So much of our modern lives take place online. Having a high speed internet at home is a necessity in our lives especially this pandemic as mostly is done online, Work from home, online classes and even entertainment purposes. Aside from choosing the best internet provider for your home, you also need to be a cyber smart in protecting your online data. There are more threats than ever, and our expanded activities expose us more than ever before, which is why it is imperative to stay cyber smart in 2021.
1. Actively Secure Your Network
Be aware when you are on a public network, and avoid using software that transmits potentially sensitive information. Avoid assuming that your home network is secure. Invest in a good wireless router that supports the WEP2 security protocol. Invest in a good hardware firewall that will help protect you from external threats. Use software firewalls on your computers, tablets and even smartphones. It is also essential to upgrade firmware, operating systems and applications on a regular basis in order to ensure that you are protected against the latest vulnerabilities.
2. Invest in a Password Manager
In 2021, a strong password is at least 12 characters long and preferably 20. It also has at least one number, one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter and one symbol. Security experts also recommend that you change all passwords on a 30-, 60- and 90-day basis depending on their usage. Bank accounts and other highly sensitive logins should be changed every 30 days. Retail stores and subscriptions should be changed every 60 days, and less important logins can be changed every 90 days.
Never use the same username for multiple accounts. Never use the same password for multiple accounts, and avoid using the same password twice. This can all be a bit overwhelming if you attempt to do it manually, which is why experts highly recommend using a password manager. There are many excellent options available, including free ones, that will make this entire process a lot easier.
3. Connect Online Using a VPN
A virtual private network provides you anonymity online and protects your privacy. The top VPN services are reliable and affordable without affecting your internet speed too much. You can and should use your VPN at home, but the protection is even more important when on public Wi-Fi, for instance. When connected normally, it is much easier for your data to be snooped, but a VPN essentially provides an encrypted tunnel that makes it difficult to identify and snoop your traffic.
4. Be Cognizant of Your Social Media Activities
Social media is becoming an increasingly popular and effective platform for phishing. It is also an online space that many people inadvertently expose details about themselves. Unscrupulous people can then use that personal information as an in, which is much more effective than generic phishing. Only communicate with people you know. When you get new friend requests, verify that you know the person before accepting. When you want to post something via social media, take a timeout. Make sure that what you are posting is not exposed publicly, and if it is and you intend for that happen, take a moment to evaluate the post, photograph or whatever for potentially sensitive details.
5. Choose Your Online Stores With Care
The Better Business Bureau recently released a report in which it found that fraud from shady online shops is on the rise. During the pandemic, many of these fly-by-night outfits were posing as closing stores hosting going-out-of-business sales. Do not assume just because a website is professionally designed that the business can be trusted. Determine how long the shop has been established. Avoid any company is business less than a year. Make sure that the connection is secure, and absolutely use your credit card, which will make it easy to get a refund if you do get scammed.
