Tips & Tricks

Five Ways to Protect Yourself from the Internet

The Internet is a revolution we all wanted. It’s fair to say that most of us could not survive without the Internet today. While there are so many good things about the Internet, it comes with its downsides.

Cybercrime is rampant, and it continues to spread and evolve as technology and the Internet change. Typical cybercrime cases include identity theft, financial fraud, cyberstalking, child exploitation, cyberbullying, and harassment, among others.

Anyone using the Internet is vulnerable to cybercrime. So, what should you do if you are accused of a cybercrime? A cyber criminal lawyer will help you build a defense and clear your name.

While cybercrime cannot be eradicated, Internet users can protect themselves from cybercrime by doing the following.

How Do You Protect Yourself from Cybercrime?

1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Anytime you are creating a user profile for a new site, they will insist on using strong passwords. A combination of capital letters, small letters, symbols, and numbers makes a strong password.

Do not be lazy when creating passwords. Come up with unique and complex passwords for different sites. The longer the password, the better. Change your passwords often, as well.

If you have a problem remembering complex passwords, check out password management applications.

If you access your sites from another device, change the passwords. Your computer might be safe, but using a device of someone who does not take cybersecurity seriously puts you at risk.

2. Keep Your Security Software and Operating System up to Date

Cybercriminals understand flaws in operating systems and security software and will use them to target their next victim. If you never take that update system notification seriously, you are putting your online data at risk of cybercriminals.

Turn on automatic update settings for your operating system and software to make updating easy.

3. Take Advantage of Security Settings

Websites and applications have introduced two-factor authentication settings. They provide a code to another device when trying to access your account.

Even if your password was hacked, the criminal cannot access your site without the code on your phone, for instance. Look out for updated security settings for advanced levels of protection.

If there are default privacy settings you are not comfortable with, change them to your preference. Limit what you make public, as well. A lot of private information out in the public sphere makes you a target.

4. Turn Off Your Computer

How many times have you left your computer on because you are too lazy to switch it off and back on after a 30 minute break? The three minutes of patience as your computer turns on will save you a lifetime of heartbreak over stolen data.

5. Encrypt and Back Up Your Data

Your data is safe when encrypted. There are many encryption softwares, so there is no reason not to do it. For sensitive data, you can go low tech. Print them, make photocopies, and delete the electronic copies.

You can also back up data like photos and medical reports to external hard drives and cloud storage systems.

Be Cautious and Informed

If something does not sit right with your online security, be worried and act on it. If you notice as little as a dollar missing from your bank account, contact the bank. Do not be victimized while trying to protect your data.

Be alert and informed on the latest cybercrime techniques and act accordingly to protect yourself. No one is safe online. Even the most secure systems have been hacked.

If you need help securing your devices, contact trusted service providers. Take immediate action on any suspicious activities on your websites and applications.

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