How to protect your devices and Internet connection? Here are a few safety practices. Read this 5-minute-read guide – it may save you privacy and money. 

The Internet is always in hackers’ unrelenting grip: they develop new malware every day, so you should always be on guard. How to protect your privacy and establish the rock-solid safety of your data and devices? Here are a few practices to arm oneself up with.

Get a Robust Antimalware Solution

Naturally, when it comes to malware, the first thing you should do to protect all your devices is getting solid antimalware software. There’s the whole gamut of reliable and efficient antiviruses, and  you can even find decent free solutions like Total AV Free. A robust antivirus will protect you from both known and zero-days threats, and investing some more money in antivirus security suits will let you also have e-mails protection, safe banking and password protection. Though, even if you are not up to purchasing an advanced antivirus, following these simple tips will let you stay safe.

Create a strong password

No matter which website or application you use, having a strong password is a must. The ingenious is always simple: brute force attacks are the easiest way to get access to your account. A hacker can crack a password in a few minutes or hours using the special software. Why risk? Create a complicated password that consists of at least 10-12 symbols, including low case and capital letters, symbols, and numbers. Don’t choose birthdays or names – it’s the biggest mistake of Internet users.

Visit safe websites only

Have you noticed that some websites’ addresses start with HTTPS instead of HTTP? It means that the website is protected with encryption and users’ payment data and login credentials cannot be compromised. Whenever you shop online or use websites where personal information is required, pay attention to this ‘S’ letter. SSL certificates are proof that you can trust a website.

Use a VPN

Now when you know that your account is safe, it’s time to take care of connection. While your home connection is mostly safe, public Wi-Fi can put you in danger. It goes without mentioning the tracking of a user’s ID and browsing actions. Invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is an affordable service that creates a safe connection in the web and protects your traffic and data.

Don’t forget about mobile security

Smartphones are also vulnerable to attacks. Many risk apps can steal the data from your device or disrupt its system. Be careful where you click: if you see suspicious links in messages from unknown people, ignore them or report Spam. Do not click suspicious clicks, and always download apps from the official stores only.

Keep software updated

This aspect is often underestimated. Why do you need the latest versions of software on your PC and smartphone? The fresher the patch is, the more security threats it can repel. Hackers vs. Developers is a never-ending race: as soon as the first find breaches and attack, the second find ways to fix issues up.

Look what you click at

Now when you’re armed at all points, you should take care not to provoke danger by careless clicking. A lot of modern tricks are based on social engineering and phishing. Whenever you see spam emails, ‘free offers,’ online quizzes and all the stuff alike – ignore them, don’t let bright ads pull the wool over your eyes. Such content can compromise your personal information.

Staying safe online is not rocket science: you can avoid dangers by following a few essential rules. Get a VPN and stay away from the banners and ads that seem too good to be true.

Categories: General