The threat of an online breach is always there. But c’mon’, what’s the likelihood it would happen to you? It probably feels like you’re not the ideal target for hacking or other online privacy violations—until you are. It’s better to take action before becoming the target of a data leak or the victim of hacking.
Protecting yourself online is surprisingly simple. In many cases, it only takes a few clicks to implement measures to boost online safety. How many of these steps have you already taken? How many can you take now?
- Memorise a strong password. Just kidding. You don’t have to memorise it (that’s what a password manager is for). But you must make it long and unique.
- Use a VPN. You can encrypt your connection with one click!
- Think again about what you put on socials. Oversharing puts you at risk for a cyber breach.
- Use caution on public Wi-Fi. Understand the dangers and consider the alternatives.
- Download that software update, now. They exist for a reason.
- Block trackers and ads. It makes using the internet so much more comfortable.
Use Strong Passwords
“Password123” doesn’t cut it. And if you’re thinking, at least I don’t use that, you’re probably still not off the hook. Throwaway phrases, inside jokes, and personal references do not make a strong password. Especially if you’re using the same password for multiple accounts.
Passwords need to be long and unique. Think: Yuc8$RikA34%ZoPPao98t. A four or five-character password, even with a highly random combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, could still easily be cracked by a password hacker. A password of up to 10 characters might take five years to crack.
Without Sherlock Holmes-level memory storage, no one expects you to remember a long string of random number and letter combinations for each unique account. The solution? Get a password manager. There are dozens of reputable password managers available at different price points to suit every type of online user.
Make Friends with VPNs
At this point in the history of the internet, if you don’t have a VPN, it’s questionable if you are using your online connection to its fullest potential. Aside from having many delightful benefits (including bypassing certain geo-location restrictions on certain entertainment platforms), a VPN is highly useful for online security.
It’s all in the name: virtual private network (VPN). A VPN service connects you to an encrypted network, allowing access to various online activities without prying eyes—including hackers, internet service providers, and government agencies.
Installing a VPN takes less than 30 seconds. For example, a VPN Chrome extension can be added with three clicks. You can do it right now, before even finishing this article.
Think Twice Before Posting on Social Media
Hackers and scammers are professionals with many tools and schemes available for gathering information from people—often willingly given. Take away one form of social engineering, and another grows in its place.
Have you ever seen ads for Instagram services to help you grow followers? Be wary. Services or third-party apps that require access to your login information may use that access for nefarious purposes.
Even participating in online quizzes or surveys can be risky. The answers to certain questions—such as your mother’s maiden name, place of birth, or the name of your first pet—may then be used to bypass additional security questions or recover lost passwords.
Think three times before you post any personal information anywhere, including in viral surveys or any other types of posts that reveal information that may even seem harmless.
Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi can be useful, especially if you’re low on data or are travelling without an activated SIM in that region. However, it also creates the perfect environment for shady operators to gain access to your devices.
Hackers can easily create “puppet” Wi-Fi networks with identical or near-identical names to those of public Wi-Fi networks. If you log into those networks, that person can snoop on just about everything you’re doing—including banking, purchasing, and other sensitive activities.
Even when connected to trustworthy public networks, other users may be able to peek into your activity if you’re not careful. “Man-in-the-middle” attacks are orchestrated when hackers scoop data as it moves between a device and the public Wi-Fi router.
Try safer options instead.
- Use mobile data when you can
- Create a personal hotspot from your phone
- If you have to use public Wi-Fi, link up through a VPN
- Invest in E-SIM services that allow you to purchase data plans ahead of travel
Download Device Updates (Every Time)
Sometimes when a new software update becomes available, it just doesn’t feel like the right time to download it and reboot your device. But every moment of using outdated software exposes you to a hacking attempt.
Sometimes, a software update will change a device’s UI design or other arbitrary functionality. But what happens behind the scenes is more important—these updates respond to critical and known weak spots in the system. By not updating, cybercriminals can continue to use those gaps.
Don’t ignore “update available” pop-ups. Better yet, turn on auto-updates—then you don’t have to do anything at all to keep your software current and yourself better protected. The update will usually automatically download while you’re sleeping.
Block Ads and Trackers
Google something one time, and you’ll see targeted ads for weeks. Why? Advertisers and websites keep tabs on what you do online to show ads they think you’ll like. How? Cookies, tracking pixels, and fingerprinting techniques. With that, they can build detailed profiles of the user’s interests, location, and habits.
Tracking user behavior for advertising is legal, and, some would argue, useful. Targeted ads are said to lead to a better user experience or exposure to useful products But for others, the entire strategy is an overreach.
Thankfully, those in team overreach have developed solutions. Ad and tracker-blocking tools are an easy way to curtail legal prying by websites and advertisers. They can also help block potentially nefarious malware pop-up ads that can sometimes be very sneaky.
Don’t Sleep On It
Being cautious about online privacy in this day isn’t even paranoid-adjacent. It’s common sense. And it is necessary. Scammers and hackers create new schemes every day—if not every hour—to access sensitive information. You don’t need to be an expert in networks, encryption, and security to protect yourself.
Many fixes take just a few minutes to set up. And a little effort now can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
Before you close this article, pick one thing to do right away. Maybe change a weak password, set up a VPN, or update your device—whichever works for you. Your future self will thank you.
