Are you taking steps to protect your personal information online? If not, you’re leaving yourself open to some serious problems.
Statistics show that a hacker attacks a computer every 39 seconds! If they get ahold of your personal data, they can wreak all kinds of havoc. This could include stealing your money, ruining your credit, compromising your social media accounts, and more.
Learning how to secure personal data could be one of the most important things you do this year. Start with these five crucial steps.
1. Take Your Passwords Seriously
Your passwords are the keys to your digital kingdom, which makes being careful with them one of the most important things you can do to secure your online data. Yes, it’s difficult to keep track of all your passwords, but avoid using simple passwords like “lemein” or “password.”
Also don’t include things that people could easily guess, like your children’s birthdays or your dog’s name. Instead, consider using words with numbers or symbols substituted for letters, abbreviated sentences, and other things that will be easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.
2. Keep Your Devices Up to Date
Many software updates include security patches that will help protect you from vulnerabilities. Make sure you install the latest updates when recommended. In addition, ensure that you have robust antivirus security software on your computers and your devices.
3. Think Carefully Before Clicking
If you see a link that looks suspicious, go with your gut and don’t click it. It’s also a good idea to avoid opening any kind of attachments unless you’re 100% sure they’re safe and legit.
Also watch out for phishing emails, which look like they come from a legit company – like your bank, credit card company, or a major retailer. These fake emails will ask you to log in or provide your personal information, then will use it for unsavory activities.
4. Don’t Over-Share
Some tips for securing personal data are easier to follow than others. Often, even people who are tech-savvy will fall into the trap of oversharing on social media.
Double-check your privacy settings and be careful about the photos and status updates you post. Even more importantly, avoid the online quizzes that ask you to share personal information, like the song that was #1 on your 14th birthday, the first type of car you owned, or your first job. These questions are also often used for security, so it’s not something you want to put out haphazardly.
5. Be Wise About WiFi
While free WiFi is convenient, it can also create some serious security issues. It’s fine to use WiFi for some things, but you’ll want to avoid logging into your bank account or entering your credit card number when on public networks.
Even password-protected WiFi is only as safe as the password you create. Remember that hackers can get all of your information by eavesdropping on your network, so set a strong password and change it often.
Start Protecting Your Personal Data Today
Securing your personal data is one of the most important things you can do! Don’t wait another minute to start taking some of the steps we’ve outlined for you.
When you’re done, you’ll be able to enjoy your time online without worry. For even more tech tips, browse through some more of our blog posts. We’re always adding new articles, so make sure you bookmark the page and check back often!
