Smartphones have changed so much about how we live. In many ways, it would be hard to go back to how things used to be; we would be lost! Tech is everywhere in our home, work, and all across society, and while this has brought much efficiency and convenience, it can also be a double-edged sword.
Security is a great example. Cameras, home systems, and general personal security is much higher than it used to be and it’s all very easy to use, but we are now much more at risk of having our personal information and sensitive financial data stolen.
In the old days, it was possible for someone to physically swipe your credit card or go dumpster diving to find your number on a discarded bank letter. Today, however, it can all be taken with a few clicks of a mouse.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use the latest tech. It just means we must be vigilant, careful, and smart. The following three strategies represent some of the best ways to keep your personal information secure in 2020.
Strong Passwords
It seems absurd that, even in 2020, this still has to be the first piece of advice. Nevertheless, every year, the list of the most commonly hacked passwords reveals shocking results: password, 123456, and qwerty being at the top of the list. It’s hard to believe. Hopefully, you are well beyond these easy-to-crack codes, but you should implement good password hygiene, using complex options, not over-using the same ones for different sites, and changing things up regularly.
Two-Factor Authentication
Beyond using passwords, it is good practice to implement two-factor authentication whenever possible. Just by using this together with strong passwords, you will have a more secure digital life than many others. In some ways, that’s the name of the game. Hackers are looking for soft targets, so you want to make sure that — even if you don’t have Pentagon-level protection — you stay more protected than the targets that hackers are willing to test.
Send in Reinforcements
In almost everything, it pays to look to the experts. Online security is no different, as you can protect your personal information very well with services like identity theft protection from LifeLock. If you’ve dealt with identity theft in the past, you already know just how valuable this service can be. If you haven’t? Well, you would be wise to get on the train now before you get hit with a devastating attack. Beyond the lost money and bad marks on your record, it can take months — or even years — to get out from under a big attack.
Staying Safe Online in 2020
You shouldn’t feel scared to surf the web, conduct online banking, send personal emails, and generally use the internet with confidence. It can be a dangerous world, but there are a wide range of ways to heighten your security and keep your personal data safe.
It comes down to being proactive rather than waiting for malicious actors to strike. Keep your passwords strong, implement two-factor authentication, and partner with leading providers to take your security to the next level. It’s important to have protection in place — and just by taking these small, easy steps, you’ll be way ahead of the game.
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