Introduction
The number of people accessing the internet is growing day by day. The data of online users are being traced more now than before and the advertising industry of online display is collecting this abundance of user’s data and translating it into dollars. The data collected from users can be used for targeted ads, scientists study it and the website uses it for internal research. But what will happen if a hacker hacks your data?
Hacked online data can lead to serious consequences for an individual. The most fateful result of data hack is the financial loss incurred. Reputation damage caused by a data breach can be destructive for business. Loss of sensitive data including everything from the name to email can be devastating for an individual.
5 ways to protect your data
Keep in mind that the first line of defense in securing your data online is you. Know about the advanced threats, stay up to date, and take essential precautionary measures to protect your data online. Here are the 5 simple ways that will provide you insight into keeping your smartphone or computer safe and secure.
1. Encrypting Your Network
Hackers and third parties can easily view your online activity if you browse online or surf the internet with an unencrypted internet connection. This can lead to loss of privacy and private data, leaving you vulnerable to cybercrime or cyberattacks.
Use a VPN to hide your IP address and encrypt online traffic so that third parties or hackers cannot see it. It makes your internet browsing private. The use of this tool is extremely important if you do lots of internet surfing or browsing on free hotspots like the ones you discover in coffee shops. With a VPN, your internet activities are tunneled through a spy proof and hacker-proof network. Hackers can’t read or steal your information when it is traveling through the internet.
2. Secure your devices with passwords
Our devices like mobile phones and computers store lots of information that we want to keep private but hackers and cybercriminals can steal your sensitive information which can lead to loss of privacy, blackmailing, and financial loss.
We should protect our devices with passcodes or passwords. Such passwords may not necessarily be unique and complicated but they must keep random people away. On a smartphone, try to use actual passwords or six-digit pin rather than screen lock patterns or four-digit codes. Use biometric authentication or passwords to lock your tablets, phones, and computers.
3. Keep software and operating systems up to date
Operating systems and software that are not updated properly can have bugs that could give access to hackers and cybercriminals. The system and software may also not work properly when they are not up to date.
Whenever there is a new update for software on your device or system update, immediately update. Many times the companies release security updates to fix bugs that can be a potential access point for hackers. Updates can be annoying and time-consuming sometimes but are extremely important. Besides enhancing the functionality of your device, patches ad updates contain security updates. So update it as soon as possible.
4. Use applications with end-to-end encryption for messaging
Many messaging applications use encryption but in many instances, it is what they call encryption in transit which means that messages are decrypted on the sender side and saved on its server. What will happen it those servers got hacked? Hacked data can lead to devastating consequences.
Do not go for such types of apps, always choose for an end to end encryption which means that the message service providers even can’t read your conservation. Use messaging applications like Whatsapp which offer end to end encryption. Applications like Telegram, Facebook messenger, or Google Allo does not use end to end encryption by default. You need to go to a secret chat manually to start it.
5. Install antivirus software
Your system is prone to virus attacks, cyber threats, ransomware, and other forms of malware. Cybercriminals can steal your data and ransomware can encrypt your data files and required payment to restore them. Trojan horse drivers appear to be valid programs, but behind the scenes, they actually steal your sensitive information.
Although we call such type of software antivirus it protects from all types of malicious software. An effective antivirus software secures your data against all of these and many other types of malware.
Conclusion
Protecting your data and privacy online should not be complex or overwhelming. Utilize services that are easy to do and understand for you. The basic thing is to take simple steps to secure your privacy as per your comfort. It is obvious that no technique is 100% effective but there are high chances that by doing so you can keep your information safe. Educate yourself related to advanced security tricks and tactics and use online protection techniques to secure your information.
