The internet is the most powerful tool humans have ever created, giving incredible opportunities to people around the world. Unfortunately, criminals use some of that boundless opportunity to prey on people like you while you go about your business online. From malware to identity theft, there is a constant stream of threats to your online security.
Being proactive and learning about the risks you face daily on the internet is the first step to ensuring you’re not the victim of one of the over 3 million cyber attacks that occur daily. With some preparation and practice, you can minimize your online risks and browse the internet safely.
Cybersecurity myths
One of the biggest problems with safety online is that people have an idea of what safe browsing is, but they don’t realize how real the risks are. Persistent cybersecurity myths lull us into a false sense of security and often lead to people being less cautious than they should.
For instance, many people think that a cyber attack will never happen to them, but the fact is that over 3 million attacks happen every day. Statistically, a large portion of the people who think it will “never happen to them” will have it happen to them, probably more than once. The biggest problem with this mentality is that it makes people take risks, assuming cybercrime is someone else’s problem.
Another myth is that your IT department or your virus software will protect you from everything and that you have no role in your own online defense. While your IT department or anti-virus software are both great at their jobs, they work a lot better if you work to reduce their workload.
Utilizing caution when online, avoiding sketchy sites and emails, and using a VPN are all powerful ways you can minimize your online risks. While your antivirus software, firewall, and IT departments have their parts to play, you need to be vigilant because cybercrime happens to people like you every day.
Social media privacy mistakes
Everyone has Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or some combination of these three. Additionally, there are so many other social media outlets that you’re likely plugged into at least a few. Because of the common usage of social media, it’s become a huge threat to your reputation and privacy online.
Don’t use your primary email to sign up
Consider creating an email specifically for your social media accounts. When data breaches happen – and they will – who cares if your social media email gets outed?
Never use Facebook to log into other apps and websites
It’s incredibly easy to just use social media logins, but you’re giving up a tremendous amount of information when you do.
Turn off geolocation and geotagging
Most phones default to sharing geographical information in the data they provide on your photos. This information shows where you go, your daily routines, and in the worst case, can tell criminals when you’re not home. Sharing vacation photos from Maui with geolocation turned on tells people your house is free for the burgling.
Protect yourself online
Your cybersecurity and reputation online start with your behavior on the internet. If you’re visiting risky websites, opening unknown emails, and cultivating a mentality that “it will never happen to you”, you’ll be blindsided when cybercrime comes knocking.
If you want to shore up your defenses or remove negative content about yourself online, Guaranteed Removal is here to help. We can help track down negative content and errant personal data and scrub it quickly and completely.
Contact us today to get a free removal analysis and see how Guaranteed Removal can improve your online presence and security.
