We are now in a world where someone doesn’t have to just guess your password. An unsecure Chrome browser or a random virus can all of a sudden allow someone to access your bank accounts. Your identity could be compromised with one open vulnerability.
So, you shouldn’t go hiding under the covers and go in stealth mode. You just have to follow 3 simple steps to be more secure online. Just changing a couple things could protect your data and bank accounts.
Here are the 3 easy steps to be more secure online:
1. Change your password.
Simple enough, yes. But, I know you probably have your go-to password that you never want to change. Well, what if someone else knows that? Yup, that’s a problem. If one person may know it, well, then you have an open vulnerability. Change it! This applies to your email accounts, bank accounts, and social media accounts. Changing these passwords should include a lower case letter, upper case letter, number, and some kind of symbol. Worried you may forget your new password? Then, buy a password manager software, such as dashlane, which will take all the guesswork out of the way.
2. Don’t give apps full permissions.
You know those apps that pop up with accessing your permissions and how you just say okay, okay, get out of my way? Yup, well, that’s not a good thing. Google Maps, the camera app, and WhatsApp could all scan your contacts and location which is really granting them more permissions than necessary. Lock this down on your iPhone by going to Settings and tapping Privacy. Then, block those apps you don’t need to give such control over. For Android phones, open settings and go to Apps and notifications. Then, choose App permissions to tweak permissions. I’m sure that you heard how Facebook doesn’t protect your privacy. Well, this applies to all apps so it is your responsibility not to say yes to all the defaults!
3. Delete your browsing history.
Why you may ask? First of all, it tracks everywhere you’ve been. If you share your computer, it is possible for others to see your personal online tracks. Also, advertisers may access it to spam you and target you for remarketing efforts with your stored website cookies or cached links. If you have a computer virus from a website, it could be stored via the website history. Have I given you enough reasons to wipe out your browsing history?! In Chrome, go to the three dots on the right, then Settings, Advanced, and finally, click Clear browsing data. For Mozilla Firefox, click the three horizontal lines on the right, click options, Privacy, and Clear recent history. Safari allows you to remove your history by clicking Clear History after clicking the Safari menu.
These are 3 easy steps to be more secure online. It doesn’t take long, and it could save you from having an online twin who disguises himself or herself as you! Yes, it could happen so you should really take a little effort to take care of this. We have had many customers walking through our NYC computer repair shop is utter despair that their lives were ruined due to computer hacking and identity theft. Some have to start fresh again while others feel constantly tormented. In short, take care of your online security now!
