Cybersecurity Tips to Avoid Exposing Yourself Online

 Cybersecurity Tips to Avoid Exposing Yourself Online

1. Strong Passwords

Although in many pages it is already a requirement, we must try to have secure keys on whatever platform we use: keys that include special characters, uppercase and lowercase, and interleaved numbers. Firms like Norton offer strong password generators that are very robust. And if you use a good password repository, a secure one, you won't have to remember them every time you want to access a service. On the other hand, experts recommend not using the same password on several platforms, since not all pages have the same level of security.

2. Protect Your Personal Network From Potential Intruders

Modern routers have good levels of security, but many people forget to change their factory default passwords. And neglecting this is giving cybercriminals a fantastic gateway to all the devices on your network, either to steal valuable information or to use your computers for obscure purposes. And this is something key, as there are more and more devices connected to the internet at home.

3. Identify the Most Common Criminal Practices

One of the best known is 'phishing', which consists of the impersonation of organizations or companies to request personal data, of great value on the black market. The goal ranges from selling databases to getting bank details - if they can get users to reveal them - to robbing people. There is also the 'ransomware' or 'hijacking software', an email or website includes a link that, when clicked, initiates a download that renders the device unusable until receiving payment for its 'release'.

4. Official Bodies Do Not Ask Users for Data via Email

Official entities, whether banking or state, should never ask for personal data by means of an electronic message, much less with an external questionnaire or with a simple “answer here”. The email is usually only used for advertising campaigns or to provide information.

5. Question Unknown Senders

When receiving emails, and especially if they contain alarming messages such as "your account will be frozen", it is advisable to carefully check the address from which it comes. The most skilled tend to imitate the originals with only subtle changes. One reason for suspicion should be the inclusion of numeric or special characters in the sender. If it happens to you and you have doubts, go to the official page or contact the service supposedly in trouble directly. And never click on any link that comes in that email.

6. Don't Rely Only on 'Spam' Blocks

Experts say that browser filters that prevent the arrival of unwanted messages or pop-ups are usually effective. However, they can fail if they are not properly updated. The same happens with antivirus, which is a bet on the probability of criminals.

7. Go to Official Stores

Making purchases and payments on the web is usually very simple, but you must not lose sight of certain care. You have to verify that the applications or pages are safe, most offer some guarantee, and if you do not have one, you have to review the information you provide: where they have a fiscal address, what data they collect from users, and for what purpose, payment methods and return policy.

8. Know the Possible Payment Methods

To make payments online, you have to choose the most appropriate method according to the type of purchase. Credit or debit cards, for example, can be the most convenient, but if there is no web security, it can be very risky. In these cases, it is better to use independent payment platforms such as PayPal or PSE, which act as intermediaries between us and the seller, and the store does not have access to our data.

9. Handle Sensitive Data With Care

When working or sharing sensitive information, special care must be taken online. To begin with, many companies suggest using internal or exclusive chats and, if you don't have them, sharing the information through PDF files and not directly copied as a message. They also recommend not to make copies, if not necessary, of information about workers, clients, or the professional activity of a person.

10. Beware of 'Fake News'

Many digital scammers hide behind false news or misleading advertisements that they spread both on social networks and via 'e-mail' to redirect us to a malicious address. Therefore, before sharing any link or content, you must check that its sources are reliable.

11. Attention to the Web Address

Be careful to browse only websites that start with HTTPS (not HTTP). They tend to be more secure and the information will be more protected. These have a green padlock to the left of the URL.

12. Download Only the Necessary Files

As mentioned before, cybercriminals can hide in topics of interest or pretend to be official communications so that we download attachments. Therefore, before downloading any file, its importance and, of course, its origin must be evaluated. This, in addition, to take care of the memory of the device.

13. Intruders in Video Conferencing

Before starting the video conferences, make sure that all the participants in the call are known. Also in shared documents that are open to the public and can provide important information.

14. Disable Add-ons

Browsers are often full of search engines or utilities that, in some cases, collect our browsing data or maybe ways to introduce viruses or malicious 'software'. But all browsers include in the options controls of the add-ons ('plugins') that allow you to uninstall or disable those of doubtful nature.

15. Keep the 'software' Updated

Finally, it is necessary to keep both the operating system and the installed programs and applications updated with their latest version to prevent possible vulnerabilities from affecting our privacy on the network. Likewise, it is necessary to check that the antivirus is up to date and that it is reliable like Complete Security Software, since not all have the same capabilities, less if they come from free downloads or if they are trial.