In today’s world it is important to keep yourself online. Below are 20 tips that will help you stay safe online.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Ensure each of your accounts has a unique password and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. To make this easier to do I suggest using a password manager. Check out my article Password Managers Why You Need One – ScottSekinger.com – Knowledge Is Power for more information.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Email Address: Do not use an email address that gives away your name by accident. Use something like ssekin71@gmail.com instead of Doctor_Who@gmail.com. This is easy to remember and hard for people to link to the person who is using it. You mioght also want to have more email address for different uses online.
- Security Questions: Usually lying is wrong, but when it comes to security questions. It is a must to keep your account more secure.
- Online Purchasing: Try using gift cards when every you can, or only one credit card. You can also use services like PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay instead of giving your credit card / Credit Card gift card to each you do business with for an extra layer of security.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN can help mask your IP address and encrypt your internet connection. Check out Best VPN Service in 2024 – CNET for more information.
- Be Cautious with Social Media: Tighten your privacy settings and be mindful of the information you share.
- Clear Browsing Data Regularly: Delete cookies and browsing history to reduce tracking.
- Use Private Browsing Modes: Browsers like Chrome and Firefox offer Incognito or Private modes that don’t save your browsing history.
- Web Browser: Use a web browser that is more privacy focus like the ones mentioned it the article 10 of Our Favorite Internet Browsers for 2024.
- HTTPS: Make sure that the web address aka URL has HTTPS in front of it, because it means the site should be secured. Check out HTTPS – Wikipedia for more information on why it is more secure.
- Search the Internet: When searching the web use a search engine like DuckDuckGo . It is a search engine that focuses on privacy.
- Software Installation: Be careful on what your install on your computer. Only install software from well know repeatable sources, and take your time to see what other software that could be installed.
- Install Security Software: Use antivirus and anti-malware programs to protect your devices. Windows Security is great. If you prefer something stronger checkout The Best Antivirus Software for 2024 | PCMag for some recommendations.
- Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks.
- Read Privacy Policies: Take your time read the privacy policies before clicking Accept.
- Regularly Update Software: Keep your operating system and applications up to date to protect against vulnerabilities. I suggest turning Automatic updates available.
- Shred It: When you throw away your unwanted mail or other pieces of paper use a shredder, or place it in a locked Shredder box. This will make it hard for gather information on you when they go Dumpster Diving. Dumpster diving according to Wikipedia is “is salvaging from large commercial, residential, industrial and construction containers for unused items discarded by their owners, but deemed useful to the picker. It is not confined to dumpsters and skips specifically, and may cover standard household waste containers, curb sides, landfills or small dumps.”
- User account: Do not run day by day as an administrator, because malicious software will have the rights you have. Use a standard or limited account for every day use.
- Sharing Your Information: Make sure you watch what you post online because it can come back and bite you. It could damage any carrier or personal plans down the road. Social Networks change their policies all of the time, so make sure you keep them properly set. Facebook for example has been known in the past to do this a lot. Do not post anything that you really want to keep secret. Current or future Employers or stalkers can check your post frequently. Consult your company’s policy on social media before posting anything. If possible delete any information you do not want online. Talk to your family and friends about what you want and do want posted online. Avoid posting phone numbers, or address or Social Security Number. Use a hard to guess username that only you, family, and friends know.
I hope you find the 20 tips above useful in keeping yourself safe online.