The creation of the internet has led to many great technological advances in our lifetimes. Everything from research capabilities to video chatting with people around the world is feasible thanks to the world of being able to log online. Sadly, many people have dedicated their lives to creating viruses and cyber attack mechanisms to destroy and alter the way we use the internet. It is important for everyone to be aware of viruses that exist and best practices for keeping your digital footprint safe.
Preventative Measures
Before the hackers and viruses can make their way onto your devices, there are plenty of proactive methods for keeping your information secured. One of the best practices includes making sure a strong password is used for all properties. Many sites now have strength requirements (upper and lower case letters, numbers, special characters, etc.) but for those that have no requirements, it is still best practice to include as many features in a password as possible. Another tip, though tedious, is creating a different username and password for all login credentials. People who use the same passwords for all accounts are more likely to be hacked via multiple sites rather than just one. A great tool to utilize are apps such as Keeper, which creates a secure location to manage all of your passwords in case they are forgotten.
One of the largest sources of cyber attacks stems from improper use of certain online properties. McAfee shares that improper use of tools such as email and instant messaging can cause holes in your security walls, allowing viruses to be easily implanted in your system. Additionally when online shopping, make sure that there is a note on the checkout page, ensuring that the site and your information is safely protected from hackers.
Services
In addition to completing the above actions, there are many companies that provide online security for you and your devices.Top Company Compare ranks a few of the top contenders with brands such as Norton, Scanguard, and Total AV making the top 5 list. By purchasing one of these software systems, you are eliminating any additional risk factors that come along with intense online use. These products usually update automatically and are applicable to multiple devices, giving optimal coverage for any possible online invasions.
With the number of daily technological advances being made, there is always room for cyber attackers to grow their craft. Even those who sparingly use the internet, knowledge, and protection from any sort of breach or hack that may present itself is crucial. Continuously remaining aware of our internet practices will provide less of an opportunity for cyber disasters.