With each passing day it seems as if another story breaks of a high profile hacking or ransomware attack. In our increasingly globalized world, the stakes have never been higher for safeguarding our data and confidential information. Fortunately, basic cybersecurity has never been as robust and accessible as it is now. While at times it can take some research and shopping around to find the best providers of different cyber-sec services, having an understanding of your fundamental security requirements goes a long way in streamlining this process. Below we’re taking a look at some of the basics of effective cybersecurity, things that any individual or business should be doing in 2022 in order to safeguard both their data, and their privacy.
Two Factor Authentication
Two factor, or two step, verification is a means of security hardening your passwords and logins. When activated, a person logging in to a website, service or program will need to verify their identity through multiple methods. This prevents anyone with just your password from being able to access your accounts. Two factor authentication processes take many forms, with smartphones being increasingly used as a verification device. Being asked to input your thumb print, or supply an infrared face-scan in addition to your password, makes it virtually impossible for someone to access your data without your authorization. In the future most login procedures will likely utilize some form of two factor verification as it has proven to be far more resilient to security breaches than less sophisticated alternatives.
Certification
When browsing online it’s important to ensure you’re only accessing secure networks and services. Many modern browsers, such as Chrome, will warn you if it identifies that you are at risk of accessing an insecure connection. One simple way of checking the validity of a website or service is to only access URLs beginning with “https”, rather than simply “http”. This is because the former is secured by encryption. Online platforms such as Casinos.co.za are able to provide their patrons with among the best mobile casino offers as a result of utilizing up to date SSL encryption, such as this, to safeguard their services and ensure trust. SSL is a modern cyber-security protocol used for establishing and maintaining service links between networked servers and devices and is the gold standard for organizations to have SSL certificates looking to conduct business or handle money over the internet. While there are very specific use-cases wherein you may find yourself accessing an unsecured address, this should only be done in full knowledge of the risks.
VPNs
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are an innovative and simple way to ensure anonymity and privacy while browsing online. VPNs work by bouncing your IP address through intermediary servers. What this means in practice is that malicious users, and spyware, are unable to acquire personal information about you from your IP address. Such information is highly prized as it is valuable to third party marketing organizations who want to furnish you with targeted adverts. VPNs also enable you to bypass region locked content, which translates to giving users greater freedom and options when browsing online, particularly when in regions with heavy censorship or low press freedoms. There are a range of great VPNs on the market, from Surfshark to NordVPN, all with different price plans and features to explore.
Password Managers
Many people already use some form of password manager without necessarily realizing they’re doing so. This is because many web browsers and operating systems actively incorporate password managers into their features, from Google Passwords to Apple Keychain. In addition to these, there are a range of dedicated password managers that offer rich features to users. Clients such as Nordpass and Lastpass encrypt all your passwords and sensitive information behind a single vault that can only be accessed with a master password, or two step verification protocol. The most common passwords in use today are “qwerty”, “123456” and “password1”, all of which can be cracked in under one second using dedicated software. A key benefit conferred by using a password manager is that they can generate and store extremely strong passwords made out of a range of numbers, symbols and letters in varying cases.
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.
