Every time you open your browser, you leave digital footprints that can be exploited against you. Today, safeguarding your privacy and security online is as crucial as locking your door when you leave the house. You don’t have to be a computer whiz to take security measures to protect yourself against identity theft, scams and intrusive tracking.
The good news is that with small changes and conscious habits you can reduce your exposure to digital risks! These online safety tips will allow you to surf the web with greater peace of mind and keep your personal information away from those who shouldn’t have it.
1. Improve your password management.
Your password manager is like the set of keys to your digital life. The problem is that many people use the same “key” to open many “doors”, so if someone gets into one account, they have access to all the others.
Create strong and memorable passwords.
Instead of using “Carlos123” for everything, think of passwords that only you know. For example, “MyBlackCatEat@Midnight” is much more secure, easy to remember and almost impossible to guess. A secure password should contain at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols.
The key is to make it your own but not obvious. Avoid birthdays, pet names or things that people can find on your social networks. Learning how to generate secure passwords is the first step to protecting your online identity.
Use a password manager.
Memorizing hundreds of complex passwords is impossible. Password managers solve this problem by storing all your passwords in encrypted form. You only have to remember one master password to access all the others.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication is like having a lock and an alarm on your house. Even if someone figures out your password, they will need a second code (sent to your phone) to get in. This simple measure stops most unauthorized access attempts.
2. Surf the Web Safely
Online security starts with developing instincts to recognize suspicious sites and situations. Every click can open the door to threats, but with the right measures, you can reduce these risks.
Use a VPN to encrypt your connection.
One of the best ways to protect your online privacy is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). When safely surfing the web, a VPN encrypts all your traffic and hides your real IP address, making your online activity invisible to hackers, internet service providers and governments.
This is especially important when you connect to public WiFi networks in cafes, airports or hotels, where hackers can easily spy on your data. A VPN establishes a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, hiding sensitive data such as passwords, bank details and personal communications.
Check the validity of the web pages.
Before entering any personal data, look at the address bar. Secure sites have “https://” and a padlock. If you see “http://” without the “s”, your information is transmitted unencrypted.
Check also the spelling of the domain. Scammers make pages similar to the original ones (amazom.com instead of amazon.com, for example). A quick look can save you from a scam.
Keep your browser up to date.
Updates not only bring new features, they also patch security holes that hackers are exploiting. Enabling automatic updates is an easy way to stay protected without having to do anything.
Use privacy extensions.
There are extensions that block trackers and invasive ads, making your browsing more private and fluid. These extensions operate in the background, eliminating trackers that try to follow your online activity.
3. Take care of your privacy and security in social networks.
Social networks are a treasure trove of personal information. Every photo, every check-in, every like creates a profile of you that can be used against you.
Configure your privacy appropriately.
Take a look at the privacy options of each platform. Decide who sees your posts, who can send you friend requests and who can tag you in photos.
Consider before posting!
Before you post something, ask yourself: would I be embarrassed if my boss saw this? Does this information put me at risk? A vacation photo can reveal that your house is empty, a live check-in gives you away.
Manage application permissions.
Many apps ask for access to your social profiles. Check from time to time which apps have access and remove permissions from the ones you no longer use. Does that game app need access to your contacts? Maybe it doesn’t.
4. Recognize and avoid phishing.
Phishing has changed. It is no longer just poorly written emails with obvious misspellings. Today’s attackers craft very convincing messages posing as banks, companies or friends.
Identify warning signs.
Be wary of messages that create urgency (“Your account will be closed today!”) or ask for confidential information by mail. Real banks never ask for passwords by e-mail.
Carlos got a message that his streaming account was going to be suspended. Instead of clicking on the link, he went directly to the official page and his account was active!
Check before you click!
Mouse over the links without clicking to see the destination URL. If it looks suspicious or does not match the official domain, delete it. If in doubt, call the company directly through an official channel.
Keep your software up to date.
An updated antivirus can stop many phishing threats before they reach your device. Updates contain definitions of new threats that are continually being released.
5. Ensure the protection of personal data on your devices.
Your devices know more about you than your wallet. Keeping them safe in the real world is just as important as protecting them in the virtual world.
Sets secure screen locks.
Use strong passwords, 6-digit PIN or biometric recognition. Set automatic lock after a few minutes of inactivity. “I once left my phone unlocked in a coffee shop for a few minutes and someone took the opportunity to get into my banking apps.”
Enable data encryption.
Encryption scrambles your data into a code that can only be decrypted with the correct key. Most current devices have built-in encryption that you should enable, especially for sensitive data such as bank documents or private photos.
Make regular backups.
Backups protect not only against technical failures, but also against ransomware attacks. Have at least one copy on a device that is not always connected to the network, following the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of your data on two different media, one off-site.
In conclusion, the influence of technology on education is undeniable; technology is transforming the way we learn and teach.
Protecting your privacy and security online doesn’t require you to be a tech whiz. With these 5 basic tips you will be much safer in the digital world.
The key is to make these practices a daily habit. Online security best practices are most effective when they are applied on an ongoing basis and not as a reaction to an incident.
Remember, cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. Threats change, but with vigilance and these online privacy tips, you can take advantage of technology without exposing yourself to risk.
Your data is important. Take proper care of it.
