You’re probably at greater risk to your online security than you realize. Information about you is spread far and wide online, and losing control of this digital identity could be extremely embarrassing at best and financially devastating or personally dangerous at worst.
It may seem daunting at first, but we’re here to help you stay safe online. We’ve compiled a list of all the steps you can take to stay safe online. It’s a lot of information, so we encourage you to work through it at your own pace.
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Step 1 – Enable automatic updates
Maintaining the Software to date It’s one of the easiest ways to stay safe online. Whether you have a Windows machine, a Mac, an iPhone, or an Android phone, all of these devices are regularly updated with new security fixes. It’s a good idea to double-check that automatic updates are turned on for your devices. Here’s how:
Windows 10 Automatic Updates
From the Start menu Settings > Update and Security > Windows UpdateThe Windows Update section gives you various options for updating Windows, including the ability to set “active hours” so that Windows will restart and install automatic updates when you wake up or are out of work hours.
Windows 11 Automatic Updates
Windows 11 users can click on the Windows icon Settings > Windows Update > Advanced optionsFrom here you can control when Windows Updates run, similar to Windows 10’s “active hours” controls.
MacOS
Mac users Go to System Preferences > Software Update and click the Advanced button. In the Advanced section, make sure all the boxes are checked. This will Timely OS updates.
iOS
If you want to turn on automatic updates on your iPhone, Settings > General > Software Update and, Automatic updating It’s turned on.
Android
If you have an Android device, Settings > System > Advanced > System Updates and, System Updates The setting is on upon.
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Step 2 – Use a strong password
Using the same password across multiple websites and applications is one of the most common cybersecurity mistakes: if you use the same password for multiple things, a breach of one service can put your other accounts at risk. password manager A simple solution for creating strong passwords for multiple accounts.
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Step 3 – Set up and use two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication certification It’s a great way to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Enabling two-factor authentication makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts by requiring a one-time code in addition to your password to log into your accounts.
Two-factor authentication appears on your Apple device (Apple) (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Step 4 – Encrypt your computer’s storage
If you lose your laptop, tablet or phone, all of your personal information stored on those devices could potentially be accessed by whoever finds them. An easy way to stay safe in this situation is to encrypt your devices beforehand. encryption This makes it difficult for hackers to read your data, and although it sounds complicated, the actual process is easy to set up.
Illustration of data on a computer screen (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Step 5 – Find or erase your lost device
If you lose your device before encrypting it, don’t worry: it’s now easier than ever to find a lost phone or remotely wipe it, and we’ve got a great guide on what to do if you lose it. If you lose your phone, both Android and iPhone.
You can also use the same steps to find a lost cell phone. Windows Laptop or MacbookWith operating systems now storing information in the cloud, wiping a lost laptop is easy. If you lose your laptop in a public place, it’s a good idea to wipe it remotely as soon as possible to prevent bad actors from stealing your data.
Step 6 – Deploy powerful antivirus software
The best way to protect yourself from clicking on malicious links that could install malware that could access your personal information is to install antivirus protection on all your devices, which will also warn you about phishing emails and ransomware scams. We’ve handpicked the winners of the best antivirus protection of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Step 7 – Protect your web browser
We use web browsers every day. Whether you have a laptop, desktop, or smartphone, you probably use it more than almost any other app. Taking a few minutes to regularly update your browser to the latest version, be careful about the websites you visit, and avoid suspicious downloads are important habits that complement your browser’s security features.
By implementing these security measures, you can protect your browser, your personal information, your financial data, and your entire digital identity. Exposes you to security risks from potential hackers and cybercriminals.
Step 8 – Protect your phone
Smartphones now act as an extension of our personal lives, used for everything from banking to doctor’s appointments. Keeping our smartphones safe is more important than ever, and luckily, both Android and iOS come with a variety of built-in features to protect your personal information.
your iPhone or Android To increase security, start by enabling a strong lock screen method, such as a complex passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition. Public Wi-Fi networks Consider using Virtual Private Network To enhance security.
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Step 9 – Secure your wireless network
Your home Wi-Fi network powers your smart home devices, Vulnerable to hackersFortunately, Home Wireless Setup For extra protection, as with the previous step, make sure your router firmware is up to date and that you use two-factor authentication and a strong password for your wireless connection.
People using computers over a wireless network (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Step 10 – Back up your data regularly
Regularly backing up your data helps protect your digital life against hardware failure, theft and cyber attacks. Choose a reliable backup method that fits your needs: cloud storage or External Hard DriveSet up continuous automatic backups to ensure all your devices, including your smartphone and tablet, are protected. Protect your backups by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication for cloud storage, and encrypting physical backups.
Regularly restore your files and test your backups to ensure your system is working properly. Remember, a solid backup strategy is a key component of your overall cybersecurity plan, providing both protection and peace of mind.
Step 11 – Invest in a personal data deletion service
In today’s digital environment, your personal information may be listed on numerous online databases and people search sites without your knowledge or consent. These data aggregators collect and sell your information, potentially exposing you to privacy risks and unwanted solicitations. Data removal services can help you systematically remove your personal information from these databases, mitigating these risks.
No service promises to delete all your data from the Internet, but if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of continually deleting information from hundreds of sites over a long period of time, a deletion service can be a useful tool.
Reducing your digital footprint reduces the likelihood that your personal information will be used for identity theft, targeted advertising, and other privacy violations. While it is difficult to completely erase your online presence, using a data deletion service is an effective step towards regaining control over your personal information and improving your overall online privacy and security. Check out my recommended data deletion services here.
Important points about the cart
Securing your online presence can seem daunting, but the key is to take small, consistent steps. Think of it as building a digital fortress. Each measure you implement is another brick in your cybersecurity wall. You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start with the basics, like enabling automatic updates and using strong passwords, and work your way up. The digital world is constantly evolving, and so must your security measures.
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