As we become more and more reliant on the Internet in our everyday lives it is safe to assume that your technological devices are an attractive target, full of valuable information, for cybercriminals and hackers all over the world.
Due to this, you must always remain vigilant about the security of your private data, staying up to date with the most recent threats and updating your software as often as you can.
We have put together a list of smart points to adhere to stay safe online.
- You should make sure that you have strong passwords in place and you set a time limit to their usage. Never select the ‘Save Password’ option
- Review your privacy settings on an ongoing basis. You can control how much information each app that you use has access to. Make sure that you limit this as much as you can.
- Purchase an antivirus solution for your phone. There are many available, both for a premium and for free. If you do not have one in place then cybercriminals could easily mine lots of valuable information from your phone. Well, a well-known and reputable provider.
- Make sure and back up all of your data. If you fail to do this and you are hacked then you will not be able to retrieve data that is stolen from you, especially in the case of a ransomware attack.
- Add an Anti-theft solution to your device such as ‘Find my Phone’. This will allow locating your phone or disable it from a distance if it is stolen.
- Set up a strong PIN. It may seem tiresome to enter one every time but doing so will make it extremely difficult for someone to steal your phone and access the information that it contains.
- Double-check your Bluetooth settings. Even though it makes it easy to access certain devices from your phone Bluetooth represents a security issue as it also makes your phone accessible. Ensure that you disable this when you do not need to use it. Alternatively, use Bluetooth in invisible or undetectable mode.
- Apply a Software Update as soon as it becomes available. Along with enhancing the functionality of the device, updates and patches come with important security updates that will address potential vulnerabilities.
- Try not to use public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi, unlike home networks, is rarely encrypted if it is being offered for free. Due to this, your activity can be monitored. Turn on your firewall, and have up-to-date malware protection. Also, removes all data that you no longer use.
- Turn off all online services that you are not currently using. When an online platform eventually closes down the owners can sell off your information, albeit illegally, to make a quick profit.
