The perils of Internet, many. The hope is to encourage
more responsibility when we use the Internet and mobile technology. That can
mean a lot of things and can be as simple as being more respectful online. There
are a few ways through which we can save ourselves from harmful malwares and
losing our data to malicious hands on Internet.
1.
Use two-factor authentication
With two-factor
authentication, users have to provide, in addition to a typical
password, a one-time code when using a log-in service. In most cases, the code
is sent to your phone — in a text message, for example. So after entering your
password, you then have to put in what's basically a one-time second password. Based
on your preferences, two-factor authentication can occur every time you log in
to something or only occasionally, like when logging into an account on a new
device. Many major websites offer two-factor confirmations. Google was
among the first. But now a bevy of them — including Apple's
iCloud, Dropbox, Microsoft, Twitter and Facebook — offer some form of login approval.
2.
Update your browser and devices NOW!
Browsers, operating systems and mobile devices often need
updates. Sure, this can be a pain. Many times, updates are intended to patch
just-now-discovered security problems. Researchers are constantly finding new
security holes that cyber attackers can exploit. So if an update notice comes
through, never hesitate. It could be the difference between losing 15 minutes
of your time and a hacker gaining control of your computer.
3.
Use unique passwords and a password manager
People are really bad at
making strong passwords. In 2014, the most common leaked passwords were
"123456" and "password." It's also typical for people to
include their birth year (especially those born between 1989 and 1992) in their
passwords. Hackers are up to your tricks. For each login, each website, each
service, you should be using unique passwords that have nothing to do with a
dead pet or your birthday. "But how do I remember all these
passwords?" you might be asking. Well, you don't have to.
There are a number of good password management services,
such as LastPass or 1Password
that can generate and store login information in a virtual vault. Some even
offer security-checking features that will let you know if you have duplicate
or weak passwords.
4.
Get a Google security checkup
It takes a few minutes to run some quick tests on your
Google accounts. The feature offers an
overview of your recent sign-in activity (to see if any unusual devices are
logging into your accounts). With the checkup, users can also grant and revoke
account permissions on their devices, as well as add recovery information —
such as a phone number — to help Google get in touch if something is up with
your accounts.
5.
Use HTTPS whenever you can
HTTPS is
the secure version of hypertext transfer protocol — the letters that come
before the "www." in a web address. That last "S" can
provide a big difference, however. HTTPS works to promote bi-directional encryption of information sent between you and a website's
servers.
It isn't perfect. HTTPS will not protect you from,
say, government
surveillance, but it can be surprisingly sophisticated in its
protections. BMW, for example, failed to use HTTPS when transmitting
data via its Connected Drive car system. That made the car
vulnerable to remote hackers, who could have exploited that oversight to open
car doors. Most major websites are compatible with HTTPS, but it is best to be
cognizant of the web addresses you're using. There are tools, too, such
as HTTPS
Everywhere browser extension that works to automatically switch
any HTTP address over to HTTPS.
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