In today’s increasingly digital world, it’s more important than ever to stay safe online. Cyber-attacks, data breaches, and other online threats can be inconvenient and costly.
You can protect your business by developing good habits to protect your data when you’re online. Here are five tips to help you stay safe online with passwords, downloads, payments, banking information, and private information.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Your passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your online accounts. Weak passwords, like “password1” or the name of your favorite pet, are vulnerable to hackers, who then have access to your private information. Using strong, unique passwords for all your accounts is vital. Make sure each password is at least 12 characters long and combines numbers, symbols, and upper- and lower-case letters. Consider using a reliable password manager to help you manage multiple complex passwords.
2. Avoid Downloads from Unknown Sources
When downloading anything from the internet, ensure you know exactly what it is. Even if it’s something you need or already trust, be sure to double-check the source and look for recent reviews. Unfortunately, malicious software disguised as something else is a common tactic of scam artists and hackers, so it’s best to avoid downloading files from unknown sources. If you end up downloading something malicious, the result could be costly and time-consuming to fix.
3. Use Trusted Payment Methods
Always use a secure, trusted payment method when you make online payments. Credit card fraud is a severe problem, and it can be challenging to get your money back if someone else makes a purchase with your card. It’s generally wise to save your credit card information on the site for which you’re making the purchase but if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, look for safe payment options such as PayPal or Apple Pay.
4. Keep Your Banking Information Secure
Your banking information is among the most valuable and important information you have. Make sure you take the necessary steps to protect it. Don’t share your bank account numbers or passwords over email or other messaging platforms, even if you trust the person you’re sharing it with. If you bank online, use a secure connection and two-factor authentication.
5. Take Care with Your Private Information
It’s essential to be cautious when sharing personal information online. Do not email or text your private information (i.e., social security, date of birth, full name, etc.) Did you know that even screenshotting your personal data can still be accessed by hackers?
Before you send or post anything, consider how it might be used against you and consider the possible consequences of making it public. Even if you trust the person or platform you’re sharing it with, there is always the chance that it could be leaked.
Private information includes anything sensitive, such as bank accounts, Social Security numbers, health records, passport numbers, and more.
Being secure online is more important than ever. Taking the time to protect yourself with secure passwords, downloading only from trusted sources, using trusted payment methods, and keeping your personal information safe can save you a lot of trouble. Consider these five tips the next time you’re online, so you can be secure and stay safe!
At Circle City Web Design, we create secure websites that stand out from the competition so businesses can focus on running their company. If you have questions about website security or how to keep your team safe, Book a FREE Consultation Now: Click Here.
