Cyber criminal activities have caused trillions of dollars in damages over the past decade and with new telecommunications technologies just around the corner, the situation looks to get worse. Any user of high-speed internet services should approach with extreme care.
Reports have shown that a cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds. Nearly 230,000 new malware viruses are introduced on a daily basis, hence the need to take precautions have certainly become a necessity.
In this post, you’ll be provided with some of the best ways to tackle the threats from cyber criminals. So, let’s get started on a safer and more secure high-speed internet service, much like Mediacom internet offers, that keep you protected while you’re online:
Stay clear of dubious links
With social media boasting upwards of three billion users as of 2018, there is no doubt that you may come across various links that have unclear descriptions and intentions. Stay clear of links like these no matter where they show up, whether in your personal email, on social media, or your office inbox, Â regardless of how incredibly they present themselves.
A wise man once said that ‘every action has an equal and opposite reaction’; with that in mind we recommend staying clear of such actions. These links are designed by thieves that will go to any lengths to get their dirty hands on your personal information.
Use different passwords
Nowadays, there are so many platforms and portals for you to interact with online for both work-related and personal activities. But the most important thing to remember is to create strong passwords that contain upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols. This may sound hard but it’s really not, and it’s worth the effort.
You should also keep different passwords for different online accounts. Now, this may sound a little tougher but it definitely keeps your identity protected. Even if one of your accounts gets hacked, then there’s a good chance that your other accounts are safe from the thief. This will also give you time to correct the account and further enhance the security measures for your other accounts.
The Internet is an enormous entity with little to no limitations. There is just about everything you need on the internet. However, before you go surfing online in search of your favorite items, we recommended you visit only those websites that are secure.
Websites which have https:// within their address means all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted. Whereas websites without ending in ‘s,’ which stands for secure, at the end of ‘HTTP’ aren’t reliable and leave your information open to data hacks.
Keep anti-virus programs updated
There are tons of virus definitions being released on a daily basis, and hackers will have a tough time stealing your data if your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs are up to date. This means you and your devices are protected from these cyber criminal activities. Anti-virus programs also offer precautionary messages when they spot unwanted or harmful activity. This will keep your online profile safe and clear of cyber criminals.
Private vs. professional information
This should come as no surprise to anyone who is concerned about the security of their personal information, but social media platforms are the most known places for cyber criminal activities. It’s better to always take a more professional approach to all social media activities, whether they include personal or professional information. This will help you keep your information safe online while you socialize freely on various social media platforms.
Always opt for a 2-way verification process
Lastly, you must know that adding further layers to your security only increase your own chances of being from hackers. A two-way verification process undoubtedly offers you a much more needed level of security than a simple password or passkey.
If you ever have the opportunity then do make sure to use this option since passwords alone are not enough when under an attack from a seasoned or professional hacker.
Online safety should be your number one priority when you’re on the internet. Every responsible person should understand the gravity of the situation. Try to help others stay safe online as well by following the aforementioned tips and tricks to enhance your online safety and security.