Keeping Your Online Accounts Secure [Top 6 Security Tips]

This post will show you how to keep your online accounts secure with the top 6 security tips.

The ongoing pandemic shifted our operations and significantly accelerated the switch to remote work. This has also brought a long list of online privacy and security concerns. 

And, although there’s no telling when the COVID-19 pandemic will die down, one thing is sure – the post-COVID world will not be the same. The crisis introduced us to cybersecurity challenges for which most online users haven’t been prepared. If you want to start the new year right, read our cybersecurity predictions and best tips on securing your accounts. 

READ ALSO: Email Security Guide

What Are The Main Threats To Online Security?

As the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us, cybersecurity trends often mix old scams and new techniques. That’s why we must first understand the latest cybersecurity trends to enhance our online security. With that in mind, here is the list of the main threats to online security:

• Increase of Spear Phishing Campaigns – One of the more worrying cybersecurity trends is the apparent increase in automated phishing. Automation means that phishers can send many more emails and dramatically increase the number of potential victims. 
• Rising Concern over Smart Device Security – From the mobile phone you’re holding in your hand to your car and many other devices in your household, smart devices have become a significant part of our everyday lives. The algorithms are getting more complicated year after year, invading more of our privacy than ever before. With this, concerns regarding account security and protecting private user information in your account rise.
• Increase of Attacks on Accounts Without MFA – We’ve seen this occur already in 2020. Many users still fail to add strong Multi-factor Authentication (MFA); hackers regularly take advantage of this. Moreover, no service or website is safe from potential security breaches if it doesn’t have Multi-factor Authentication set up for its valuable data. 
• Hacker Attacks Aimed at VPN Servers – Virtual Private Networks have become prevalent tools for obtaining online privacy and anonymity. That said, we can expect a significant increase against VPNs and remote servers. This is because many businesses have switched to VPNs for daily operations. Hackers have realized that by cracking through VPN encryption, they get free access to valuable financial info and credentials and exploit the network.

How To Keep Your Accounts Secure?

Fortunately, making your devices more secure and less prone to breaches is not difficult, even if you are not tech-savvy. Let’s take a close look at the most effective methods of how to increase your account security and protect valuable data:

1. Close the Accounts you’re Not Using

If you have any accounts or apps you no longer use, close them and delete them from your devices. It’s also always a good idea to do an occasional app check and update permissions to apps you don’t use regularly.

2. Use Unique Passwords

Stealing data through obtaining a username and password combination is still the most common practice among hackers. The most effective way to prevent data breach incidents is to use a solid and unique password for every account and profile. Probably equally necessary, make sure to often change your passwords for each online account.

3. Use Different Emails for Different Accounts

Consider using several different emails for different purposes. For example, use disposable accounts for your social media and keep a personal email address you only use for banking or business. 

4. Use MFA

Multi-factor authentication makes your accounts significantly more challenging to breach. Even if a hacker gets your password, it will be useless if your online accounts are secured with an MFA device like the Hideez Key. Notwithstanding the popularity of software tokens, we don’t recommend trusting your second factor to the same device you want to protect.

5. Turn off the “Save Password” Feature in Browsers

Utilizing the “Save Password” in your browser daily might seem convenient to access all your accounts, but the security risk tradeoff that comes with it isn’t worth the convenience.

6. Try Passwordless Authentication

There is no arguing that passwordless access is the future. The new FIDO2 framework is gradually replacing passwords with new credentials that cannot be stolen. By going down this route, you eliminate the risk that comes with traditional passwords while obtaining a convenient way of accessing your online accounts from anywhere.

READ ALSO: 4 Cybersecurity Best Practices To Prevent Cyber Attacks

What Are The Benefits Of Going Passwordless? – A Close-Up Analysis

Passwordless authentication is a type of MFA that aims to eliminate vulnerabilities in traditional information verification systems. The most significant benefits of passwordless authentication include:

• A More Intuitive MFA System – Multi-factor authentication is an excellent method for increasing account security, but it’s inconvenient. Passwordless authentication is a more intuitive variation of two-factor authentication (2FA, as it doesn’t affect the user experience significantly). 
• More Convenient User Experience – In line with the previous advantage, such a verification system provides enhanced account security and a hassle-free and seamless user experience. In unsuccessful login attempts, you don’t have to remember passwords or stress about misspelled details.
• Better Protection Against Phishing – Although no system can fully protect you against phishing if you’re not careful, passwordless authentication is the safest way to prevent data breach opportunities and protect your online accounts.

The even better news is the world’s leading tech companies are already pioneering the switch to passwordless authentication. As one of the most prominent names in the industry, Microsoft promised to kill passwords by the end of 2021. Microsoft stated that this program started in 2019, and by World Password Day in May 2020, over 150 million people used passwordless authentication to access their Microsoft accounts. It’s worth mentioning that Microsoft’s biggest competitor, Apple, is also promoting passwordless authentication. FIDO standards are already supported by major browsers and operating systems, such as Windows 10 and Android platforms, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari browsers.

Make your Online Accounts More Secure

Undoubtedly, 2024 will bring on a series of security challenges, some of which we’re probably not even aware of yet. Hopefully, the online security tips we’ve shared with you on this page will help you make your online accounts more secure. 

Going passwordless and setting up 2FA for your accounts are all steps in the right direction if you want to be more secure online. Be sure to follow our tips for being more secure and making your account safer and more secure without delay. 

READ ALSO: How The Right Low-Code Solution Can Close The Skills Gap

Staying Secure Online: Your Frequently Asked Questions

The internet is a vast and valuable resource but comes with inherent risks. Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions to help you navigate the online world safely:

What are ways to be safe online?

Here are some key principles for online safety:

• Be Wary of Clicks: Think before you click links or attachments, even in emails or messages from seemingly familiar senders. Malicious actors can spoof email addresses.
• Guarded Downloads: Only download software from trusted sources. Free downloads can sometimes harbor malware.
• Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. Consider using a password manager to keep track of complex passwords.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code when logging in to your accounts.
• Social Savvy: Be mindful of what you share online, especially on social media. Scammers can exploit personal information to target you.
• Software Updates: Keep your operating system, web browser, and applications updated with the latest security patches.
• Security Software: Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices from known threats.

How do you keep your online accounts secure?

• Strong Passwords (as mentioned above): This is paramount for account security.
• Beware Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking. Consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added encryption if you must use it.
• Suspicious Activity: Monitor your account activity for anything unusual. If you notice unauthorized login attempts or changes to your account information, report it immediately.
• Logout Regularly: Don’t stay logged in to your accounts on shared or public computers.

What are the tips of cyber security awareness?

• Phishing Awareness: Educate yourself about phishing scams. These scams often involve emails or messages designed to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.
• Social Engineering: Be cautious of social engineering tactics. Attackers might manipulate you into giving away information or taking actions that compromise your security.
• Staying Informed: Keep updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Bottom Line

By following these tips and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online threats.

Remember, online safety is an ongoing process. By being vigilant and adopting these practices, you can browse the web more confidently.

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About the Author:

Gina Lynch

Cybersecurity Expert at SecureBlitz | + posts

Gina Lynch is a VPN expert and online privacy advocate who stands for the right to online freedom. She is highly knowledgeable in the field of cybersecurity, with years of experience in researching and writing about the topic. Gina is a strong advocate of digital privacy and strives to educate the public on the importance of keeping their data secure and private. She has become a trusted expert in the field and continues to share her knowledge and advice to help others protect their online identities.

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Christian Schmitz

Editor at SecureBlitz | Website | + posts

Christian Schmitz is a professional journalist and editor at SecureBlitz.com. He has a keen eye for the ever-changing cybersecurity industry and is passionate about spreading awareness of the industry's latest trends. Before joining SecureBlitz, Christian worked as a journalist for a local community newspaper in Nuremberg. Through his years of experience, Christian has developed a sharp eye for detail, an acute understanding of the cybersecurity industry, and an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information.

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