In the digitally connected world we live in, living without at least one online account is almost impossible. This is simply because, in order to access any information on the web, you need to have some form of online identification. However, having accounts online puts both you and your data at risk, hence, the need to secure the accounts increases.
In securing your accounts, the following measures must be taken:
- Use Different E-mails for Different Accounts
Using different email addresses for different online accounts, such as bank account and social media accounts, is your first line of defense against mischief-makers. This makes it hard for hackers to collect your data and also makes it easier for you to spot a phishing e-mail. For instance, if you receive an e-mail from someone on the account you use only for your social media, claiming to be your bank, you’ll immediately know it’s fake.
- Protect and Manage your Passwords
Strong passwords matter. 33% of all hacking activities occur by hackers guessing the victim’s password. Make sure your password is not your partner’s name or your date of birth, but rather a unique word, a phrase that includes numbers and letters. It is also important that you use different passwords for different accounts so you don’t lose all your information if one of your account’s security is compromised.
Password security is crucial if you want to avoid scams in this digitally adept era. Try to use a password manager if you can’t remember all these passwords. It saves you the trouble of freaking out and resetting the password every time you forget it. All you need to remember is the password that unlocks the password manager itself because when it is unlocked, it automatically logs you into your online accounts.
- Add and Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
The importance of using two-factor authentication for your account has been emphasized repeatedly in every blog and security guide. Basically, using 2FA is adding another layer of protection to your account that allows you to stop a hacking attempt dead in its tracks. So even if someone manages to get your password, they won’t be able to get in.
This added layer or higher level of authentication can be set up to be more personal, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, voice recognition, etc; or device-based, for example, sending a code via text or through your security device.
2FA can be easily set up on most online accounts including Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and even on your password manager.
- Check your Account Activity Regularly
Do not just open accounts but check the activities going on on them from time to time. Doing this helps you to be sure nothing unusual is going on and that your account has not been hacked. When doing this, you should close all sessions except the current one and delete unrecognized devices from accessing your account.
- Delete Unused Accounts
It is very important that you delete your old and unused accounts. This is not only because they are easier to hack since you don’t check them but also because they can lead hackers to your relevant accounts. Deleting unused accounts also reduces the number of usernames and old passwords to worry about.
Some Extra Precautions
- Ensure your device is locked whenever you are not using it. It is safer to use biometric authentication (fingerprint), an authenticator, or facial recognition (if available), rather than the four-digit pin which is easier to discover.
- Clear saved searches, cookies, and web history from your device. This is because your web history may lead to your personal data, including your home address. Ctrl+Shift+Del on Chrome, Firefox, or Opera mini among others will direct you to where you will select what you wish to clear. You should however be careful not to lose your personal data in a bid to clear your cache. To clear your applications’ cache on your phone, go to your phone’s settings, select the app, then click ‘clear cache’.
- Make sure you erase data on your device completely before you sell or give it out. You should also enable remote wipe capabilities on your device to keep your data safe in case your device gets stolen.
- Make sure that your device’s software or operating system remains up to date because outdated software is more vulnerable to such attacks.
- Install a secure browser on your device and make sure it is up to date. For more safety, turn off the ‘save password’ feature on your browser.
- Install and explore software antivirus and other security software packages on your device to effectively protect your device from harmful software (malware) and phishing attacks.
Connecting to other devices is also a sure way to put your accounts at risk of being hacked or having your data stolen, therefore, the following factors need to be considered when you are connected to other devices:
- Set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is a wise investment because each time you connect to a WiFi network without a VPN, you put your data at risk of being tracked or even stolen. With a VPN, you can be assured of the safety of your data. You may also invest to buy proxies to enjoy internet browsing without interruption.
- Avoid logging into your account through any device, instead, use a trusted one. If you have to use a public computer, be aware of those around you, never click on ‘keep me logged in’ and never forget to log out.
- Do not allow third-party applications to have access to the application in use so as to avoid allowing potential hackers to penetrate the security layers of your account. Check the safety of the third-party connection of any application before installing it.
Final Measures To Be Considered
- Beware of suspicious requests, web pages, and e-mails.
- Avoid revealing your personal information including bank details, social media username, and password, etc.
- Don’t click on untrusted links from untrusted sources and sites to avoid losing your data or getting scammed.
Conclusively, the more informed and updated you are on tech news, including the latest breaches and threats, the easier it is to keep your dear accounts safe.