Improve your online security with these 10 tips

28.01.2020

Looking to improve your online security? Here are 10 simple to follow tips to keep your devices and data as safe as possible.

The internet is constantly changing but there are a few simple principles that will still keep you safe online for the foreseeable future.

Here are 10 easy to follow tips for upping your personal security online and improving your data privacy:

Use unique passwords – there are so many reputable password managers out there that can create and store complex, unique passwords for you. There really is no excuse for reusing passwords.
Use 2FA/MFA – two-factor or multi-factor authentication is a low-cost way of adding an extra layer of security and all it requires is a phone or hardware token.
Backup your data – you can do this manually onto an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup automation software to a NAS drive or server. This is also the best way to counter ransomware!
Watch where you click! – always be suspicious of links in emails, on social media, or on the web in general. Verify the email sender if possible and if in doubt, don’t click.
Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN – particularly when shopping or checking your bank account online. You don’t want anyone snooping on your browsing.
Try not to overshare – your social media accounts could be a treasure trove of information for someone trying to guess your passwords or secret question answers.
Encrypt your sensitive data – encryption is increasingly becoming a required part of security legislation and certainly doesn’t hurt if you want to use it on your own computer.
Multiple-layers are key – the best way to protect yourself is to adopt as many of these points as you can: the more layers the better!
Anti-virus – with the right anti-virus software you shouldn’t even notice it doing its thing, but it could protect you from some very nasty malware.
Update your operating system – regardless of your operating system keeping it fully updated is crucial. Those updates are there for a reason; don’t put off installing them just to save a few minutes.