Internet: Our personal information is stored on some server every day on the Internet – phone numbers, photos, passwords, bank notifications and much more. If these are not handled properly then it becomes easy for hackers to take advantage of them. But there is no need to be afraid. By adopting the 5 secret and effective steps given below, you can make your digital identity and data virtually invisible.
share minimal data
We often give unnecessary information while filling the form: date of birth, parents’ names, old address. Hackers can identify you even through these small things. Whenever any site or app asks for it, give it thoughtfully. Is this information really necessary? If not required then leave it or fill N/A. Keep only essential information on social accounts and limit public profiles.
Use strong passwords and password managers
“123456” and “password” are old things now. Create long, unique and memorable passwords for each account that include uppercase letters, numbers and special characters. Use a password manager (like LastPass, 1Password). They store all your passwords securely and can generate different passwords for each site. Also keep two-factor authentication (2FA) on. This becomes your second fort if your first security door is breached.
Adopt data encryption
If you really want that your files and messages cannot be read under any circumstances, then encrypt them. Prefer some cloud services and messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption. Use a password-protected ZIP or encryption software for sensitive files on your computer. Encryption means data is useless unless it has the correct key.
Clear digital trash regularly
Old accounts, unused apps and overlooked files can become risks. Clean up your email, social media and cloud storage at least once a year. Safely delete any savings, photos or documents that are not necessary. Before selling or giving away any device, perform a factory reset and completely overwrite the storage so that the data cannot be recovered.
be alert
The biggest weapon of hackers is your carelessness. Don’t click on suspicious emails, unknown links, and attachments. Banks or service providers never send passwords in emails. If you receive any such message, then contact the official website or customer support directly. Don’t ignore browser and operating system updates. They bring necessary security patches.
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