The average cost of a data breach is $148 per record. Records include everything from personal addresses to birthdates to even more sensitive data, like Social Security Numbers and business files. Each year, these hacks cumulatively cost billions of dollars to companies and individual users. Nonetheless, like many other criminals, hackers tend to prey on easy targets. By following these essential steps, you’ll be able to ensure your data is always kept safe.
1) Use a File Encryption Service
Most people remember when a few years ago hackers cracked open the cloud accounts of a range of different celebrities. Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we access the internet and do business, but most users don’t realize it’s not particularly safe. Hackers constantly break into even the biggest players in the game, like Apple, Google, and Dropbox. To protect yourself, use a file encryption service like NordLocker.
You can easily install NordLocker onto your computer and use it to encrypt all of your files with the highest levels of security technology. This includes everything from photos and music to financial statements and more. Best of all, it’s easy to use and works on both PC and Mac.
2) Secure Your Connection with a VPN
Hackers, ISPs, advertisers, and other prying eyes track your internet usage to use for a variety of purposes. Very rarely is it for your benefit. Instead, they’ll target advertisements, report your behavior to government authorities, or steal your data.
With a VPN, you secure your network connection with similar encryption technology as NordLocker so that you can use the internet safely and anonymously. Moreover, you can take advantage of additional features such as kill switches and “onion over VPN” services to further bolster your security.
3) Use a Password Manager
The average internet user has the same (or a very similar password) across all their online accounts. This means that if a cyber thief breaks into one account, they can quickly access everything you use. Of course, remembering unique, strong passwords for fifteen or more online accounts can be a nearly impossible feat. However, you can use a password manager.
Password managers create unique, extremely strong passwords across all your accounts. This makes each account much more difficult to break into. And in case a hacker does get into one, they will not be able to access your other accounts. The best password managers also offer a detection system which will warn you if an attempt at unauthorized access has occurred.
4) Update Your Computer and Apps Regularly
This one seems like common sense, but a surprising amount of internet users forget or refuse to update their apps. Although these updates may be annoying and consume a lot of time or data, they are essential. The vast majority of updates aren’t actually to an app’s interface but are a security patch designed to protect you against cybercriminals. Individuals who do not get this patch are extremely vulnerable to digital security breaches. For your best convenience, just set your devices to auto-install updates overnight while they are not in use.
5) Beware of Phishing Attempts
Phishing attempts are a more subtle type of cyber threat. Instead of the usual virus or malware, hackers may use sophisticated techniques to try to gain access to your accounts. The most famous is the classic Nigerian prince email that offers people a chance at sharing a fortune. All they have to do is share some banking details or pay a small shipping fee. These days, however, most phishing attempts are much more subtle.
Hackers may pretend to be a friend or a family member and ask for seemingly trivial information such as birthdates, pet names, and other innocent-seeming questions. These are often the same questions used for password recovery. Be skeptical of anybody asking you about these things. It’s possible somebody’s account was hacked, and a criminal is doing an impersonation of them. This is just one of the many digital hygiene techniques you can employ to protect your data from all kinds of threats.
The 5 Essential Ways to Protect Your Data Online
It’s never been more important to know how to protect your data. The good news is that it doesn’t take much time or effort. All you need are the right tools. Begin by protecting your files with a file encryption service like NordLocker. From here, secure your internet connection with a VPN and take steps to protect yourself by using a password manager and learning how to recognize cyber threats. Through these techniques, you’ll prevent hacks and their negative consequences so you can always use the internet safely.
