Nowadays it is almost impossible for us not to use online services. We shop online, bank online, talk to friends online. We do it every day. The rise in online users brings the attention of fraudsters and criminals. If you aren’t aware of the online security concerns, then there are huge chances that these fraudsters take benefit of you.
In this guide, we will be listing some excellent tips that you can use and ensure your online safety.
Harden your Passwords
In the online world, the password is a mechanism that tells the difference between you and others. If someone gets your password, then he or she can easily be you. The hackers use tools that could guess your simple password in few seconds. For better security to your online world use a hard to guess password.
Do not use your birthday, phone number, nickname as your password. Mix capital, small letters, numbers, and symbols to create complex passwords. If you face difficulty remembering it, then use a phrase or sentence to create a password. Like “An Apple in a Day Keeps Doctors Away” could be converted like this “Na!A6kda”. You can use some numbers and special characters at the start, mid, or end of it to make it more complicated.
Please, don’t use the same password for all of your accounts. We keep hearing that cybercriminals hacks xyz online service and steals user’s data. This way hacker will have your password and could easily hack all your accounts. If it is difficult for you to remember many passwords for different accounts, then you can use a password manager. Alternatively, you can try writing it down physically in some notion that could give you a hint.
Secure your Social and Email Accounts
Your email and social accounts are your primary online identity. From your bank to your friends every one contacts you there. If someone gets access to these, you may be in a difficult situation.
First of all, create different complex passwords for all your email and social accounts. Then make sure that you have filled the security question and answer appropriately that no one is aware. Also, nowadays email and social accounts offer two-factor authentication. It needs you to enter the password and then enter the OTP sent to your mobile number to confirm the login. It is much safer.
Make sure that you opt for two way authentication by entering and verifying your contact number.
Use Caution while doing Financial Transactions
Cybercriminals could create a similar website like your bank and then sent you the link with spam email. If you click the link and then enter your user ID password, you could lose all of your money. So, always, pay attention while entering your banking login details. Double sure that the address bar in your browser displays the same URL as of your bank.
If you see an alarming email from the bank then doesn’t click the link there to fix the problem. Open a new tab and then enter the URL of your bank manually. Then check if the information was correct.
Always shops from the reputed online sellers. Don’t get into the trap of discounts. These out of the box deals could lead you to fraud. Before entering your credit card information ask yourself, is the website reliable enough?
Use Secure Wi-Fi
If you are about to do a financial transaction on a public Wi-Fi, then get to a pause and think about this. Such public hotspots have minimum security anyone can connect to it, so it makes easy for hackers to do so. Also, they could quickly create a public Wi-Fi hotspot similar to the one you trust, and they can sneak on every item you do on the internet.
I would suggest to not using public hotspot at all but if you have to, then use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This service lets you access the internet in a secure environment. However, it is best to avoid the fuss. Also, do not blindly connect to the hotspot of the cafe or restaurant you are sitting. Confirm with the staff about their hotspot name and password to avoid a trap.
Know Modern Threats
Knowing your enemy is the first part of building a defense plan. You should regularly check for new threats that are emerging on active security websites like us. Here on viruspup.com we regularly update security threats and how to get past them.
Know more about Spyware, Ransomware, Keylogger, Rootkits, etc. These threats will merely sit back on your computer and keep checking your activity till they get something important like your credit card detail or bank login information. You will not even notice, and your hard earned money could go away the next day.
Also, quickly remove browser hijackers, search hijackers, redirects, etc., if you had any. These tiny cyber creatures open the big door to let enter the severe threats.
Install Antimalware Protection
When was your antivirus suite detects a threat in the past? Six months ago? You may be surprised to know that antiviruses aren’t capable of noticing advanced threats. They could comfortably sit on your computer stealing your data while you are relaxed that there are no threats.
Antimalware is your next level of shield for such threats. I would recommend you to go for MalwareFox antimalware. It is a lightweight program that quickly catches ransomware, keylogger, rootkits, browser hijackers, PUPs, and even zero-day malware. Just install it and scan your computer you would be surprised to know about the infection you had on your PC while your antivirus was giving you the false sense of security.
Conclusion
It will be hyperbole if I tell you that if you follow the above tips, you will never be a victim of online fraud. However, I can say that if you follow the above tips without any exception, then you could efficiently minimize the chances. Actively, following the security guidelines and not wondering furiously online is the key to stay safe.
Online fraudsters are looking for easy money; they set the trap and wait for someone to come. This trap could be spam emails, fake websites, fake advertisement, pop-ups, exciting discount voucher, etc. If you avoid these and become a straight arrow online, then it is most likely you stay safe.