In a world of mobile devices, it has never been more important to safeguard your data from cybercriminals. Most people don’t question accessing public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, hotel, airport, or library, but they could expose their personal information to talented hackers.
To remain safe online, you must introduce tactics and tools to shield your information each time you pick up your smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer. Read the following tips on how to protect your data from hackers.
Start Protecting Your IP Address ASAP
Your IP address can reveal much about you online, such as your location, internet service provider, and even your online activity. If you want to stop intelligent hackers from learning where you are and what you are doing, you must protect your IP address as much as possible. A free download VPN will prevent cyber criminals from pinpointing your country, city, and zip code, as they will only have access to the VPN location. It will allow you to browse the net with confidence rather than worrying about your information falling into the wrong hands. When using a VPN to hide your IP address, search “what is my ip” and compare the results with and without VPN.
Be Smarter with Your Passwords
You have likely heard this advice a thousand times before, but you must create a strong, unique password for every account you use. Yet, you might be guilty of creating the same password for your emails, social media profiles, and more.
If you use the same password for various accounts, you will increase your risk of a data breach. Instead, you must create separate passwords for each account you set up online, which could be a mix of three random words and should include characters and numbers. Also, start using a password manager to encrypt each password and ensure you can’t forget them. You’ll be glad you did.
Stop Using Public Wi-Fi
As mentioned earlier, using public Wi-Fi will increase your likelihood of a data breach. As tempting as it might be to use a coffee shop’s internet to check your bank balance or make an online purchase, you must wait until you have a secure connection. If you must use public Wi-Fi to access the internet, do not enter any personal or financial information to prevent your data from falling into unscrupulous hands.
Turn Off Features You Are Not Using
Most people forget to turn off their location after using Google Maps or keep Bluetooth enabled once they have stopped using their wireless headphones. If you are guilty of doing so, you could be opening a door for hackers to gain access to your sensitive information, such as your location. Cybercriminals know how to manipulate features on a device to steal your data, which is why you must turn them off when you no longer need them.
Be Cautious of Every Email You Receive
Email spam filters are much smarter than they used to be, as they can quickly catch and contain a phishing attack before it reaches your inbox. However, many skilled hackers are creating increasingly sophisticated emails that can mimic businesses, colleagues, and even your friends, which could find their way to the top of your email. If you click on a malicious link or open an attachment, you run the risk of a hacker gaining access to your network and data. Be cautious of every email you receive, always check the sender’s name and email address, and avoid clicking on links or files you don’t trust. If in doubt, reach out to a friend, co-worker, or business to identify if a message is legitimate.
If you follow the above helpful advice, you could keep your data safe throughout the years, which will protect your safety and finances.