Internet security is one of the important aspects that you shouldn’t be ignoring. More than 230 million ransomware attacks occurred only in the first half of 2022. It shows that keeping your internet security tight is a matter of urgency.
That is why we’re sharing some crucial measures that you need to take when it comes to improving your internet security. Implementing these measures will surely make upgrade your internet security to an extent that it will keep you safe from ransomware, phishing, and other such attacks. So, let’s get started:
1. Getting a Safe Internet Connection
Your internet security begins with getting a safe internet connection. This includes acquiring a dedicated line so that you don’t get in trouble via shared connections. Next, you need to make sure that your internet provider has its own security too since an attack on their end can spread to potential client nodes.
If you’re looking for options, we recommend checking out Xfinity internet as it offers a reliable internet connection with advanced security. It ensures that user nodes are protected and users themselves get real-time protection.
2. Installing Antivirus
The next step to your online protection is by installing a good antivirus. Although Windows Defender does a good job of protecting its users, still, it’s not enough since some cases have been reported that bypassed its security.
Therefore, you need to buy a premium antivirus that offers round-the-clock protection. In addition, the antivirus you’re choosing should be good enough to protect devices connected to your network. You can also look for advanced options that offer parental controls, password protection, and other such features.
3. Setting Unique Passwords
A survey showed that almost 31% of the users faced password breaches. It shows that attackers can potentially breach your passwords, making it easier to access private information. This happens when you’re not using unique passwords.
Common passwords such as pet names, date of birth, keeping the same initials, etc. are problematic. Even though constructing a unique password can be a hassle since you’ll need to remember it, still, it’s necessary and can save you from a potential breach.
You should keep long passwords with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common terms such as those mentioned above and keep updating your passwords at least 6 months later.
4. Adding Multi-Factor Authentication
A good way of improving your internet security is by adding multi-factor authentication. A simple code sent to your email or phone number can help prevent a potential password breach. In many cases, hackers can decode your passwords.
But with multi-factor authentication, you can save yourself from the attacker proceeding forward to taking control of your account. As per stats, an average of 30% of the users were protected just because they were using multi-factor authentication.
5. Avoid Opening Every Email
One of the most prevalent cyberattacks, phishing has wreaked havoc across the globe for many years now. Stats illustrated more than 255 million phishing attacks, a 61% increase, for 2022, which shows how dangerous this attack is.
However, the most common way for initiating a phishing attack is via email. The attacker sends a malicious link within the email. Upon opening the link, the attack is initiated and the attacker accesses private information easily.
What’s more is that this link can be a worm, a malware that is designed to duplicate itself once activated. That means it’ll potentially spread to other nodes connected to your device or the network. Hence, keeping yourself at bay from such emails is highly recommended.
6. Avoid Online Payments Wherever Possible
One of the many reasons why most people face a hassle with their credit card information leaking is that they keep paying on every site. More than $5 billion in credit card frauds were recorded in 2022, which shows how big of an issue this is.
This happens when you input your credit card information on insecure sites or tell them to fraudsters via phone call. Sites often record your information via cookies and store it for your next shopping experience.
But if the site itself isn’t secure, then it’s highly possible that a breach will occur and will result in the leaking of your data. Therefore, only pay on recognized and safe websites and never share your credit card information via phone, text, or any mode.
In many cases, the fraudster will call as a representative from insurance or any company that you’re linked to. Before proceeding to anything the person claims, verify whether the claim is right. You’ll know that it’s not.
7. Keep Your Social Accounts Private
One of the many ways that hackers can infiltrate your private information is via social media accounts and activity. A stat showed a whopping 103% increase in social media attacks in 2022 compared to 2021, which is quite alarming.
The reason why this happens is people often share their private information on social media posts. If you think that one cannot deduce anything from this, then you’ve probably never heard of Jan Krissler that used high-resolution images to successfully recreate the fingerprints of Germany’s defense minister in 2014.
Talk about a privacy breach! It’s enough to illustrate that keeping your social media accounts free from private information is utmost important. Avoid sharing anything with your credit card details, banks, birth dates, tech, or anything that can lead to the exploitation of your private information.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, you should be convinced with the insights shared above into why strengthening your internet security is crucial. Make sure you adopt the above mentioned methods so that you don’t fall prey to cyber attacks.