The Internet is a wonderful place to share, expand your network and discover the things you’re most passionate about. Over the years, it has become a world on its own, and has paved a way for new technologies and disruption patterns that many never even dreamed could exist.

However, despite all the amazing things that the Internet has to offer, it also has a plague that can damage even the most secured and well-guarded. Take it from Yahoo!, Target, Equifax and other major companies who have experienced data breaches.

Cybercrime is rampant. For the past few decades, hackers and cyber frauds have found numerous ways to destroy people’s lives. These frauds have expertly developed techniques to steal your identity, access your bank accounts, and corrupt your personal data and other important files.

The intent of this article is not to totally freak you out so you consider abandoning your online life for fear of falling into the hands of ruthless cyber criminals… there are ways to help protect yourself, your data, and your online accounts.

1. Think about your password

Of course, passwords play an important role to any online existence. They may be used to access your computer / tablet / phone, and every online account – be it social media, bank, membership sites, your website, etc. Obviously, you want to have a password that’s easy to remember. When deciding your password, avoid using important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries. Include letters, numbers and special character combinations. Try to come up with something that is memorable to you, but which is unknown by most people. Also, remember to change your passwords regularly as an added safety measure.

2. Two-factor Authentication

If you can, and when possible, add a second layer of protection by using Two-factor Authentication. We highly recommend this for all your online bank accounts. If the website offers this option, do not even hesitate to select it. If you’re confused as to what Two-factor Authentication is – check out our article:

Understanding Two Factor Authentication

3. Trust no one

Don’t allow others to access your accounts – even very close friends or family. If it is absolutely necessary for other people to open your account, make sure that you are present. And after doing so, change your password. Even the most well-meaning and trusted people can accidentally put you in a compromising situation. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

4. Be more prudent

In this day and age, we need to be more prudent when it comes to clicking and visiting links. Study each link and decide whether or not it is safe. “If in doubt throw it out” ie. don’t click on it. If you think a URL is fishy, it probably is. Whether it’s in your email, your social media messenger (from a trusted source), or something that you just saw on a web page, always think carefully before you click.

5. Back-up your Back-ups

There’s no such thing as too many back-ups. If you want to protect your precious files, always keep a copy of your files in a different location (ie. different computer or tablet, external hard drive, and the cloud). That way, if your original files are corrupted or you fall victim to a ransomware attack, you won’t have to worry because you know you still have a copy of the exact same files.

6. Stay out of bad websites

Much like in real life, criminals tend to hang out in some seedy spots. Avoid visiting adult content websites, and other web pages with scam content. And if your browser brings up a big red warning not to visit a particular website… well…

7. Monitor your accounts regularly

Make it a habit to check and keep track of all your online transactions to make sure that your figures are correct, and no unusual activity has taken place.

8. Avoid pop-ups at all cost

If you encounter a pop-up window asking for a username and password or offering you a suspicious download link, don’t do it. Unless you are absolutely sure of the company whose name is on the pop-up (and you are on their site!) then simply close the browser, clear you cookies and move on.

Technology has definitely made our lives easier, but in the process, it has also paved a way for some to invade our privacy for their own gratification. Cybercriminals continuously adapt to the technology, but that doesn’t mean you should stop using the Internet. The key is to employ safety measures, make sure your virus protection is up-to-date, keep the plug-ins and core of your WordPress website up-to-date… and be smart with your internet surfing.