According to Malwarebytes, one of the leading anti-malware software programs available, one-third of all internet users report feeling unsafe while browsing online.
As more and more of our daily operations move online, ensuring digital safety should be a top priority for everyone. If you want to feel safe online, here are some of the best practices you should follow.
Turn on Your VPN
Each device you own has a distinct internet protocol address (often called an IP address) that identifies you, your devices, and your browsing activities. One way to remain anonymous is to connect to a VPN (a virtual private network).
Connecting to a VPN creates a secure connection between your device and a computer network or between two networks using an insecure communication medium such as the public Internet. Put simply, a VPN will encrypt your connection and let you remain anonymous while browsing online.
Numerous VPN providers, including industry professionals like Mysterium VPN, are available, and you can choose one based on your budget, the number of devices you want to protect, and your safety needs.
Purchase a Rotating Residential Proxy Service
Rotating residential proxies are quickly gaining critical importance because of their ability to bypass website restrictions and mask digital footprints, making them indispensable for only safety.
The term “residential” tells us these proxies use IP addresses from standard internet service providers, like Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, and others. “Rotating” indicates their frequent IP address changes, which boost anonymity and lower detection risks.
You can choose from many different rotating residential proxies service providers like GoProxies, which offer access to over 12 million high-speed rotating residential IPs worldwide.
Educate Yourself
While the saying “Ignorance is bliss” is true in some aspects, it’s not the case when it comes to online safety. The best way to maintain your privacy and security online is to educate yourself on the possible dangers that you may encounter.
It’s essential to learn about topics like cyberbullying, online predators, identity theft, malware, phishing attempts, and the precautions you should take when sharing personal information.
Many free resources are available to learn more about digital safety. Do a quick Google search, pick which format works best for you (videos, quizzes, printable documents), and arm yourself with the power of knowledge!
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
If you only use your email and password to log into your favorite sites, listen up; this one’s for you! On average, it takes an ill-meaning hacker all of 2 seconds to hack a 7-character-long password and gain access to your accounts.
Using multi-factor authentication will add an extra layer of security to your profiles. Even if someone cracks your password, your account will stay safe because the hacker doesn’t have access to your email or phone number, which are used to prove your identity and account ownership.
There are a few types of multi-factor authentication: time-based one-time passwords (you receive a one-time code), SMS or email codes (which are sent to a device only you have access to), biometric authentication (your fingerprint or facial recognition), and hardware codes, which are most often used in high-security environments.
Toughen up Your Login Information
As we said before, the average 7-character password can be hacked in less than five seconds. This is why you’ve probably noticed that nowadays, when you try to create a new account, there are many password requirements – uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, special characters, and words unrelated to your personal information, like your name.
Edward Snowden, the National Security Agency whistleblower, recommends making your passwords easy to remember and hard to think of. In an interview with TV host John Oliver, Snowden suggested that your passwords should contain a random phrase instead of a few random words.
Regularly Update Your Software
We know that constant pop-ups reminding you to update your software can be really annoying. However, they’re equally essential to maintaining your device’s functionality and protecting yourself online.
Old and outdated software is vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. That’s why developers often include antivirus updates when they produce software updates. These updates continue to improve their products and keep users safe from new viruses and malware.
Final Thoughts on Staying Safe Online
Online threats grow in proportion to the time each of us spends online. And it’s up to us, the online community, to protect ourselves and our closest friends and family from any possible dangers that we may face online.
There are many ways to stay safe online, from updating your passwords and educating yourself to purchasing a rotating residential proxy service.
