Internet is a whole different world. Just like we exist in this physical world, we have a presence online in the virtual world as well. What would you do if some stranger around your street knew everything about you? We are so busy with hectic routines that we tend to forget about our online presence and the damage that we can face if someone misuses our information. October is the month of cybersecurity and protection in the US. It is important to know how you can safeguard your online presence.

How can you protect your identity and information online?

There are many hackers online who can have an access to your personal information that you add to online websites, there are many ways to protect your data. For instance, if you choose Windstream internet you will be getting anti-virus or online protection with their internet service you will get a surety that your data will be protected.

Always make sure to keep your password-protected:

We use different websites and create different accounts online, we give our credit details online and it can be harmful so we should create unique passwords that cover different symbols and alphanumeric keys as well, it will make your password stronger.

Add security questions:

When you do online shopping or simply pay your bill online, you always provide your financial details which can be risky. When you create an account online on a website, you always get an option to create or add a security question about any personal stuff. Always make sure that you create a security question as it protects your account.

Add a valid number for security purposes:

When you create an email id, you use it for different purposes. You can have a personal email id as well as an official one. When you are creating a new email or even in an existing email id, you have an option to provide a phone number where you will get a notification if someone tries to login into your account. This is a safe way and the best manner to add more protection to your account because you will get notified if an unrecognized person tries to access your account.

People hesitate in providing their number but when you are aware of the advantages you will be satisfied. You can add your number if you want to stay alert.

Download Anti-Virus software:

As mentioned above, you can choose an internet provider that offers security along with their service or you can do that by downloading good anti-virus software. You just need to add it to the search bar and choose an anti-virus software. You will have different options, some software requires payment and some are free of cost. This software gives you an alert if the website is malicious one or you also get an option to scan your files that keeps your data protected. It is a good practice if you want your details to stay safe.

Try few simple tricks:

There are different ways to be a smart online user. You need to know how to be there in the online world and save yourself.

  1. Once you create your strong password, don’t leave it that way. Usually, people keep the same password for months and they don’t change their password. It is a good practice to change your password after every 3 months. It keeps your data protected.
  2. We usually use public internet through Wi-Fi hotspots, we all love free internet, right? Let us tell you when you allow internet access through your Wi-Fi, anyone can have access to your details through that internet connection, just make sure when you are using that internet connection, you are not adding any information online that is sensitive. You can also download anti-virus apps on your mobile phone through the play store for free. It will keep your device safe.
  3. When you are using a public computer for instance in any café or a library, don’t give your credit or financial details to anyone online or don’t add it on any website. People can have an access to their data by checking the cookies of the browser that you might use on the computer. It is a good practice to avoid adding personal information anywhere when you are using public computers.
  4. Make sure that you use good websites. If your browser gives an alert of security when you visit any website, don’t use it because it can have a virus. You should be a little careful before opening any unknown links.
  5. Don’t open emails that have links and ask you to open it if it is not from a source that you are aware of. Most people lose their information through viruses that enter through email ids.