In this digital landscape of rapidly evolving technologies, we use most of our time on web browsers for work and pastimes. Have you ever wondered if your passwords or data could be at risk while browsing?
Web browsers are not as trustworthy as people assume, which creates the need for password managers like the Firefox password manager extension and others to safeguard your digital life from vulnerabilities.
In this article, we will learn how you can enhance your online security with efficient practices to keep your credentials secure. Read on to ensure the protection of sensitive information.
Tips to Stay Secure Online
The digital landscape is evolving quickly, and cybercriminals are devising new ways to target Internet users. When you browse, you expose yourself to the volatile industry’s potential threats.
Elevate the security and keep your digital presence hidden from prospective ransomware or cyber-attacks.
Secure Internet Connection
There are moments when you don’t have any direct control over the security of the public internet connection. If you are outside and using public Wi-Fi, avoid making personal transactions that include sensitive data, such as banking and online shopping.
If you must do these activities, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), as it protects the data you send over the unsecured network with real-time encryption. Either way, using public Wi-Fi is not advisable as it comes with prospective threats that could put you in a difficult situation.
Password Managers for Web Browsers
Web browsers are not as trustworthy as people assume, which creates the need for password managers to securely store the autofill passwords and safeguard your digital life from prospective vulnerabilities.
The above graph shows the percentage of people and their reasons for using a password manager.
A password manager stores all the passwords securely and eliminates the need for constant worry of remembering and forgetting the passwords. It allows you to use unique and strong passwords instead of using the same password repeatedly.
The regulatory bodies often advise using unique passwords, especially in banking, email accounts, and social media. Creating hundreds of unique passwords and remembering them can only be done if you have a computerized brain.
Choose Strong Passwords
Passwords are the weakest spot that puts your data and information in the vulnerable domain. People often choose the same password across each account that is easy to remember, which hackers use to demand ransom.
If a hacker gets credentials from one account, they can access all accounts using the login details. Strong passwords make it hard for cybercriminals to steal your data.
A strong password includes:
- At least 12 characters or more
- A mix of Upper case, lower case, symbols, and numbers.
- Prevent using the obvious details like the date of birth and your pet’s name.
- Avoid using memorable keyboard paths.
Take the help of free password managers, like Nordpass, to generate strong passwords that allow you to store a wide range of passwords.
Did You Know?
90% of passwords take less than six hours to crack.
Enable Multifactors Authentication
Multifactor authentication is a method that asks a user to provide two or more verification methods to access the account. It requires additional information except for the username and password, including:
- A one-time password to the user’s mobile phone or email address.
- Personal security questions.
- Biometrics, like fingerprint or face recognition.
It reduces the chances of a potential cyberattack, securing your passwords and information.
Backup Data
It is vital to back up the personal information data on the external hard drives and regularly update it. Backing up the data helps to prevent the aftereffects of ransomware, which encrypts your files and prevents you from accessing the data.
Install proper security software and regularly update your system to keep your system and data secure. Cybercriminals tend to attack software that is no longer compatible or has become outdated. So, ensure to update the passwords and data backup regularly.
Antivirus Software
Remember to use the best antivirus software that keeps your system free from threats and digital vulnerabilities. The software scans the system of any virus and ransomware to keep you safe from ransom demand.
Keep the software updated with the operating system and apps to stay clear from cyber threats.
Review Privacy Settings
Browsers and social media apps sell your browsing information and demographics to third parties. However, you can control the amount of information they access by activating the privacy-enhancing settings on the apps and browsers.
Most people agree to the privacy policy without reading and enabling third parties to use the data for marketing and advertising purposes. It would be better to read the policies to control the analysis of your sensitive data.
Conclusion
Many users don’t know the risks of the increased popularity of the Internet and online activities. It is vital to use security methods that protect the digital presence and sensitive data from the looming eyes of cybercriminals.
Remember to secure your online presence with advanced security features to avoid the risk of future vulnerabilities and data breaches. Make your digital existence a secure journey.
