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When it comes to online security the only person you can really trust with your information and data is yourself. That is why it is extremely important to take measures to improve your security online and protect your personal measures. There are several ways you can do this, from using a VPN to play online if you are interested in gaming to other steps, including installing antivirus software and having different passwords for each login. Below we will discuss a number of the different ways in which you can improve your internet security.
Install an Antivirus and Keep it Updated
Antivirus software helps to protect your computer from cyber attacks that can steal personal information and data. This is crucial in ensuring that sensitive data such as email and online banking logins are kept secure. Once you download antivirus software, it is important that you remember to update it when you can. This enables the software to remain effective in blocking cyber-attacks and will help keep all of your important information safe.
Get a VPN and Use It
Another way in which you can shield yourself from potential online threats is by using a VPN. This is especially important when you are connecting to a network that you don’t own. This could be a public Wi-Fi network in a cafe or whilst using a hotspot. VPNs work by encrypting all of your internet traffic routed through the VPN instead, which means no one else will be able to access the information.
In addition, VPNs also hide your IP address which means that no one will be able to find your location whilst you use the internet. This is also useful whilst playing games online as other players on the same network will not be able to locate your IP address making your overall experience much more secure.
Use a Unique Password for Every Login
It can be very easy to use the same password for every login you have because it is much easier to remember; however, you should avoid doing this at all costs. If somehow your password is leaked, then this will give access to all of your logins, meaning that all of your personal data will be at risk. Whilst creating a password, it is important that it is a simple name or thing. Instead, it should have upper case and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. This will make it much more difficult for someone to guess your login information.
Having a different password for every online account can make it quite tricky to remember everything. This is where a password manager comes in, which only requires a single password to access your login information for all your accounts. A password manager also speeds up the process of logging in, as once you type the master password, you will automatically be logged into whatever account you are trying to access.
Use Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is one of the best ways to strengthen the security of your online accounts. It requires you to verify your identity through two forms of authentication, which can come in the form of facial recognition or a fingerprint. This usually involves using your mobile phone to verify your login on your computer. If you don’t have either of the authentication options mentioned above, then you can use a code that will get sent to your phone, which you can then type into your computer to access your account. The reason multi-factor authentication is so powerful is that even if someone knows the login details to your account, they won’t be able to access it without your mobile phone.
Use Different Email Addresses for Different Accounts
Using different email addresses for different accounts is a great way to distinguish between legitimate emails and phishing scams. An example of this would be receiving an email from your bank account that has been sent to the email that you only use for social media. You then know, without any further investigation, that the email is fraudulent and you can avoid being scammed.
