Technology is disrupting the way we
live and work. Since the invention of computers and information technology
(IT), the pace of technological changes has become tremendous.
Disruption has been good for society
at large. It has made our lives a lot more comfortable and has made fundamental
changes to our prevailing social and commercial structures.
Just see how it has become ordering food, shopping, and online medical diagnosis and treatment. Instant communication with live video has altered the very nature of communication.
The digital
revolution in technology has been responsible for industrial and social
disruption. While it’s the spawning of social media applications that searching
and messaging our old friends so easy.
No denying its bouquet of transformational
advantages the digital technology has also brought in its wake new-age threats.
Such dangers were not present before the arrival of the digital age.
Hackers and con artists have become
the new-age thugs of the digital age that steal your bank account details and
other important personal data.
In such a scenario, it is essential
to protect your data and digital life. It is imperative that we are aware of
the online threat to personal data and learn about the tools available for
safeguarding data and identity.
Here are some important tools for
protection against digital attacks:
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
With digital manipulation and frauds
becoming commonplace, we use various tools for making our data and identity
secure. 2FA has become a very reliable tool for getting reliable security.
An additional layer is provided by
asking the users for a second factor (2F) besides their password which is
usually a digital code. Always keep a hard copy of the codes.
Always prefer to use a 2FA manager as
it offers more security and needs physical access to your phone. Mobile numbers
are vulnerable to spoofing.
However, you must enable a recovery
option. And, it is important that you understand the consequences if you lose
the keys.
Reliable 2FA apps
●
Google
Authenticator
●
Microsoft
Authenticator
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Virtual private network (VPN) is one
of the most important applications for digital safety. VPN achieves this by
creating a secure connection of your computer to a server. One must not forget
to use VPN in public places or when you are using WiFi for the Internet.
Points to remember while using VPNs
● Never
share private information as a VPN secures your connection but not the data.
● Use
VPN only when you need to as it affects the running of location-dependent
services.
● You
must know the location of the VPN server as your browsing might be subject to
the country’s regulations.
Safeguard against phishing
Phishing is a scamming methodology
used by con artists to gain access to your personal data especially finances.
They trick us into giving our data by sending us emails that seem to be from
reputed companies or the people we know.
The email has an attachment or a link that
contains malware or a virus. On clicking the click they get access to your
personal information. Do not click on attachments or links from suspicious
emails.
Use anti-virus and online protection software
Hackers mostly use malware to obtain
your information. Malware is developed to get hold of your computer to steal
information. It is risky to never use antivirus software.
Many antivirus software services are
available at excellent prices and it is a good practice to install one for securing
your digital presence. Even your mobiles and tablets must have the protection
of such software.
Opt for email encryption
It is essential to opt for email
encryption services to secure transmission of sensitive data such as bank or
debit/credit card, user login credentials details. It is an effective tool for
the safety of our digital lives.
An encrypted email is in readable
form only for the receiver and the sender with anyone else seeing only a
scrambled version. It is especially important if you send or receive emails
containing financial data.
Moreover, you can integrate
encryption with the existing email account from companies that offer the
service at affordable prices.
Strong passwords for digital safety
Using strong passwords is essential
for protecting your digital identity.
However, you must remember simple passwords are not necessarily safe.
A strong password typically comprises
alphabets, numerals, capital letters, and a special character. It would add an
extra level of security for your accounts.
Also, you must change your password
often. It is a good practice that makes your digital accounts less vulnerable
to hacking attacks.
Turn off location data
One thing that will significantly
improve the online safety of your account includes turning off your location
data. It is always dangerous to keep the location of your device turned on
there is a risk of hackers finding out.
On visiting a website you should
never share location even when there is a prompting. For securing digital
privacy you must follow the steps described above. With new advances in digital
technologies/ cryogenic technology, the capabilities of hackers will
also improve.
Therefore, we have no option except
to be on our toes to prevent our accounts from falling prey to the devices of
hackers.
Use public WiFi with precaution
People love to use public WiFi but it
is not free from online risks. For safety purposes, it is advisable that one
stay away from using public WiFi.
All of us occasionally use public
WiFi unmindful of the risks involved. Doing so is always risky as your data
becomes vulnerable. Granted using public WiFi is convenient but the dangers its
poses for online security far outweigh its convenience.
You must understand it is quite easy
for hackers to penetrate your system if you are using public WiFi. However, if
you must use public WiFi you must use it with a good VPN. This would keep your
personal information even when you are on a public network.
Limit access to your account
Allowing many people administrative
access to your device or computer is not safe. This might make your system
vulnerable due to human mistakes.
Avoid logging in as an administrator
as it exposes your system and the integrity of your personal data is at risk.