Adopt healthy Digital habits to ensure that you don’t leave yourself prone. Update your software and devices. As we grow more dependent upon technology, we need to develop better online security defenses. These habits will help you to recognize and counter threats to your digital safety and become less vulnerable to cyberattacks.
It is never too late to make a resolution to adopt healthy digital habits in the new year. Kaspersky experts have compiled a list of simple habits that can help improve the security of your personal data and make life easier in the coming year. Start incorporating these habits into your routine early in January to make the most of the new year.
Begin new year with a new password
As the new year begins, it’s a good time to review and update your passwords for all of your online accounts. Remember to use unique and complex passwords for each account and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. A password manager can be a helpful tool in managing multiple passwords, as it offers features such as auto-fill and a password generator to generate unique and complex passwords for each account. This way, you only need to remember a single master password.
1. Think twice before clicking on links or opening attachments.
Even if an email looks like it’s from someone you know, take care with attachments. Take that extra second to avoid walking into a digitally dangerous situation. Don’t reply to the email because the sender’s identity might have been compromised.
2. Verify requests for private information.
Whenever you are requested to provide private information (yours or anyone else’s), verify the identity of the requester — even if it appears to be somebody you know. Con artists are clever in how they collect information to steal information and identities. Even if you think you’re safe, regularly check your financial statements and credit reports.
3. Protect your passwords.
Never reveal your passwords to anyone. Make them long, strong, unique and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Use a password manager such as LastPass or RoboForm.
- Use different passwords for different accounts.
- Use different passwords for work and home.
- Don’t let apps and websites remember your passwords.
4. Protect your stuff!
Keep a close eye on your belongings when you’re in public places. Lock things up or take them with you before you leave, even if you’ll only be away for a second. When you’re at work, secure your area and lock your computer screen before leaving your desk. Take your phone and other portable items with you.
5. Keep your devices, browsers, and apps up to date.
At home, automate software updates and periodically restart your devices to ensure that updates are fully installed.
6. Back up critical files.
Store backups in a physically separate location from the origin.
Sign up for data breach alerts
In addition to weak passwords, data breaches are another threat to personal and corporate accounts. Unfortunately, data breaches occur frequently, making it difficult to keep track of them all. If your account details are leaked, criminals may try to take over your accounts.
One way to protect yourself is to use services that scan for the latest data leaks and check if any of your information has been compromised. Some advanced password managers also offer this feature and will notify you if any of your saved logins or passwords appear in recent data leaks. By staying vigilant in 2023, you can stay ahead of scammers.
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Use VPN for more privacy
VPNs, once a niche product for tech-savvy individuals and businesses, are now essential for anyone looking to maintain privacy and security online. Modern VPN solutions are user-friendly, offer fast speeds, and keep personal data private. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as shopping online securely, accessing streaming services from anywhere in the world, or accessing local content. VPNs also hide your IP address from websites and advertisers, providing better privacy. Without a VPN, web tracking can lead to targeted ads that reveal your gift purchases to your loved ones. Protect your privacy and prevent advertisers from ruining your celebrations with a VPN.
Transfer documents to encrypted storage
Electronic versions of documents are increasingly being used, but how can you securely store them to prevent them falling into the wrong hands? A password manager app is a secure alternative for storing scans, PDFs and other important documents, including medical records and work-related files. Encrypted storage services are much safer than traditional storage options, as they can only be decrypted using a master password known only to the user.
Check on your kid’s digital use
To ensure children’s online experiences are safe and enjoyable, it’s important to teach them about online safety from a young age. Parents can use games and other engaging formats to make these lessons more enjoyable. It can also be helpful to learn more about your children’s online interests and share them together, such as by watching favorite TV shows or listening to music. There are also child safety software options that can help parents learn more about their kids’ hobbies and promote healthy digital habits from an early age.
