In 2023, digital security is more important than ever before. With more industries utilizing digital platforms for dozens of purposes, keeping your information secure is important for everyone.
When using web-based platforms, it can be helpful to be familiar with general digital security tips to help protect your personal and private information. Below, explore these basic, yet vital tips for digital security that everyone can benefit from.
Be Careful When Saving Card Info
First and foremost, you should be careful where you save your credit card info online, such as on social media platforms. Storing your credit card information online can increase your risk of fraud if the website is not reputable. This tip is important for everyone, but especially for poker lovers who like to use online gaming platforms. If you’re going to save card info, make sure the website is trusted and reputable.
Not only should you be careful when saving card info, but you’ll also want to be careful to whom you send card info. Details card information should not be put into an email. If you need to share card info with someone else, it’s best to do so in verbal form.
Avoid Unfamiliar Websites
If a website seems suspicious, chances are it is! When browsing the web, avoid unfamiliar websites and stick with trusted names. Visiting dangerous websites can put you at risk for computer bugs. Before you browse the web, it may a good idea to download a firewall or anti-virus program which can help protect your computer. These include programs such as McAfee or Norton. It’s worth the investment to ensure your computer is safe!
In addition to avoiding unfamiliar websites, you should also be careful to avoid useless downloads. These are often dangerous and give hackers a way to access your system. Aim to keep downloads to reputable programs and necessary downloads only. This will help protect your computer and limit your chances of a cyberattack.
Utilize Strong Passwords
Using the same password for all your accounts can be tempting. After all, that makes it easy to remember! However, this common pitfall can make you susceptible to fraud.
Remember to diversify your passwords for each of your accounts and store them in a safe place, such as a password storage app like LastPass. In addition, you should regularly change your passwords. Some platforms will even prompt you when it’s time to create a new password. Storing your passwords in a notes app is not a good idea. Using a password manager is ideal for keeping them safe and protected, as well as having them all in one place when you need them.
A strong password should contain at least 12 characters and a mixture of lower- and upper-case letters. If possible, aim to also include a symbol and numbers in your password. If a website offers you the ability to add two-factor authentication, adding this extra layer of security is a good idea. This method requires you to use another device to confirm your identity. Although this can be another step every time you step in, it goes a long way in helping to enhance the security of your account.
Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi spots are great for getting work done and connecting to the internet while you’re on the go. This is the type of Wi-Fi you may have connected to at a coffee shop, library, or airport. However, you should be mindful of your internet practices when using the public internet. Avoid performing specific actions on these types of internet connections, such as banking.
Public Wi-Fi is ideal for shopping, browsing, and reading/browsing social media websites. For personal or detailed tasks, wait until you can access your home internet.
Back-Up Your Important Data
No matter how many security measures you put into place, there’s always a risk of a data breach. As such, it’s important to make sure your most important information is backed up. Information should be backed up on a physical location, such as a hard drive, as well as in the cloud. In the event of an issue, you’ll be glad to have copies of your important documents.
Remember, no one is immune to attacks by cybercriminals. Many people falsely believe they are too small or insignificant to be a target for cybercrimes. However, it’s important to realize that everyone is at risk. Even if you only use platforms sporadically, it’s a good idea to put general security measures into place.
Prioritize Digital Security Today
Using these tips, you’ll now be well prepared for the safe use of digital platforms. No matter who you are, these tips are useful to know when using digital devices. You certainly don’t want to be the victim of a cyberattack, so do your part and prioritize digital security today!
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