Managing internet safety concerns does not always have to be costly and time-consuming. These five short tips will significantly improve your internet safety — and they are completely free.
Check to see if your personal information has been stolen online
Identity theft and account takeover can occur as a result of data breaches. Criminals can use stolen data to buy items or take out loans in your name, for example. In data breaches every year, hackers steal personal information from billions of individuals. Yours was most likely taken at some point.
Remove any superfluous online accounts or apps
Online accounts contain information such as your email address, password, phone number, credit card number, home address, and so on. That is why data breaches pose such a major risk. Delete any accounts you no longer use so that hackers cannot steal your data from them.
To reduce hazards, remove any apps you no longer use. Some apps have access to your contacts, messages, images, and other data. They may also collect information about you in the background. Remember to also delete any accounts associated with the app.
Make use of distinct passwords and two-factor authentication
If crooks obtain your online account password, they will attempt to access other accounts with it. They frequently gain access because people reuse their passwords. Use a different password for each account so that fraudsters can’t access all of your internet accounts using the same password. A password keeper.
Using two-factor authentication is another option to protect your accounts. It adds another way of verification, such as a fingerprint scan or a code delivered by SMS, so hackers can’t break in using just your password. Enabling 2-factor authentication is simple and requires no installation or purchase.
Increase your online security by using a secure browser
A browser is your connection to the internet. It handles the majority of your internet purchases, downloads, searches, and so on. That is why browser security is critical. Begin by choosing a browser that prioritizes privacy and security, such as Firefox or Brave.
It is also critical to maintain your browser up to date in order for it to be ready for new threats. The same is true for any browser add-ons or plugins you may have installed.
Perform a free virus scan
A virus on your device might harm it by slowing it down, stealing your passwords, and so on. You should get rid of them as quickly as feasible!