Photo by Philipp Katzenberger on Unsplash
Internet access is essential for most people, with the majority of services moving operations online to improve access and convenience. Everything from grocery shopping and gaming to banking can be done using desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices.
Improving connectivity has made it easier than ever before to enjoy strong connections that facilitate gaming, streaming, shopping, and all manner of things we now take for granted.
Unfortunately, as tech continues to improve, so do the sophisticated techniques used by cyber criminals. That is why consumers must do everything they can to protect their devices, accounts, and data from falling into the wrong hands.
Protect Personal Details by Using Cryptocurrencies
The best way to minimize the threat of criminals stealing sensitive data is by not putting it online. However, that is easier said than done with so many businesses and services moving online.
Online payments can be risky if you are unsure about a site, and even legitimate sites with robust security protocols could be hacked. This makes entering card or bank details something that many are keen to avoid.
Using third-party payment platforms and systems like PayPal or Apple Pay can add an additional level of security, but your details are still stored online.
One way to avoid sharing sensitive data is by using cryptocurrencies to make payments. This option has grown in popularity in recent years, especially with online casinos where consumers can make quick and easy deposits or withdrawals without providing the site with too many details. Some of the best casino apps reviewed by CasinoBeats are platforms that offer players near-instant transactions, along with much-needed privacy and anonymity. This is a great option for players using offshore sites.
US support for cryptocurrencies has improved under the new political regime, and this has led to a spike in value for some of the well-established cryptocurrencies.
This has resulted in more businesses accepting cryptocurrencies, giving consumers a greater choice of payment methods. Crypto's blockchain technology also provides greater transparency, with external auditors able to see all transactions associated with businesses and services.
Enable Multifactor Authentication
Making sure you are the only one who can access your site is another key part of improving your cyber security.
Multi-factor authentication requires users to prove who they are by entering an email, as well as confirming through other means. This can include receiving a text or email through numbers or addresses associated with the account. The user can receive a one-time use code that has to be entered within a pre-defined time limit.
Biometric authentication is also being implemented by some sites and apps. Emerging mobile technology allows users to make use of face recognition, fingerprint, and retinal scan tech to ensure the only person who can access the account is you.
Many new mobile devices use face recognition technology, and apps are utilizing these existing options to enhance security.
Regularly Change Passwords and Keep Them Random
Password management is one of the easiest things to keep on top of, but it is also something that many modern consumers neglect.
It might seem a lot easier to use a simple password for all of your accounts. However, it means that if hackers get into one account, they can get into them all.
Regularly changing your password is recommended, and you should never use common terms or things associated with your identity. Avoid names, dates of birth, sports teams, and other obvious options.
Using a random string of letters and numbers, using lower and upper case letters, as well as adding in special characters, makes it almost impossible for hackers to guess.
Dedicated password management sites can help with this by creating unique passwords, while making it easy for you to access all of your accounts.
Automate Updates
Many businesses and brands have their dedicated apps that are specially designed to offer the user the best experience possible. Keeping up with updates is important as operators will constantly improve them and create fixes for bugs, or improve security.
Many consumers will avoid updates that pop up when trying to use an app, instead opting to do it at another time. However, this can be dangerous as criminals will still be able to exploit weaknesses until the app is updated.
Rather than agreeing to an update when you would prefer to use an app, automating the process allows these updates to take place as soon as they are ready. This means that the apps will be ready for you to use on most occasions, and you won't be put off improving security.
Use a Secure Network
Using a secure network will minimize the risk of information you are sending to sites being intercepted. Avoid public wifi when possible, and installing a VPN can help.
A VPN will encrypt the information you send and help to protect your location. Most cyber criminals are opportunistic, and having as much protection as possible in place can deter them, as it can often be too time-consuming to pursue.
Check the Credibility of the Sites You Use
With social media, targeted ads, and email marketing, we are inundated with advertisements for more things than ever before. This could be products or sites based on your recent searches, but how do we know which sites are legitimate?
Secure sites should have an address that begins with HTTPS and have a padlock icon next to the URL. This ensures a secure and encrypted connection.
Another way to check the legitimacy of a site is by searching for independent review sites where consumers can leave their experiences. Adverts can often show products or services at competitive prices, but making sure the seller will protect your data is essential.