What You Need to Know About Internet Security
Read this article to know how the meaning of Internet Security has changed over the past decade. Know from experts what is important to keep yourself and your data safe when browsing online and using different mobile applications which have access to your personal information.
Internet security is an absolute must-have, whether you're a business or an individual. It will keep you protected in the event of cyberattacks and genuine mistakes. Sometimes, it's not always our fault when we fell victim to a cyberattack. An ostensibly harmless and innocent file could contain something much more sinister than we initially suspected. Here are a few ways you can improve your internet security, and why it's so important,Complacency is a Weakness
One of the biggest threats to your information and computer is not necessarily just how weak your passwords are, or what version of antivirus you're using — it's how complacent you are. Many people live with the mentality that it won't happen to them or that is will simply never affect them. By being too laid back about the possibility of being affected by malware, you are less likely to take precautions such as:
By not assuming that you will never be affected, you will inevitably be far more vigilant and aware. Truly anyone can be a victim of this, no matter how careful you are. Don't Delay Downloading Software
In the same vein as not being complacent, you should also not delay downloading internet security software to protect your web browser.Internet security providers such as Trend Micro specialize in protecting devices and internet security, particularly those who use the IoT (internet of things). These are devices that are connected to many different devices and data sources, which makes them incredibly susceptible to attacks. It's Not Just About Strong Passwords
Strong passwords (upper and lower case letters with numbers and special characters) are vital for keeping criminals out of your files. However, this isn't the be-all and end-all of how to keep your passwords extra safe. You should also be changing them on a regular basis. If you have multiple users in your home or business, you should automate the system to ask for a change of password every few months.Backing Up is Essential
Malicious viruses such as ransomware are not just terrifying because someone may have gotten hold of our valued information — it's also the possibility of losing our data. Many of us might not be able to pay back the ransom, for example. This is why it's essential to keep a backup copy of all of your information. Ideally, you should be using cloud software to store all of your data online and keep a second copy. Hard drives are fine; however, there is always the likelihood (if only a small one) that they could corrupt. Encryption
If you cannot bear the thought of cybercriminals getting their hands on some of your valued and important data, then the best practice for using your smart devices online is to choose a service that uses encryption. WhatsApp famously uses encryption to protect its messages, so this might be a preferable option over Facebook Messenger, for example. Using a VPN offers a complete encrypted communication channel online, both while sending and receiving data. If you want to keep your documents safe on your devices, you can buy folder encryption software which will keep your data safely out of the hands of cybercriminals or save it online on encrypted cloud storage.Your Online Behavior is Just as Important
Unsurprisingly, how you behave is just as important for protecting your computer — it's not just about preventative measures. For example, if you notice a website is not listed as secure, then you should not enter any personal details into it. This means that you should not purchase anything from it either, as this will give them your payment details which could easily be used by online criminals. The same goes for email messages to relatively unknown recipients, and indeed internet forums. While most of us would never dream of putting our payment details on an internet forum, other personal details could be used to gain access to your accounts (and passwords).
Staying safe online is just as important as the precautionary measures you invest in. Remember, too, when you do purchase anti-virus software, to check all the settings are used to their full potential. Some settings can be used to flag potentially harmful websites and initiate automatic scans. Updating your software, too, is just as important for keeping your computer safe. Postponing those updates, even if it does mean restarting your computer momentarily, will leave your devices vulnerable to hackers who benefit from complacency. In the meantime, back up your data and encrypt the information if you are worried about hackers getting their hands on it.
