The tech world is an exciting place, but it can also be a dangerous one. Innovations are constantly being created, which can both help and hurt you. That’s why it’s important to be smart about how you use technologies and devices, especially regarding your safety.
Whether you’re a computer user or an android enthusiast, this article will tell you about the best ways to protect your devices and keep yourself, your loved ones, and your data secure.
Use A Antivirus And A Firewall
It is well known that having an antivirus program on your computer is essential to keeping your device safe. Antivirus software scans files for malware or malicious software, which can cause havoc on your device if it is not stopped in time. When paired with good firewall software, it is possible to keep your device safe from hackers and cybercriminals and deter unwanted guests from trying to access your personal information.
If you use public Wi-Fi frequently, ensure your device is protected from viruses through firewalls and antivirus. You can also download the latest version of the popular antivirus software from the Apple App Store to protect your device from potential threats. Similarly, keep your device protected by installing the best antivirus app from the Google Play Store.
Don’t Download Unwanted Apps
If you like to stay up-to-date with the latest apps, you might download a free trial version of an app, which usually consists of a couple of chapters or a small sample of the full version. While trying out these apps is tempting, it is extremely important to remember that they usually come bundled with threats. These apps can potentially hide malicious software from being detected by antivirus programs, which means that you may be compromising your safety.
If you want to avoid getting a virus on your device, don’t download any app that you have not willingly offered. Even if it is from a trustworthy source, if it is an app you have not tried out before and don’t need, it may contain malware.
For the best security, always download apps from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, as these are the largest and most reliable app stores. If you need to try an app, do so on a different device or browser so that you don’t risk infecting your main device – even if it’s a fake virus app.
Encrypt Your Device And Data
With the explosion of cybersecurity threats and hacks, encrypting your device and data is more important than ever. This way, your personal information will be safe even if your device is stolen or hacked. While you should always take reasonable precautions and ensure your device is locked down with a trusted passphrase, you can also use full disk encryption to prevent criminals from accessing your data.
The most popular way to encrypt a device is through the iCloud Keychain. With this feature, you can easily and quickly encrypt your device with a simple click. When you first set up iCloud Keychain, you will be prompted to create a security code (usually 6-8 digits) that will act as your passphrase for your encryption. After entering this code, you can quickly and securely lock down your device and data through Touch ID or a simple login with your Apple ID.
If you use iCloud a lot, you can also enable Bit Locker, which will automatically lock down your device each time you log in. With iOS 11, you can also use Face ID to unlock your device instead of using your passphrase or login details. If you are worried about hackers and cybercriminals, a secure password manager like 1Password must be used.
Use A VPN To Stay Anonymous
If you want to stay truly anonymous when using the internet, a virtual private network (VPN) is the best solution. A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and the website you visit so that your online activity can be securely transmitted without being tracked.
Through a VPN, your IP (internet protocol) address will be replaced by that of the VPN service provider, making it appear that you are visiting a different website than you are visiting. This way, hackers and cybercriminals cannot decipher your real IP address, which would otherwise give them the ability to track your activity online. Using a VPN to hide your IP address is legal, and many reputable providers ensure anonymity and security.
Using a VPN is essential if you want to stay safe and secure online. Plus, with the surge in popularity of encrypted messaging platforms like Signal and WhatsApp, it’s more important than ever to protect your communications when chatting with friends, family, and coworkers.
Keep Your Tech Up-to-Date
With the steady stream of security threats and hacks, it is important to keep your devices and software up-to-date. This way, you will be alerted of any vulnerabilities or security flaws that could expose your device to threats. You should take this responsibility seriously and ensure you are always running the latest version of your device’s operating system and all apps.
With iOS continuously pushing out new versions with new features and improvements, it is essential to stay on top of things and be aware of any potential issues. One way to keep your tech up-to-date is through software updates. For instance, if there is a security flaw in the current version of iOS, you will be notified that a new update is available. Simply click the update button, and your device will be updated promptly and automatically.
Suppose you use public Wi-Fi frequently or connect to various insecure networks while on the go. It is also important to stay up-to-date with security patches and fixes. Your device will stay safe and protected through software updates and security patches.
Be Careful About What You Post And Share
With all the misinformation and fake news floating around on social media, it is important to be careful about what you post and share. Make sure you source reliable information and stay away from fake news sites. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to the proper authorities.
The amount of people sharing fake news and suspicious stories on social media platforms like Twitter is astounding, which is why it is important to vet the information you read and share. Plus, it is important to remember that the news you read online may not all be true. Always look into the source and verify the information before you believe it.
Pay Attention To Website Security
If you visit a site you know is not secure, it is important to note this. Phishing websites sometimes appear seemingly legitimate, but in reality, they try to trick you into providing personal information or installing malware on your device.
If you visit a suspicious website, you may become the target of a vicious attack aiming to trick you into providing your data or financial information. In addition, they may try installing malware on your device or otherwise compromise your privacy. Naturally, you want to avoid this and ensure it doesn’t happen.
For best practice, always check the URL (uniform resource locator) of the website you are visiting. For example, if it ends in.gov or.mil, it is considered a secure site. If it doesn’t have these endings, it is usually a risky site, and you should exercise caution before continuing there.
Be Careful Online
With all the amazing tools the internet offers, it is important to practice caution online. Never give out personal information unless you are completely sure that the website you visit is what it claims to be. Always be careful about what sites you visit and what information you give. Sometimes, these sites could be dangerous, so keep that in mind before you act.
If you feel that a site is suspicious, it’s a good idea to read the reviews before you visit the site or give out any personal information. If possible, try out a few different platforms or browsers before you decide which one you like best. This will help you avoid any online security issues.
Useful Tips
While it’s important to be aware of all the risks in the world, it is also important to remember that not all threats are created equal. For example, many viruses are usually only dangerous to outdated versions of Windows and Mac OS. Always keep up with the latest security patches and install all available updates for your device’s operating system and apps.
