4 Ways To Stay Safe Online - MissLJBeauty

4 Ways To Stay Safe Online

 

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Internet security. How good is yours, and are you confident that no one can infiltrate your defences? Studies have shown that around three-quarters of Brits worry about internet safety, yet not everyone has all of their connectable devices covered and protected.


A lapse in attention to your online protection is all it takes for a hacker to breach your defences and gain access to your sensitive information. From here, they can be privy to details such as your banking app login details, your private accounts, name, address, NI insurance number, employer details and more. Anything and everything you do online will be ripe for those who plan to use it for nefarious acts, and the impact this can have on your life and finances can be immense.


So, how do you avoid this happening and protect yourself against the ongoing threat of digital crime and cyber criminals?


VPN

A VPN can offer you extra protection when it comes to browsing the web. If you are looking at how to protect your ip address from others, then a VPN can be the answer. It can add a layer of secrecy to your online activities and ensure that none of your details, passwords and, indeed, your IP address are available to others to steal and use without your consent.


Update Software

Using outdated software can unintentionally allow hackers to access your information, thanks to exploiting weaknesses in older versions. It doesn't matter what type of software you have; updating everything when it needs it means it can benefit from fixes and patches to reduce this risk and ensure that everything is safe and secure.


Multi-Factor Authentication

What this means is allowing for more than one way to access your account than a password. It can be enabling biometrics, having a passcode, the provider or website sending you an email or text with a code to enter to log in or answering a personal security question.


Multi-factor authentication makes it harder for people not to try to hack your accounts, as they don't just need the password. They also need that little bit extra. Let's say someone tried to log into one of your social media accounts, and you had it set up so that a text message is triggered with a code to enter. You will still get that code on your mobile phone, and if you didn't request it, your account is safe until you log in and enter the code. From here, you can change the password to prevent it from happening again.


Check Websites Are Legit

There are a few ways you can check the legitimacy of a website you are using. First, the URL needs to have a https at the beginning. If it's missing the s on the end, then chances are it isn't secure, and you could potentially give your details to any scammer who might be hosting or able to access the site; this is especially important if you are buying anything. Again, if the website doesn't have the green padlock in the search bar, it's not safe or secure. Lastly, fake websites are typically littered with spelling and grammatical mistakes, and things might seem off. If something doesn't feel right, then close it down.

Another way to ensure that the websites you visit are genuine, especially when downloading software or playing online games, seek out reviews and feedback from trusted sources before engaging. Engage only with sites that are well-known and have a track record of reliability; this is crucial if you’re entering personal data or making transactions. Remember, it is safest to only play online games through trusted platforms, avoiding any risks associated with unknown sites. Verify the website’s contact information and ensure they have genuine customer service options available. Lastly, always check the privacy policy of the website to understand how your information will be used and protected



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