In this guide, we will discuss some tips to secure your online identity to protect your privacy. By making simple changes to your device, data, settings, and online account, you can strengthen the security against outside vulnerabilities. Also, you can protect your privacy from unauthorized elements if you don’t consent to share your personal information.
Improving the security of devices and online accounts takes time, but it’s worth spending time on protecting your data and personal identity.
As a quick round-up, you should keep the following points in mind while surfing online.
- Use Unique Passwords
- Enable Multi-factor Authentication
- Get A Virtual Private Network
- Install Antivirus Software
- Inspect the Security Tools
- Use Different Email Addresses
- Assign A Passcode
- Turn Off the Save Password Feature
- Protect Your Social Media Privacy
- Clear Cache
Use Unique Passwords
For every account you have online (as well as offline), use unique passwords. With the same username and password credentials, it would be easier for hackers to break into your personal information, log in to banking accounts, and reveal financial statements.
Creating strong passwords comprising letters, numbers, and symbols for each account can prevent a hacking attempt and is a great way to secure your online identity.
Enable Multi-factor Authentication
Setting up multi-factor authentication or two-factor authentication is time-consuming, but they securely shield your account against hacking attempts. With 2fa in place, you have to undergo an extra step of authentication that requires providing the OTP received on registered contact or email.
If you wonder how to enable 2fa for online accounts, it’s simple and you should have it on your bank accounts, email accounts, and social media accounts too.
Get A Virtual Private Network
As a digital worker, you must be working from different locations. Sometimes, you need to sign in to your email account or download an app sitting in a cafe. Connecting to a free WiFi network involves many risks but people usually use it without realizing the vulnerabilities attached.
When you connect to a WiFi that you don’t own, make sure to use a VPN or a Virtual Private Network as it encrypts your network information and hides your IP address from hackers.
Install Antivirus Software
An antivirus application is a must to ensure robust security across online and offline accounts. There are a variety of malicious programs such as ransomware, Trojan horses, bots, and more that attack your system and data in different ways.
Having a responsive antivirus app will protect you, your information, and your online accounts against major security risks.
Inspect the Security Tools
Some security tools available in the market protect your information and identity from external threats, given that you know how to use them properly. Explore these tools to understand the features and functions they offer.
For example, your smartphone allows you to find it when lost, but you should enable this option and learn how to use it to your benefit.
Use Different Email Addresses
Creating different email accounts for different purposes reduces security risk manifolds. This will help you prevent your online identity and keep the information separate. If you receive a phishing message claiming to be from your bank, you know it’s fake.
When you create separate email accounts, make sure to use different and unique passwords for each account. Use a password manager for creating passwords and keeping them safe.
Assign A Passcode
Without a passcode, anyone can access the information stored within your mobile and computer. Many smartphones allow users to set up a four-digit PIN while you can also use biometric authentication, set up passwords, or enable Touch ID to prevent illegal access.
Different devices offer different ways to set strong passwords that are hard to decode. Similar to passwords, set up unique and strong passwords for all your devices.
Turn Off the Save Password Feature
Several web browsers include native password management features that save your password claiming that they will protect your account from various risks. Don’t allow browsers to save your password information.
At first, it seems convenient to save the password details to enable faster login to online accounts, but this can be a lot more riskier at a later stage.
Secure Online Identity on Social Media
Your social media accounts know more about you than your near and dear ones. By using a third-party tool, you can download your Facebook posts to check the amount of information you have shared online. Ignore unexpected messages that you receive from an unknown person.
So, reduce the volume of information you share on social media channels. Don’t sign in to your bank account using the same username and password you use to log in to social platforms.
Clear Cache
Saved searches, saved cookies, and your browsing history reveal a lot about your identity. Be sure to clear browser cache and browser cookies for better security over data, devices, and accounts.
Deleting cache not only protects your online identity in different ways but it also helps make space on storage media.
So, these are some potential tips that will help you to secure your online accounts from unauthorized access.
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