Technology has come a long way from smart phones, computers to smart watches. The one thing all the latest gadgets have in common is that they all are internet enabled devices. This makes it easier and a lot faster for people to communicate progress and more importantly share. However, this also means that your data and personal files are prone to theft and breach. Hence, it one’s responsibility to be aware of threats, precautions and tips to safeguard your personal information from falling into wrong hands.
This information will help users identify some of the important factors that need to be considered so that their personal files are kept safe. Here are the 10 most important tips and precautions that an average internet user should know.
- Replace passwords with passphrases
- Use two-step verification for social platforms
- Turn off the Bluetooth when not in use
- Frequently update the OS (for Smartphones & Computers)
- Overwriting deleted files
- Unsubscribe do not abandon
- Choose Touch ID over passwords
- Be mindful when shopping online
- Do Not use same password for various accounts or services
- Signup for Email alerts to account for money transactions
Replace Passwords with Passphrases
Using a series of phrases combined than having one or two words for security is always a good practise. This makes it very difficult for the hackers or any source which tries to break into your profile. The basic advantage of having a passphrase is that it is easy to remember and hard for cyber hackers to crack. According to a survey, it is proven that profiles with passphrases and special characters are hacked comparatively less or close to none.
Use Two-Step Verification for Social Platforms
Two-Step verification is considered as the safest way to secure your profiles and personal data. If any new device is trying to login to the account, Two-Step verification is enabled. This means that the person must enter password plus, the numeric code which will be sent to the verified phone via SMS. Hence, even if the password is identified, getting to know the numeric code which was sent via SMS to the user’s phone is difficult.
Turn Off the Bluetooth When Not in Use
Bluetooth sharing is a great way for people to connect and share files to nearby devices. However, malware attacks can happen anytime if the device’s Bluetooth is kept active for a longer time. BlueBorne is one such of malware which hacks your device through Bluetooth and gets access to files and information.
Frequently Update the OS (For Smartphones & Computers)
Frequently updating the software or Operating System of your computer and smart phones is one of the most effective practices to protect your personal files. Usually these updates contain security patches and critical protection which keep increasing the encryption and safety of your device. Some security patches are specifically developed to halt from latest malware to infiltrate your system. So regularly check for updates and install them to better your device security.
Overwriting Deleted Files
Deleting files from your computer or phones does not mean that it has been permanently erased. The data is often present inside the computer until it has been overwritten with some new data. If you have sold any of your old devices by just regular formatting, the data can be recovered if the person is determined to get your data. It is always recommended to use professional software’s that will help you in permanent data shredding.
However, if you have accidentally deleted any important files, you can still recover them. A professional data recovery software named as Yodot file recovery software helps in restoring files that have been deleted, formatted or lost.
Unsubscribe, do not Abandon
Always prefer to unsubscribe a specific service or newsletter rather than abandoning. This does not mean that the newsletter or service which you have enrolled for will hack your data. But, any future data breach happening on those services or newsletter means your ID is also getting exposed to them. Hence, it is necessary to properly unsubscribe from any enrolments to prevent indirect hacking.
Choose Touch ID Over Passwords
A fingerprint security is always secure when compared to passwords or passphrases. The image of your fingerprint is not stored anywhere on the device as the security is verified through mathematical codes. These codes are stored inside your phones chips that cannot be accessed by the OS or any third-party application. This makes it difficult to hackers to tamper your files from remote locations.
Be Mindful When Shopping Online
If you are trying to kill time on your morning commute or shopping anything through smartphones while you are in a public place, be aware. Be mindful or the people sitting around you or the camera that can record your phone usage behaviour. This allows the hackers to see you entering passwords, credit card details, address, etc. Always be cautious and try to avoid virtual shopping in public places as much as you can. Also do make sure that you read the terms and conditions of the cookies used as service for any e-commerce site that you are browsing.
Do Not Have Same Password for Different Accounts or Services
When a hacker cracks into one of the user’s profile, the first step which they tend to do is apply the same passwords for all the possible social profiles which they could find. If you have kept same password for many accounts, this makes it easier and very quick for any cybercrime to take place. Do not have same passwords thinking that you may forget the password if it is different. Install a secure and encrypted password holder and keep your codes for different services and accounts noted.
Signup for Email Alerts to Account for Money Transactions
If your bank or any financial service offers you with email alerts for transactions that happen, make sure you enable it on. This helps you to keep track of the money withdrawn or spent and helps if there has been a un-authorized transaction. The banking firms can track your location and check if the transaction has been placed by you or from any other remote location or channel.
These are the 10 most important tips for a better protection of your data and files. Always remember, “The first line of defense in protecting your data is you” so always be pro-active to learn and know new methods to keep yourself and your data safe.