HomeTips & HacksThe Must Dos And Don’ts For Protecting Your Password And Personal Data

The Must Dos And Don’ts For Protecting Your Password And Personal Data

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Here, we will show you the must do’s and don’ts for protecting your password and personal data.

Nowadays, passwords are a lucrative business for cybercriminals. Today’s world is entirely different from the earlier “non-online’ world. You’ve to take control of your online activities to protect yourself from online scammers. Remember, your personal details should remain yours.

Protecting your password and personal data can protect you from all sorts of attacks, such as ransomware and data-stealing trojans purely stays on your hands.

Making your data, devices, and activities more secure does not need a lot of energy. To remain safe online, apply dos and don’ts, the article is going to focus on the two dimensions.

Dos For Protecting Your Password And Personal Data

  1. Data encryption

Data encryption is not an IT expert jargon; modern tools have simplified the encryption mechanism. Anyone can encrypt his or her emails and other personal information. For instance, GPG is an Apple mail program that can be used by anyone to encrypt, decrypt, sign, and verify emails. And if you are after file protection, you can use Apple’s OS X operating system; it quickly encrypts computers’ hard drives. Microsoft windows also have encrypting programs.

  1. Install an SSL Certificate

When you insert login credentials on the website, do check that the website must install an SSL certificate, and you can check it by seeing a green padlock and HTTPS before the domain name. When you have an SSL Certificate on the website, your password and login details will remain safe over the site.

  1. Anti-malware protection

Malware is one of the severe computer threats for many computer users. This software is designed to infiltrate computers then cause damages to them. It includes worms, viruses, Trojan horses, scareware, and spyware. The software can be on emails, websites, downloadable files, photos, and videos. This means your device is prone to any attack. The best way to avoid your device from being infected is by doing periodic scans, having a good anti-virus, and ignoring suspicious websites and email links. But scammers are computer experts; they know all the tricks. That is why it is advisable to use an anti-malware. An anti-malware lays a secure foundation for your devices.

  1. Install operating system updates

To be honest, operating systems updates annoy many users. But they are the best since they have essential security patches that protect your device from recent infiltrations. Not installing them means your device is vulnerable to scammer’s attacks. They are typically updated monthly. Just let your operating system update automatically.

  1. Use passcodes

If you happen to leave your phone in a taxi, can the next person access the stored personal details? Losing your phone is a normal thing, but allowing the next person to access your personal details such as emails and social media accounts can create havoc in your life. Use unique passcodes to protect the accessibility of your phone. They make it difficult for one to guess.

  1. Be wary of free public Wi-Fi

Put your money where your mouth is, right? For sure free Wi-Fi is convenient, but in terms of security, they are wanting. With the right tools, any user of the free Wi-Fi can eavesdrop your online activities. There avoids login in your bank account or credit card on the Wi-Fi. If it is a must to use, then read here some tips to follow when you are using free public Wi-Fi.

  1. Back up your data

This is one of the most neglected data protection mechanisms. The mechanism duplicates your data, and in case your device’s stolen, compromised, or lost, you do not lose your vital details. It is an essential thing, and anyone can do it.

  1. Close your unused accounts

Have data of all your online accounts. Know the operational ones and those that are unused. If there is a breach on any of your accounts, scammers can access the personal information that is tied to the account. For example, your old email could be having some of your bank statements and healthcare details. Shut down unused accounts, the smaller the number of accounts, the better.

Read Also: Browser Compartmentalization: How To Compartmentalize Your Web Browsers

  1. Use biometric way

Tablets, smartphones, and laptops are allowing users to log on by the use of fingerprint. This is not only secure, but they also chance of forgetting passwords do not exist. The biometric options make it difficult for intruders to access your device. You’ve to around for them to log into your device.

10. Consider a password manager

Password managers are very useful in keeping track of different usernames and passwords on different sites. This boosts safety and saves your time. Password managers also synchronize passwords on various devices. Hence you cannot stump login into a site with a laptop even if you registered it with a tablet.

11. Be phish alert

Be cautious when you are using your email. Delete all the emails from people you do not know. Do not click on suspicious links. And if you get an email from your bank or service provider, be keen on the address and ensure they match the organization URL. Lastly, on the embedded links, just copy-paste them into your browser window, and try to examine them.

Don’ts For Protecting Your Password And Personal Data

  1. Avoid downloading an unknown application

Vet every application that you intend to download. Know the source, size, and details. Some downloads secretly host malicious software. Therefore, you should avoid any downloads that you are not clear with its source.

  1. Be vigilant when linking accounts

Nowadays, a plethora of sites have an alternative of signing up with different accounts. The sites allow one to sign in with Facebook or Google accounts. This does not mean that the sites will access your logging credentials, but they can some information such as your name, birthday, and email address. Therefore, be skeptical of some of these, especially if they were created recently.

Wrapping Up: Protecting Your Password And Personal Data

There are no protection mechanisms that are 100% hacker free, but from above, there is a lot you can do to keep yourself safe. Nevertheless, noting the do’s and don’t of for protecting your password and personal data discussed above can aid you.

Keep yourself posted on the latest security tricks and tactics and apply common sense when you are online. Do not click on any link.

You can also download your Facebook data to see how this company knows you. It must be noted that Cambridge Analytics harvested much of its data from Facebook. This will be very helpful, especially if you are that individual that regularly clicks quizzes that requires you to access your social media.

Lastly, it is a marathon but not a sprint. When it comes to data management, most people run instead of walking. This means they go for hyper-tech measures forgetting the necessary effective data protection measures. Therefore, without proper knowledge, they end up making mistakes at the end of exposing their data. You should gradual in data management. Use the basic methods; they will give a clear picture of the hyper ones.

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John Raymond
John Raymond
John Raymond is a cybersecurity content writer, with over 5 years of experience in the technology industry. He is passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of cybersecurity, and is an avid researcher and writer. He has written numerous articles on topics of cybersecurity, privacy, and digital security, and is committed to providing valuable and helpful information to the public.

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