According to Forbes, ransomware attacks resulted in a loss of $20 billion worldwide in 2021. The presence of countless malware and ransomware tools require that you follow a proper strategy to stay safe online.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily have to be a “coding expert” to avoid cybersecurity attacks. You only need to familiarize yourself in risk management in cyber security. Following the eight easy tips mentioned in this blog can enable you to stay safe online—let’s dive in!
1. Use strong passwords
If you don’t have a strong password, you won’t be able to keep your accounts and data safe from hackers. It’s your job to ensure that the passwords you choose for your accounts follow the safety standards set by experts.
You might find it hard to create strong passwords if you’re not a “nerd.” However, you can make the job easier for yourself by using a password generator. For example, you can use any password generator to create strong passwords that hackers can’t crack easily.
2. Update Your Software Tools
The 3rd-party apps you use regularly can enable hackers to break into your accounts and steal your files. Any bug in the software tool you use can result in a ransomware or malware attack. As you cannot stop using all your 3rd-party apps to stay safe, the only actionable strategy to stay safe is to keep the software tools updated.
Organizations and software developers release regular updates of their software products. Make sure you install the latest version of software on your computer to maximize your security and stay safe from hackers.
3. Use an Antivirus Program
Experts recommend you should scan all files in your local and cloud storage to ensure you don’t have any malware on your computer. However, it’s a time-consuming task to scan all your files. Using a virus removal tool can enable you to automate the scanning process.
Although you can use free versions of famous antivirus programs, it’s better for you to purchase the full version of the antivirus program you trust the most.
4. Get a VPN subscription
Going online without having a layer of security is never a safe option for you. If you want to ensure that hackers cannot track your IP address, you have to ensure that you use a proper VPN service. The good thing about a VPN is that it masks your online identity and makes it hard for hackers to trace you.
There are a lot of free VPN services available on the market. If you take a closer look, it’s hard for any organization to keep providing free VPN services. It’s a better option to buy a VPN subscription to stay on the safe side.
5. Avoid Untrustworthy Emails
Many people click on the links embedded in emails they receive from unknown email accounts. Keep in mind that clicking on any link that you cannot trust can lead hackers to steal your valuable data. If you want to stay safe online, you have to ensure that you avoid suspicious emails.
Getting rid of suspicious emails has become easier nowadays. Leading email service providers use “Spam filters” to label emails they perceive as suspicious. However, you don’t solely have to rely on your email provider to avoid phishing emails. Make sure you never open any email unless you trust the sender.
6. Stay Careful With External Devices
Local storage devices are still in use nowadays. Whether you are at your friend’s house or at your office, you have to be very careful about any external storage device you attach to your device. Make sure you only use a storage device that you can trust and use without worrying.
7. Backup Your Critical Data
One of the best ways to keep your data safe is to create its copies. Doing so ensures that you can get your data back even if you get affected by a hacking attack. Keep copies of your data in various cloud storage services so that you can access them at any time and from any location.
