Hacked, Tricked, Exposed: Why You’re One Step Away from Online Disaster

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Chances are you’re a lot closer to an online security disaster than you think. Information about you is spread far and wide across the internet, and losing control of that digital identity can be incredibly embarrassing at best, and financially devastating or personally dangerous at worst.

While it may seem overwhelming at first, we’re here to help you stay protected online. We’ve created a list of all the steps to staying safe online. Since there’s a lot of information, we suggest you work through it at your own pace.

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Step 1 – Turn on automatic updates

Keeping your software up to date is one of the easiest ways to stay safe online. Whether you’re using a Windows computer, Mac, iPhone, or Android smartphone, all of these devices are regularly updated with new security patches. It’s worth checking to make sure your device’s automatic updates are turned on. Here’s how:

Windows 10 Automatic Updates

From the start menu go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. In the Windows Update section, you’ll see a number of Windows update options. Here, you can configure “active hours” to ensure that Windows restarts and installs automatic updates outside of your waking or working hours.

Windows 11 Automatic Updates

Windows 11 users will click on the Windows icon and go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced OptionsFrom here you can control when Windows Update runs, similar to how you control “active hours” in Windows 10.

Mac operating system

Mac users can open System Preferences > Software Update and click the “Advanced” button. In the “Advanced” section, make sure all the boxes are checked as this will ensure that you receive timely operating system updates.

iOS

If you want to enable automatic updates on your iPhone, open Settings > General > Software Update and make sure that Automatic updates it is on.

Android

If you have an Android device, open Settings > System > Advanced > System Update and provide System update the setting is on ON.

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Step 2 – Use strong passwords

Reusing the same password across multiple sites or apps is one of the most common cybersecurity mistakes. If you use the same password for multiple things, all it takes is one service breach to expose your other accounts. Using a password manager is an easy solution to creating strong passwords for multiple accounts.

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Step 3 – Set up and use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is a great way to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Enabling two-factor authentication makes it harder for hackers to access your account because your account will require a one-time code in addition to your password to log in.

Step 4 – Encrypt your computer’s memory

If you lose your laptop, tablet, or phone, all of the personal information on those devices could be available to anyone who finds them. An easy way to keep yourself safe in such a scenario is to encrypt your devices beforehand. Encryption makes it harder for hackers to read your data, and while it sounds complicated, the process itself is easy to set up.

Step 5 – Locate or remove your lost device

If you lose your device before you have time to encrypt it, you don’t need to worry too much. It’s easier than ever to locate a lost smartphone or remotely wipe it. We have a great guide on what to do if you’ve lost your phone for both Android and iPhone.

You can also use a similar process to locate a lost Windows laptop or MacBook. As operating systems have moved to storing information in the cloud, it’s easy to wipe a lost laptop. If you lose your laptop in a public place, we recommend remotely wiping it as soon as possible to ensure that your data isn’t compromised by a malicious actor.

Step 6 – Have Strong Antivirus Software

The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that can access your private information is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. It can also alert you to any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Check out my picks for the best antivirus protection of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Step 7 – Secure your web browser

We use web browsers every day. Whether you use a laptop, desktop computer, or smartphone, you probably use your web browser more than most other applications. Taking a few minutes to regularly update your browser to the latest version, being cautious about the sites you visit, and avoiding suspicious downloads are key practices that complement your browser’s security features.

By implementing these security measures, you protect your browser, personal information, financial data, and overall digital identity from being exposed to risk from potential hackers and cybercriminals.

Step 8 – Secure your smartphone

Smartphones now act as extensions of our personal lives, used for everything from banking to making doctor’s appointments. Keeping your smartphone safe is more important than ever, and fortunately both Android and iOS offer a range of built-in features to help protect your personal data.

To increase the security of your iPhone or Android, start by enabling a strong screen lock method, such as a complex passcode, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks and consider using a VPN for added security.

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Step 9 – Protect your wireless network

Your home Wi-Fi network can power your smart home devices, but it can also make you vulnerable to hackers. Fortunately, you can easily change your home wireless settings to provide yourself with more protection. As with the previous steps, make sure your router has the latest updated firmware and that you’re using two-factor authentication and a strong password for your wireless connection.

Step 10 – Back up your data regularly

Regularly backing up your data protects your digital life from hardware failure, theft, or cyberattacks. Choose a reliable backup method that meets your needs, such as cloud storage or external hard drives. Set up automatic backups to work consistently, protecting all your devices, including smartphones and tablets. Secure your backups by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication for cloud storage, or encrypting physical backups.

Periodically test your backups by restoring files to make sure your system is working properly. Remember, a solid backup strategy is an essential part of your overall cybersecurity plan, providing both protection and peace of mind.

Step 11 – Invest in Personal Data Removal Services

In today’s digital landscape, your personal information can end up in numerous online databases and people search sites without your knowledge or consent. These data aggregators collect and sell your information, potentially exposing you to privacy risks and unwanted solicitations. Using a data deletion service can help mitigate these risks by systematically removing your personal information from these databases.

While no service promises to remove all of your data from the internet, using a data deletion service is a great option if you want to continually monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of websites over an extended period of time.

By reducing your digital footprint, you reduce the chances of your personal information being misused for identity theft, targeted advertising, or other privacy-invading practices. While it’s difficult to completely erase your online presence, using a data deletion service is an effective step toward regaining control of your personal information and increasing your overall online privacy and security. Check out my top picks for data deletion services here.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Protecting your online presence can seem daunting, but remember that it’s all about taking small, consistent steps. Think of it as building a digital fortress: Each measure you implement is another brick in your cybersecurity wall. Don’t feel like you have to tackle everything at once. Start with the basics, like enabling automatic updates and using strong passwords, and then work your way up. The digital world is constantly evolving, and so should our security practices.

How has your approach to online safety changed over the years and what has caused these changes? Let us know by writing to us atCyberguy.com/Contact.

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