More than half of the world’s population have internet access today. To put that in numbers, it is about 3.2 billion people.
With such a massive user base, the internet is now a popular medium to reach many people together. From businesses to politics, and even social issues, the internet is currently used to improve reach by everyone.
Another type of people very much interested in the online population is cyber terrorists. This is because most of us have sensitive information available online, all of which can be accessed by anyone from anywhere with just a few clicks.
If you think that you shouldn’t be concerned about online privacy and security because you only use popular websites, then you should remember that even giants like Facebook, Google, and Microsoft (to name a few) have been hacked in the recent past.
So, for those among you in search of the most popular ways to protect your identity and privacy on the internet, today we are here with some easy yet effective ways to do so.
Top Ways to Protect Online Security and Privacy in 2019
- Use a VPN
Anonymity is the No. 1 step you can take to safeguard yourself on the internet. And there’s no better way to ensure anonymity than using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Using a VPN ensures that all your internet traffic is passed through an intermediary server which makes it harder for any website, service, or person to track your real location and identity.
Even though there are lots of VPN options out there, while choosing one make sure to only opt for the best VPN services available out there so that you do not stand a chance in offering your sensitive data in the wrong hands.
- Manage Your Social Settings
Social media profiles are where we have most of our data stored. Make sure that any sensitive data is hidden from public view. Details like your email address, date of birth, phone number, etc., need not be viewed by the public, so you should keep them private.
Also, avoid adding unnecessary information to your online profiles.
- Stay Away from Unknown Websites and Apps
Most identity thefts and frauds happen when you visit unknown and malware-infected websites. Similarly, data stored on your devices also may be at risk if you install apps from third-party sources and unknown developers.
If you are warned by a web browser or antivirus software while visiting a website, then stay away from it. Also, only download and install apps from the official app store on your device and always read the reviews and check the developer before installing an app. If you feel anything is fishy, then do stay away from installing the application on your device.
- Do Not Provide Official Information Everywhere
Most websites and applications require details such as your email address and phone number. Always have a secondary email address in hand to provide while creating accounts on websites and applications.
On a similar note, try providing a secondary phone number of yours (if you have one) when asked, or make use of some online tool to create a fake phone number just for the purpose of verification.
- Improve the Security of your Online Accounts
Websites and applications have introduced features such as OTP login and two-factor authentication to fight against attacks by cyber-terrorists. Enabling such features ensure that hackers cannot get easy access to your data.
Therefore, enable all the security features established by the service you use. While picking a password, make sure that it has a good length and is unpredictable. Moreover, prevent using the same password on every online account you use.
Final Words
We hope you found this article on how to stay secure and private online in 2019 informative and easy to understand. So, what are the steps that you follow to protect yourself on the internet? Do let us know in the comments below.