The internet is an everchanging landscape, shifting into new updates and technology with each passing day. The same is true for cyberhackers who steal user information for financial gain. As you know, this comes in the form of identity theft, where people have their sensitive information stolen. There are countless cybersecurity tips to abide by, with hundreds being added to the mix each year and even more becoming obsolete. You know the process of creating strong passwords, spotting weird websites, and clicking into suspicious ads. What about geotagging a vacation post on Instagram? Or checking in to your favorite restaurant on Facebook? These are risks, too! To protect yourself from online threats, here are some recent cybersecurity tips to beef up your accounts.
1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
By setting up Two-Factor Authentication, you must verify yourself in two ways. These work by asking for things you know (your username and password) and then utilizes something you have to authenticate yourself. This is usually in the form of codes sent to your phone or using your thumbprint. This makes it more difficult for a potential hacker to get through to your information, even if they do get through the first part. This feature isn’t available on all platforms but should be taken advantage of when it is. Even if you think it’s tedious, having information stolen will be much more frustrating and detrimental than taking 10 seconds to type in a code.
2. Secure Network
On your home network, you should keep your WiFi password protected and hidden from view. You can hide your network with a VPN when setting up your WiFi. You may able enable your router’s firewall setting, which will make it more difficult for others to access your network.
3. HTTPS
Only visit websites that have “https” before the URL. For example, our website features this: https://www.tacticaldistributors.com. This means that we encrypt the data you enter when purchasing from us. Encryption prevents user information from being accessed by just anyone. Only authorized people with the correct encryption keys may decrypt it. If a site you’re considering purchasing from does not have “https” in the URL, do not attempt a transaction. You will put your credit card information at risk for theft, and most likely, you can find the items you want elsewhere.
4. Smart Phone Password
They might seem monotonous, but setting up a password for your smartphone will help keep your information protected. Depending on your phone, this can be done with a number code, a drawn pattern, or your thumbprint. Don’t be that person who thinks 0000 or 1234 are good enough. Think of something that has meaning, like an anniversary, birth date, or other occasion.
5. Webcam Cover
There have been dozens of instances where hackers have used malware to access users’ computers, infringing on personal privacy. Webcam covers are inexpensive; however, you can also simply tape something dark over the camera. That way, a hacker won’t be able to see through it even if they were to successfully hack it. You should also consider disabling your integrated webcam on your laptop, which can be located in your settings.
6. Geotag Removal and Checking In
While geotagging and checking-in allows friends and family to see what you’re up to, it also lets strangers know this as well. These strangers may not always be nice—they could begin to track you, especially if your postings are patterned. Never make it obvious that your home is vacant or that you’re home alone. These seemingly harmless updates could bring trouble your way.