September 25, 2020
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0Checklist of Necessary Security Measures on the Internet
Active life on the internet, social networks and online transactions put privacy and security issues at the forefront of many users, even those who are completely unknown to the public.
Third-parties hacked even popular messenger WhatsApp. Now, A Dangerous Text Bomb is Spreading Through the App. Find out what it is and how it works in the article.
There are often violations of promises not to disclose our data on the part of the companies that collect it. But they are not to blame in all cases. Often, users themselves expose information about themselves to excessive publicity, and make confidential data so accessible that anyone can use it for their own purposes. And the goals, as you know, are not all noble.
Updated Cybercrime Statistics for 2020. It’s time to think about online privacy for every user.
Therefore, we’ve decided to tell you more about security measures and create a useful checklist using which you can use to save and protect your data from unauthorized persons.
Infographics: The real picture with online privacy
Evidence shows that real actions do not always support companies’ statements about ensuring internet users’ privacy and security. Although the internet is full of all sorts of valuable recommendations and life hacks, many users are not sufficiently aware of the dangers in the network.
According to research, 63% of users are quite experienced in security issues. But only 56% actually control their online activities.
Many people would like to protect themselves because they understand thateven a low level of social presence when interacting on the internet, carries the risk of being deceived.
Let’s consider some evidence related to the issue of security measures:
- 70% of users admitted that they are confused by the need to provide personal information.
- 25% are willing to share their data.
- 67% of buyers say that they would like to protect themselves further, but none of them use the available opportunities.
- 16% use privacy plugins for a browser.
- 13% use two-factor authentication.
- 11% use a private virtual network.
- 9% use email encryption programs.
- 4% use special software.
When it comes to online privacy and security, not everyone is unanimous. Concerning their data, all users can be divided into 5 types:
1. REACTIVE USERS
- Individuals who created accounts just because it’s the modern thing to do.
- Less social users.
- Old school users.
Among them, only 48% need additional levels of protection and about 59% use social media no more than once a day. Many of these users repeat their privacy mistakes each time they use an internet connection.
The main threat is the repetition of mistakes.
2. LESS TRUSTING USERS
- More cautious users.
Among them, only 48% need additional protection levels and about 59% use social media no more than once a day. Only 38% are sure that they are protected.
The main threat is malware and spyware.
3. PROACTIVE USERS
- Individuals who actively protect their lives on the internet.
- Less secure users.
Among them, 73% of the users will provide their social security numbers if they are asked to do so. About 14% have been previously exposed to identity theft, but their behavior does not change. And 23% will easily provide their credit card details.
The main threat is a fraud.
4. MORE SOCIAL
- Social media stars
Among them, 85% of the users post photos on social networks and about 89% provide full personal information. Only 66% use privacy settings.
The main threat is account hacking.
5. REALISTS
- Proactive people who have taken measures regarding privacy and security.
- More secure users.
- Digital gurus.
Among them, 87% have had security problems in the past and about 85% would like even more protection.
The main threat is duplicate pages.
Check-list on security measures
1. Use secure and different passwords everywhere. Change them regularly. Give preference to two-factor authentication and fingerprint verification, where there are the greatest risks.
Know how to choose reliable passwords. Read Funny Passwords Ever Hacked and use only secure passwords.
2. Don’t tell anyone anything about yourself on the internet. This information may be used for illicit and selfish purposes by hackers.
3. Don’t open strange emails, especially suspicious ones. Don’t click on the links in email.
4. Use anonymous and secure tools for browsing and communication. Check out Utopia P2P ecosystem. It is a decentralized project with built-in messenger, browser, email, wallet, etc.
Know The Clear Advantages of Decentralization and choose the best tool for internet protection.
5. Don’t follow the words “freebie,” “free,” “discount,” “download for free without registration,” and so on.
6. Install and update antivirus programs. This is a crucial step towards improving information security.
7. Don’t post on social media when you’re not home (it can let people know you are not at home). Don’t post photos from your vacation until you get back from your holidays.
Thieves Can Rob Your House Using a Smartphone! New technologies allow recording the sound of the opening lock.
8. Regularly update programs on your computer and apps on your phone. Older versions may have vulnerabilities that will expose you to harm.
9. When you log in to social networks or email from someone else’s computer, don’t forget to log out.
Did you hear about the huge Data Leak of Telegram User Base? This messenger is not as secure as it seems to be.
10. Don’t send confidential information via email or social networks. Immediately delete scans of your passport and documents.
11. Avoid using public Wi-Fi. It can be used to easily steal passwords and other confidential information.
12. Carefully check programs and everything you download from the internet with antivirus software.
13. Don’t respond to spam or suspicious messages.
14. Remember, banks, services, and stores don’t send suspicious emails. They may ask you to click on a link or provide some information. It’s cybercriminals writing to you.
15. Get multiple email addresses: personal, work, entertainment. This will significantly increase the level of security in the network.
How to protect your online correspondence? Read the article What Is Secure Communication? and ensure your online privacy.
16. Get a separate card for online payments, and don’t use a salary card. This will avoid many problems in the future.
17. Check link addresses carefully. Often scammers choose similar names that differ only in one character.
18. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you’re not using it. This will increase information security.
19. Don’t post photos of tickets or other confidential information.
20. Watch movies about hackers. You can notice different schemes of cybercriminals’ work. It helps you to protect yourself online.
The Best Hackers Movies of All Time! Spend the evening with benefits.
21. Don’t save passwords and bank card numbers in the browser.
22. Carefully check the addresses and contacts to which you send important information.
23. Download to your phone only from the App Store, Google Play, and Windows Market.
24. Store backup information on different media. One on your computer, one on an external hard drive, and one on the device of your trusted family member. Instead of the latter, you can use cloud storage.
25. Don’t click on suspicious links on the internet. It’s easy to lose information or catch a couple of viruses.
26. Set a lock on your phone so that no one will be able to use it immediately if you lose it. Install a program to protect your stolen phone and delete information.
27. Disable internet voice assistants that can use data for their own purposes.
More useful tips in the article Fully-Fledged Guide on Ways to Protect Your Data Online.
How to improve internet security?
Many people think that the only way to protect themselves from trouble is to reduce online activity. But today, there are many ways to protect privacy offered by social networks and independent data protection services.
It is very easy to protect yourself: use special software and regulate your own network behavior. Then no cheaters will get information about you, and details of your personal life will not become available to the public.
