August 4, 2020
3 mins read

7 steps to improve online security

security

If you’re on the internet you’ve probably had a security incident. Even large multinationals or people like Mark  Zuckerberg  have suffered them and I’m sure they actively work to improve security and their privacy, but there can always be a loose end. All the latest technologies can be hacked. When it brings you an update to your operating system, whether it’s Windows, Mac,  ioS,Android,  etc.,in most cases they are bug orvulnerabilities that are fixed. I indicate 7 steps that you have to do to improve your security when you browse  the web:

1. Create strong passwords

It’s still the best defense. They must be at least 10 digits, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and you should never use the same password for more than one website.

You can also use an automated password manager, which generates random character strings, all controlled by a strong password that you create yourself to access this password manager. Some of these managers that you can use are:

LastPass –>  https://www.lastpass.com/es

1Password –> https://1password.com/es/

RoboForm –> https://www.roboform.com/es

2. Reconsider answers to security questions

Between Facebook, LinkedIn, whitepages.com, classmates.com and myheritage.es, many of your personal data are accessible. Hackers use these sites to overcome your security questions. Try not to give obvious answers, it takes a turn. Your hometown? Choose a place that’s meaningful to you, like a town next to your city where you were born.

3. Opt for double verification when available

Google has pioneered this. To access Gmail and other Google accounts on any device for the first time, users need their own password plus a unique password that Google sends to the registered cell phone number.

4. Create a dedicated password recovery email

Some sites request a second email address where they can send a new password if you lose yours. Create an address for this purpose only. Don’t use your name or initials: hackers know that people tend to use some variation of their name for email addresses.

5. Protect your Wi-Fi with a password

An unsecured network is like an open house. But a secure Wi-Fi network  Wiis like a firewall around your personal data. If a hacker enters it, you can use your  Wi-Fi to control your computer and send spam, log into your bank account, or even steal important password information from the sites you visit. I mentioned this in a previous thread.

When using any publicWi-Fi connection, from Starbucks to the hotel, always sign out of accounts when you’re done. Another level of security is something called VPN (virtual private network), which will make your information even more secure from criminals. Lifehacker.com provides more information and easy-to-follow instructions for choosing a VPN.

6. Do not click on unknown links

It happens to all of us that we have unsuspecting friends whose accounts have been compromised. Most of us know that we should never click on them, but  spammers  are getting smarter. A good rule of thumb: if a “friend” sends a link without a personal note, you can be sure it’s fake. When you click on it, your email will become a spam machine by logging into your address book and sending the link to the people you know. In the worst case, these links can lock your hard drive. What to do? Simply delete, and never be tempted to click. And when you get a suspicious email contact the sender, who will need to change their password.

7. Always back up your data

To avoid losing your photos, documents, music and programs (before a hacker or a blockade),  you get an external hard drive, ideally one that automatically backs up your data every day or at least weekly. You can also store your files in the “cloud” through options like Dropbox, Apple iCloud,  Microsoft Onedrive  or  Rackspace.. 

If we are Windows users, to perform this task we can make use of the functionality that comes integrated with the Windows operating system“Backup andRestore”. On MAC computers, “TimeMachine”can beused. On Android devices from the Settings menu > Backup & Reset and for backups on iOS devices you can make use of the  iCloud service and also iTunes.

What about you?. Do you use any more resources to navigate safely?

Avelino Dominguez

??‍? Biologist ??‍? Teacher ??‍? Technologist ? Statistician ? #SEO #SocialNetwork #Web #Data ♟Chess ? Galician

2 Comments Leave a Reply

  1. […] The only strong password is one you can’tremember. If you can’t remember it, who uses it, you’re less likely to be discovered by someone else. Therefore, it does not help that you use the same password over and over again or change something in that password in all applications. Today we have so many accounts, so many applications that it is impossible to remember everything. Therefore, it is important to use password managers. To enter a phone we must use a PIN that only we know, for everything else we must use strong passwords. Learn more about  7 steps to do to improve online security. […]

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