People nowadays tend to take digital security for granted. This is partly because most of us are used to the comfort of our smartphones, which are entirely closed systems and very few of them encourage the user to think about their digital privacy and security. The problem is when users have to navigate the web using their laptops or desktop computers, where our digital footprint is even bigger and our data even more precious. Luckily, this guide will walk you through all of the must-know security features which will protect your digital privacy.
Keep your system virus-free
Although the notion of computer viruses is somewhat old, this doesn’t mean that their potential threat is any less serious now. Modern computer malware is much more efficient and sophisticated than it used to be the case. That is why it is not enough to rely on your computer’s built-in firewall. You need a secure antivirus software as well.
Digital tools like Malwerbytes stand as an excellent and trustworthy option for anyone looking to keep their system clean and safe at all times. Tools like these constantly monitor your system files and scan for any potential infections. These scans are done regularly so you won’t have to worry about missing security.
Secure your accounts
All the software aside, a lot of the risk factors online come from improper user activity. Most people are very casual about keeping their online accounts secure. Unfortunately, many people to this day keep their pet’s name or their birthday as their password.
Large companies such as Google, Facebook and Yahoo have all suffered from huge data breaches in the past, which is enough to let you know that no matter how much you trust the validity of your password, something can always go wrong. Luckily, nowadays you can use all-in-one password management solutions which let you monitor the status of your accounts, generate secure passwords, improve weak ones, and even sync up across all your devices.
In addition to that, you might also want to consider getting an authenticator app on your phone like Authy, which lets you set up a two-step verification. Whenever you log in to a new device, the service will prompt you to input the security code which is generated at that moment on your mobile device. This ensures safety even if your password gets exposed in a data breach.
Consider using blockers
One of the most upsetting facts about the internet is that most websites will track your viewing habits, the things that you like and general interests that you have developed. This is how targeted ads campaigns work, whether we like them or not. The only way to preserve our privacy in this regard is to install free browser extensions which will block trackers and ads on every page that you visit. In case you want to support a specific webpage, you can simply pause the blocker on that specific page.
Use a VPN
One of the best ways to completely mask your identity online is to use a VPN service. It stands for virtual private network, and it allows you to encrypt your digital traffic and hide your IP address, by rerouting it to a distant server somewhere else. This is a great tool for anyone who visits websites which do not have HTTPS security certification. Another amazing use case for VPNs are situations where individuals have to work on public WIFI connections and who are constantly on the go.
Use trusted services
Ideally you will want to stick only to verified and trusted apps, software, and websites. Most times when users download an app, they will be asked to give digital permissions and grant access to their phone’s camera, storage or even microphone. All of these can compromise your privacy if the app in question is not trustworthy.
Luckily, most modern applications worth their salt nowadays will be completely secure and will prioritize your online privacy. The online dating market is an excellent example where the latest sugar dating apps allow users to connect seamlessly over shared interests and aspirations completely safely and with complete privacy protection. Modern app markets nowadays demand high regulation adherence and apps like these are well reviewed and verified, so users can easily check what they are installing.
Navigating the modern world of web applications and mobile apps doesn’t have to be an overly upsetting experience regarding your privacy if you know what you are doing. The modern landscape of digital privacy security and protection is as reliable as it is comprehensive. Luckily, you can leverage tools like VPN, malware scanners, ad blockers and much more. When it comes to the human factor, do not be casual about your account security and know that you can always set up dual step verification using an authenticator app or leverage a secure password manager. Little steps like these can get you far away in terms of maintaining your security online, all you need is a healthy dose of precaution and staying up to date.
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