Protect Online Privacy: How to Stay Safe Online

Summary: Common mistakes and bad user habits can compromise cyber security online and expose business and personal data to hackers. Make the computer safety tips listed below part of your online routine to reduce the risk of a cyberattack.

Today, there are more than 5 billion internet users worldwide, and it is estimated that 85 percent of Americans log on every day. As with most of our daily routines, we can get sloppy and complacent about security over time. Shortcuts and impatience can cause users to make mistakes, and in the world of online security, those mistakes can lead to devastating cyberattacks.

Online security is not just about installing antivirus software. There is no single set-and-forget option to protect your data and personal privacy from all cyber threats, because new threats emerge every day. Robust cyber security requires many layers to secure your private data and protect your computer and network. Fortunately, the most common bad habits can be identified and improved.

Ten Computer Safety Tips to Help You Stay Safe Online

• Using Weak Passwords – There is no excuse for anyone to use weak passwords. The days of safely using and reusing 2222 or your birthday or anniversary as a password are long gone. Using long, strong, unique, multi-character passwords is the first layer of defense against cyberattacks. Strong passwords should include upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters like exclamation points and stars. They should not be related to you in any way. The rule of thumb is that the weaker the password, the more likely you will get hacked. If you are having trouble creating and remembering passwords, consider installing a password manager on all computers and mobile phones. IT security experts now recommend that everyone use one.
• Failing to Use a Password Manager – Password managers can generate very strong passwords and securely store them for you. Quality password managers eliminate the worry about where you wrote down a password and can be accessed on any device you use. (For the record, writing passwords down on paper is a terrible idea.) Password managers do add another step to logging in to accounts, but they greatly improve cybersecurity. They will alert you to change your login information when any of your passwords becomes part of a known data breach or is already in use on another one of your accounts.
• Sharing Your Devices – You might have complete trust in the friend or coworker with whom you share your computer devices. But even if they can be trusted not to intentionally compromise your computer or data, they could accidentally expose you to a cyberattack. For example, if they check their email through your machine, they might click on a malicious link or download a document embedded with malware. Not everyone uses the same best practices and common sense when using computers; therefore, it is safer to avoid sharing devices.
• Reviewing Emails Without Considering Cyber Security – Rushing through personal and business email and impulsively clicking on links and attachments is a recipe for disaster. Users must be trained in security awareness methods to inspect domain names, email addresses and other identifying factors included in emails to ensure they are from a trusted source. Hackers count on users being unaware of their cyber vulnerabilities. Think before you click because one wrong click can launch a cyberattack. (Over 90% of phishing attacks are launched when an employee clicks on a dangerous link.) If an email looks unusual, consider contacting the sender another way to verify they sent you an attachment. Set up cyber security awareness training for your employees.
• Leaving Devices Turned On All The Time – When devices are left on all the time, they are open to various attacks through your network, Bluetooth or wireless connections. By never shutting them down, you decrease the lifespan of your devices and leave them open to attacks that run in the background without your knowledge. Shut down when you are done for the day. You and your computers will sleep better.
• Using Public USB Charging Stations – Charging your phone at a public USB port might be convenient. However, a public port can damage your device due to power issues, and if a cybercriminal compromises the port, they can take control of your device, breach your data and attack your network. Avoid USB chargers in public places such as airports and bars to help protect online privacy.
• Doing Personal Work on Business Devices – Many businesses have suffered data breaches from employees breaking business internet security protocols and performing personal activities on company computers. Keep business and personal computer work separate, meaning separate devices and separate networks. Do not let children or roommates use work computers.
• Installing Bad Software – Downloading software from unknown sources is dangerous. Cyberthieves create fake sites and landing pages for “Free Software” and, in doing so, lure users into downloading their malicious software. Stick to reputable app stores and vendors; if you aren’t sure about a software app’s authenticity, don’t download it. 
• Forgetting to Use Your VPN – Although business internet security platforms emphasize the importance of using VPNs when working remotely, surprisingly, few users activate them. Ironically, even if the VPNs are pre-installed, most users are not diligent about logging on to the internet through them. VPNs use tunneling technology to create a network within your network. Next, they encrypt your data and transmit it via a different IP address that could be anywhere in the world. For example, you might be working on your laptop, waiting for a plane, but a cybercriminal attempting to breach your network and steal your data sees your IP address pinging in Canada. VPNs make you almost invisible to hackers trying to breach your online activities. Even if they manage to grab your data, its encryption will turn it into computer gibberish.
• Not Updating Software – Security online includes keeping software up to date. You can even set this simple task up to happen automatically. However, many users are lazy or forgetful about updating software. The problem with that approach is that they are missing out on security updates (fixes or patches) developers have created to tighten up their product’s cyber security and overall function. The updates are free, so why not install them?

By following these simple online security and computer safety tips, you will take a big step toward securing all your Internet activities. Every online security step you take helps reduce the risk of a cyberattack. Free password managers, VPNs and security software are generally not recommended by IT professionals. Contact your IT technician to get a recommendation for a quality password manager, VPN or antivirus software. They can install the right one for your needs and show you how to use it. Neglecting business internet security can result in devastating and costly consequences for company owners, employees and clients. Knowing how to stay safe online can protect you, your business and your connected online community.