Nowadays, we store much more data than we could have imagined before the turn of the 21st century. Our internal and external memories, discs, and USB flash drives are not enough to suit all our needs and requirements, so people started to store their data in various Internet clouds. The advantage of these clouds is that you can access your data anytime, anywhere from any possible device supporting an Internet connection. The disadvantage of this type of storage is that it is exposed to possible malware from the unknown party, and it can easily fall into the hands of strangers with criminal intentions. Let’s see what you should keep in mind to protect your data online.
1. You should make strong passwords
Before accessing any of your online accounts, you need to make up a relevant password. The websites are showing the strength of the password while you are creating it, and it is recommended to include both letters and numbers, one capital letter, as well as one sign. The good thing about websites today is that most of them do not allow you to continue without a strong password.
2. Pay attention to the amount of content you are sharing with others
Social media is a real trap if you become addicted to them. The spotlight you have on social media encourages you to post certain things which should stay private. The more other people know about your privacy, the more vulnerable your data becomes, as well as your private life and safety. It is cool to post some interesting content from time to time, yet it can be tricky if you do that every day about every single thing you do.
3. Free wi-fi does not guarantee safety
If you use a public network to access the Internet, keep in mind that your data is exposed to people who are using the same network at the same time. Again, it is also about your online habits and your patience. Sometimes, it is wiser to wait until you get home to go online on your private network and to keep your location and your IP address secret.
4. Recognize and avoid phishing scams
Phishing scams stand for texts and emails which ask you for your personal information, like your bank account number, phone number, home address, and others. They usually ask you to help them in the most sophisticated way and want to convince you that you are communicating with some legitimate company. Scams give you some offers which are too good to be true and require your urgent reaction. Just do not reply to any of these kinds of emails and messages, and you are on a good way to protect your data and your identity.
5. Always use antivirus software
It warns you about the threatening links and web pages, and it stops you from catching a computer virus unintentionally. It also cleans your data from trash, so it makes your Internet experience more pleasant and safer. VPN is one of the leading antiviruses for Internet surfing.