Cybersecurity is no joke. Going online, you’d need to care for several factors that can impact your security. Why? Because it’s crucial to protect yourself since hackers are looking for prey constantly.
According to a stat published in Forbes magazine, more than a 15% increase was seen in cyberattacks in 2021, which is quite alarming. In another statement, it was revealed that hackers can penetrate the external layer of any secure network. However, security measures prevent them from entering the local space.
The hackers do this hoping to find a loophole and penetrate it to exploit the users. Whether it’s for extorting information, money, blackmailing, or anything else, you should be prepared at all costs.
For that purpose, we’re listing 10 easy tips for protecting yourself from cyber threats in 2022. Using these, you’ll strengthen your defenses and most likely prevent a cyberattack. So, without further ado, let’s begin:
1. Securing Your Internet Connection
Your internet connection is the first line of defense against hacks. Therefore, you should prioritize acquiring an internet connection from a reputed internet company. In that way, you can expect to have primary defenses, mitigating the instance of a hack.
In case your internet company doesn’t offer such perks, check out internet plans from Windstream. Not only will you enjoy a great service experience but will most likely get enhanced security solutions for better protection against cyber threats. Simply contact their customer service and get the plan of your liking with the help of the representative.
2. Refreshing Your Passwords
A good way to mitigate hackers from attacking your online accounts is to refresh passwords. Most people choose basic passwords, which are easier to remember. However, passwords such as ‘your dog’s name, your DOB, etc.’ are easy to crack for hackers.
Plus, refreshing your passwords is important, especially after logging into an external device, accessing an unsafe website, or suspecting a phishing attempt. For that purpose, use alphanumeric, symbolic, and multiple case passwords.
Again, pick something complex to crack but easier to remember so that it doesn’t become troublesome for you whilst giving enhanced security.
3. Getting A Solid Antivirus
Yes, strong passwords are great but sometimes you need more than that. Acquiring an antivirus is the same as installing a security system in your home. However, even with built-in antiviruses, it’s important to have third-party software installed to stay protected.
Plus, you should acquire paid versions/ premium antiviruses to avail of complete features. It’ll be expensive; however, if you’re someone that works with crucial data, then protecting it should be your top priority.
4. Doing An In-Depth Scan
We stated earlier that acquiring a premium version of antivirus is a good decision. Why? Because it allows running an in-depth scan on your device. Not many know but allowing your antivirus to run a deep scan illuminates hidden malware of a different kind.
This includes spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and numerous others. Not only are such viruses caught, but your antivirus also runs protocols to remove, eliminate, or mitigate the instances, keeping your device secured. In the end, you can rest easy because your antivirus is on guard.
5. Installing Updates Regularly
Almost all of us dislike updates since they take a lot of time during installation. Probably can relate to the iconic scene from ‘Space Force’ where the scientists aren’t able to do anything because of a system update.
However, it’s crucial for your system’s safety that you install updates regularly. Most of us don’t know but not installing updates can result in consequences such as identity theft, software corruption, loss of data, OS failure and so much more.
Therefore, make sure to schedule your updates during free hours of your device’s usage. This will mitigate such instances and will ensure device security too.
6. Avoiding Malicious Websites
Where you need to run defenses on your device, it’s important to step lightly while surfing the internet. Not every website contains user-friendly content or mechanics. Some are designed to run malicious content, which will infect the devices of the users visiting them.
You can identify potentially malicious websites through different signs, including but not limited to:
- Post-visit downloads beginning on their own
- Website asking to run an extension/ program on your device
- Redirecting on every click
- Clickbait tricks; offering giveaways through different clicks
- No HTTPS protection
- Browser warning; antivirus warning
If you face such a site, then it’s better to stay away from it while avoiding downloading anything from it too.
7. Using Authentic Download Sources
Similar to malicious websites, you need to source links that are credible for downloading stuff from the internet. For starters, we can relate to torrents that allow downloading games, software, and whatnot from the internet via third-party sources.
However, little do we know that these files, that are zipped, contain malware that infects the devices. It’s a convenient way of hacking that is quite common, and all due to people downloading data from unreliable sources.
8. Blocking Suspicious Emails
Emails are the biggest source of hacking and phishing campaigns.
That is why it’s important to keep your hands controlled from opening every email and taking the time to recognize the sender. However, what’s more, important is to raise awareness because phishing works on impersonation.
A person claiming to be an organization, vendor, etc. sends a phishing email with clickbait content and malicious links. The users open the email and end up hacked. Users should be trained to recognize such emails and run checks as well as convey information regarding unauthorized attempts to network administrators instantly.
Only then these attacks can be mitigated and you can keep yourself safe from phishing attempts. In case of suspicious happenings, refresh your passwords immediately.
9. Using A VPN
A VPN is a great way of keeping your online presence secure. It allows users to utilize virtual IP addresses from different locations. It even allows access to certain sites blocked in your region. However, a paid VPN works the best so does a free one but with limited features (a similar case to antivirus).
10. Masking Your IP
Although hackers themselves mostly use this technique, masking an IP allows users to conceal their identities online. It’s not necessarily for fraudulent activities and sometimes domestic and commercial users can use it to proceed cautiously on the internet.
However, if you’re using a paid VPN tool, then there’s no need for such an advanced protection method. Still, if it makes you feel secure, it’s a good way of fortifying your defenses.
Closing Thoughts
The online world is full of hackers that are ready to pounce on unprotected prey. Therefore, strengthening your position, online and offline, is crucial. With the abovementioned methods, you can now run checks and solidify your barriers against unauthorized access on your devices whilst maintaining peace of mind.
Simply invest in paid tools, acquire internet from a reliable provider, and run updates regularly to obtain a high level of protection, and you’ll be sorted for good.
