15 Useful Ways to Secure Your Information Online

Internet technology is continually improving and making our lives simpler and more connected. However, it’s a good idea to be aware of how to secure your devices, network, and other systems given that fraudsters and hackers are attempting to steal your personal information online. In this method, the scammers won’t be able to quickly access your passwords, Social Security number, or account information.

Businesses have long prioritized keeping customers’ passwords, financial information, and other sensitive personal information safe and secure from outside attackers. Still, it’s becoming more and more important for customers and people to heed data security advice and follow best practices. For consumers, families, and individuals, a lot of information is available on safeguarding passwords, securing desktop, laptop, and mobile devices from hackers, malware, and other dangers, and best practices for accessing the Internet safely. From utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) to creating one-of-a-kind, secure passwords or using antivirus software—that it’s simple to become overwhelmed, especially if you lack technical knowledge.

We’ve created a collection of easy-to-follow best practices and guidelines for safeguarding the privacy of your personal information and safeguarding your devices from dangers.

Common Types of Cyber Threats

Email, cellphones, video games, social media, apps, online shopping, medical equipment, and medical records all appear to depend on the internet these days. The downside is that cyber threats put your company and personal data in considerable danger. A cybercriminal may get into your system and change your data; malware could wipe out your entire system, use your computer to attack others, or take your credit card information and make unwanted transactions. Even with the strongest data protection there is no assurance that any of these things won’t happen. However, there are actions you may do right away to lessen the likelihood. Identification of possible cyber hazards is the first step:

• Vulnerabilities are holes in software, firmware, or hardware that an attacker can use to take over a system and carry out illegal operations. Attackers use these mistakes as an opening to install malware on computers or carry out other evil acts. 
• Attackers are those who attempt to take advantage of weaknesses in software and computer systems for their gain. Typically, these individuals go against the designed system’s purposes. Threats might vary from simple vandalism to information theft or alteration.
• Attack surface is any open area in your environment that a malicious person may exploit to access or take anything valuable from the areas you wish to keep secure. Adversaries use the permitted communication routes between network devices after initial access to a network to acquire deeper access. Therefore, cybersecurity experts aim to recognize all attack surfaces, minimize their size, and lower the threat of assault.
• Malware is an unauthorized application or file that can harm a computer or corrupt data stored on it. The terms virus, worm, botnet, Trojan horse, DDOS, and ransomware are examples of harmful programs. Non-executable malicious data files, including Microsoft Word documents, Adobe PDFs, ZIP files, or picture files that take advantage of flaws in the software package used to open them, are examples of malicious data files. Attackers regularly use this to install malware on a victim’s PC, and the files are typically distributed through email, social media, and hacked websites.
• Social engineering is incredibly profitable because it is made to appear respectable.   A social engineer’s objective is to win your confidence to use that connection to manipulate you into disclosing private information about you or another person or organization or granting them access to your network. Threat actors prefer to take the easiest route possible because they believe social engineering is more effective than expensive zero-day attacks. They, therefore, hack the minds of their targets, who are rarely aware of their deception, and create victim profiles using publicly available intelligence and interactions. These con tactics use emotional cues like intrigue, urgency, and fear to attract victims by making them look trustworthy. Examples of social engineering include:
  • Juice Jacking—a compromised public charging station that installs malware when a portable device plugs in from a public location, such as an airport, train station, or conference venue.
  • Ransomware is a type of malware payload that limits access to computer systems and requires a fee to be paid to release the data. Due to its reliance on a single click to bypass security measures, email is the most common attack vector.
  • Spear Phishing, Whaling, CEO Fraud, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) are examples of false, weaponized emails that frequently have financial motives and target a particular role or individual.

Finding the Key to Your Router’s Settings

Locating the correct username and password for your router can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you haven’t set it yourself. In this guide, we will show you how to easily find the username and password for your router so that you can access the settings and make any necessary changes. Whether you need to change the password for security reasons or just want to update your network settings, we’ve got you covered.

Good Practices For Online Data Protection

• Don’t join from unidentified Wi-Fi networks
• Don’t share too much on social media
• Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
• Backup your data
• Do not open files, click links, or phone numbers in unwanted messages if possible.
• On each device, change the factory default username and password.
• Before you discard a gadget, delete all the data it has on it.
• Disable any functions that aren’t in use, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Encrypt all communication channels and sensitive data
• Use a strong password or personal identification number to activate the screen lock (PIN)
• Follow the data handling rules and procedures of your company
• Maintain current operating systems and software
• Make use of a VPN
• Never leave a gadget alone with the screen open.
• Switch Bluetooth devices to non-discoverable mode.

Online Data Protection on Social Networking Sites

• Don’t reveal excessive amounts of information on social networking sites
• Customize the privacy settings on social networking sites.
• Don’t believe “friends” who claim they have been kidnapped or tell other strange tales.
• Block shady or suspicious Facebook accounts.
• Secure your tweets
• Frequently check your privacy settings
• Identify your friends.
• For LinkedIn, use two-step verification.
• If you’ve been hacked, get in touch with the social network to restore access and notify your friends.

Helpful Advice for Enhancing your Cyber Resilience and Safeguarding your Personal Data Online While at Work

• Always comply with the company’s data management policies. 
• Securely store sensitive and important data backups on an encrypted device.
• Watch out for anyone who is shoulder surfing or acting oddly near your working station. They can be watching you type passwords or searching for sensitive information.
• Passwords should not be written or left on notes left under your keyboard, computer, or desk.
• When leaving your workstation for a lengthy amount of time or at the end of the day, ensure your desk is clear of all proprietary or secret material and securely locked.
• Every time you leave the room, lock the screen of your phone and computer to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Inform your security staff immediately if you notice any damaged windows, doors, or locks.
• Report any suspicious behavior at the entrances and exits, loading docks, garages, and surrounding areas of your business. Also, never forget to lock your automobile.
• Do not open or handle suspicious shipments; instead, report them.
• Instead of throwing away papers that contain private information about individuals or organizations, shred and burn them.
• All devices, including your computer, DVD, CDROM, USB drives, and laptop, should be considered sensitive if they contain confidential or private information. Never reveal it to a stranger, including members of your family.
• To enter your job, use your badge; tailgaters are not permitted. Check for identification, and if someone is still there, ask them what brought them to your office.

Collection of the Worst Passwords That you Shouldn’t Use!

• 123456789
• 12345678
• 1234567
• 123456
• 12345
• 123123
• 111111
• 666666
• 654321
• Qwerty
• Qwerty123
• Abc123
• Aa123456!
• @#$ percent &
• Passw0rd
• password1
• admin
• charlie
• Donald
• football
• iloveyou
• monkey
• Password
• Princess
• sunshine
• welcome
• zzxxccvvbb

How to Detect Phishing and Protect Your Information

Learn how to avoid phishing scams and safeguard your data from attackers, what are the various phishing techniques used by hackers are listed here.

Conclusion

As you take advantage of the greatest aspects of the digital world while knowing that your gadgets and the data that contain them are secure, keep these recommendations and advice in mind. Participating in your own online security is the greatest way to stay ahead of the nasty things that happen online. To help protect what is important, inform your family of the hazards out there and utilize reputable protection software. When more of us stand together to defend one another, attackers will have fewer targets to exploit.