The internet has become an essential part of contemporary life. If you’re reading this, you probably use it frequently and have probably connected one or more of your devices to the internet.
What actions can you take to safeguard your online identity and your data may be on your mind?
We’ll go over a few quick ideas in this post that can help you safeguard your online presence, including setting up two-factor authentication for accounts that support it, creating strong passwords, encrypting data, and using social networking.
Use A Strong And Separate Password For Your Router
One of the most crucial components of your network, the router, is frequently utilized for tasks like connecting to the Internet. Use a strong password, including upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, to protect all of those devices.
Create strong passwords for different accounts; don’t use the same one for your router. Additionally, avoid using the terms “router,” “daughter,” or “mother.” Try something more challenging instead, such as “1234” or “3q45k0r2u9m1gfz2hbv.”
Keep Your Router’s Firmware Up To Date
Firmware keeps your router connected to its network. Without the appropriate firmware, you can’t connect to the internet without manually configuring DNS or port forwarding. If your router doesn’t have an update (and most do), hackers may be inside.
If you’re wondering how long it’s been since you updated this crucial hardware with security patches, there are usually two ways to check: Settings > About Your Router > System Information or second is https://192.168.*.*/firmware-verify.
Use A Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Therefore, VPNs are useful for securing data when using public Wi-Fi, accessing location-restricted content (like Netflix) without being identified by the NSA, unblocking censored websites like Facebook or Twitter, etc.
A VPN encrypts your device’s internet connection. What you need to do is just set up a VPN on your home router and secure all your important information from intruders. No one can observe what you’re doing online or steal vital data from your computer.
All of your data is encrypted before it reaches its destination when you use a VPN.
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication On Accounts That Support it
With two-factor authentication, you must enter two different pieces of information in order to log in. It can help stop attacks from hackers who have obtained your username and password, and it is more secure than a password alone.
On any account that supports it, two-factor authentication is simple to set up, but the procedure differs depending on the service you use. For instance:
- Google employs SMS for 2FA (text message)
- Facebook uses tokens or QR codes for 2FA (QR code)
- For 2FA, Dropbox employs phone numbers (phone number)
Learn Safe Browsing Habits
It’s a good idea to develop safe browsing habits in order to secure your computer and its data. Don’t click on a website if you’re unsure about it. Without opening any attachments, delete any email that seems suspicious or asks for personal information (such as your name or address).
Additionally, even if they politely ask, do not click on a link that someone offers you in a text message or social media post until you have fulfilled whatever request they have made of you.
You can enable safe browsing on your PC to stay safe from suspicious activities. Go to settings and then click privacy and enable safe browsing.
- Don’t share too much on social media.
- When sharing your location, exercise caution, especially if you’re in a public place or it’s dark outside.
- Keep a watchful check on what is shared online and who has access to information about you, especially if someone requests your email or phone number.
Secure Your Home Wi-Fi With WPA2 Encryption
You must utilize WPA2 encryption, the greatest type of protection available, to secure your home Wi-Fi. A strong password should be used, and anyone entering your house should only be able to access it using their own device (which has its own unique key).
Add two-factor authentication where it is feasible to do so as well. This adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to enter a code before being granted access to certain services or websites.
This could be accomplished by using VPNs, SMS messages sent via text message, or even an app on their phone, tablet, or laptop that requires entering another code before being granted access.
With These Tips, You Can Help Protect Your Devices And Data Connected To The Internet
- Know your internet privacy rights.
- To secure your internet connection, use a VPN.
- Create strong passwords for all of your accounts using a password manager, especially for those that include sensitive data like bank accounts or credit cards.
- Get two-factor authentication (2FA) set up on all of your accounts so you don’t have to remember the same password across the board (including your email address), which hackers may easily obtain from social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that managing all those passwords and usernames can be challenging. However, if you follow these few instructions, you’ll be on your way to providing your entire family with a safer online experience.