7 Internet Security Tips Everyone Needs To Know

How seriously do you take your internet security? Many individuals and organizations alike have fallen foul of less than stringent internet habits that have put their data at risk. Every signal action you take online can be tracked, and your information can easily fall into the wrong hands. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and for the average internet user, it’s hard to comprehend exactly what data they can find, the amount of data available for them to access, and just how they go about fraudulently accessing data secured and freely available.

7 internet security tips everyone needs to know

Sprinto’s data survey found that data breaches impacted nearly 294 million people. The Cam4 data breach in January 2024 leaked over 10 billion data records and is the second-largest breach in history.

However, it’s crucial to understand that cybercriminals are not just targeting big organizations. Every day, ordinary people like you and me are being targeted. Our browsing habits, every time we click that internet logo on our device, are under threat. This vulnerability underscores the need for caution and vigilance in our online activities, making it a stark reality we must face.

If you feel it’s time to up your game and become more secure when browsing online, these tips can help you avoid those with nefarious reasons for wanting to access your data.

Use A VPN

A VPN or virtual private network is a network of servers that makes your VPN and encrypts your data to prevent tips and websites from collecting data on you. If you download vpn to browse the internet, your IP will be hidden, meaning you can surf in privacy with no one being able to pinpoint your location, access your details, or know what you’re doing. It’s one of the safest ways to conduct your internet activities. It is a must for people who need added privacy for things like working remotely, using their devices in public places, or simply wanting peace of mind that their data is safe and secure.

Clear Your Cache

Clearing your cache means that you’re deleting your browsing history and any cookies stored from websites you have visited. These cookies can be tracked by the websites using them, as well as by cybercriminals using malicious websites to trick you into leaving your information. To clear your cache, which is basically the record of everything you have done online recently, you need to go to the settings of your browser and find the security and privacy options. In Chrome it is settings>privacy and security>delete browsing history.

Passwords

It cannot be stressed enough that in 2024, no one should be using the same password for all of their online accounts, nor should they be easily recognizable, nor should you be using easy-to-guess words or names, etc. As responsible internet users, we must ensure our passwords are strong and unique, avoiding common pitfalls like ‘password’ or ‘12345 ‘.

Tips for creating strong passwords include

  • Use 12 characters, ideally 14, but a minimum of 12 is sufficient.
  • Mix upper and lowercase letters randomly throughout the password.
  • Add in numbers—swap out letters like E for 3 if it’s easier for you or 1 for I or L. Use them at the beginning, end, or anywhere.
  • Use symbols such as £!$%&* in your password
  • Use three random three-letter words instead of using one word, e.g., EatHenMan.
  • Use a password manager to help you generate passwords and store them so you don’t need to remember, save them to your browser of choice, or write them down. A password manager will safely store all of your passwords, ready for when you log in.

2-Step Verification

Many online accounts will use additional security steps to help keep your account secure, and if there is the option for you to use 2-factor authentication or “2FA” as it is known, use it. Sure, it creates an additional login step, but if someone does manage to access or even guess your login details for any account with that activated, it will trigger a code being sent to your registered phone number or email for you to enter, and the person trying to access your account won’t receive it you so you will know what is happening.

Update Software

Updating the software on your devices is not just a suggestion; it’s a must for additional security when you’re online. Updates include new features that might have been developed specifically for security. They also address any issues that might have become apparent since the previous update, including security concerns. Updates include fixes and paths that offer you additional security, meaning that if you don’t update as soon as possible, you might be at risk of threats accessing the software via these vulnerabilities. This is why updating your software is not something to be delayed, but a priority for your online security.

HTTPS

When you use a website, always look for HTTPS at the beginning of the email address. All website email addresses should look like this: https://thiswebsite.com or end in /.co.uk/.net, etc.

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, and the S for secure is the part that you’re looking for. All URLs will have the HTTP part, but if there isn’t the S, then it might be that the website isn’t secure. HTTP is the primary protocol used to send information from the web browser to the website. The S means it’s secure and encrypted, hence the importance.

Cybercriminals won’t be so hot on security, not like a genuine website will be or a site might have been hacked because it didn’t have the additional security in place by not updating to HTTPS.

7 internet security tips everyone needs to know

Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software, both free and paid for, can be a great defense against hacks, data breaches, or your data being accessed via viruses you might unintentionally expose yourself to. Not everyone has perfect browsing habits all the time, so using software that has your back when you have a lapse in judgment can be invaluable in keeping you safe. You can get free or paid for antivirus software. Some have add-ons you can subscribe to for added protection, so it’s worth doing your research to see what would be best for you.

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