learn how to spot the signs.
However, even the most vigilant among us can fall victim to a virus attack sometimes. This is why having anti-virus software is so important. This serves as a safety net that gives you an extra layer of protection should you get caught out.
Anti-virus software will perform regular, automated scans of your systems. If it detects potentially malicious software, it will isolate the code to prevent it from spreading and destroy it accordingly. Modern anti-virus software utilises the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. These new tools can adapt and respond to emerging malware threats, learning as they go to offer an incredibly high level of security.
Conclusion
Thankfully, improving your online security is easier than you might expect. Use strong passwords, with a different password for each account, use a digital wallet when paying for goods and services online, and always ensure you have anti-virus software installed to protect your device from malware infections. Staying safe online is more important than ever, so use these tips to improve your security.
