We lock our doors, zip our bags, and avoid dark and sketchy alleyways. Yet online, some of us act like we’re invincible. Maybe it’s because we’ve had years of training, or because IRL risks feel more tangible and immediate. But now that our offline worlds are starting to become digital by default, there’s no time like the present to start taking our online security more seriously.
Cybersecurity might sound overly technical or relevant only to larger corporations, but it’s really about protecting yourself while performing everyday tasks like ordering takeout or signing up for a service.
Everyday Users = Everyday Risks
Still not convinced that online security is worth thinking about? Let’s walk through an average Saturday for someone living in the city. You might browse the internet, use credit cards to pay for goods and services, order coffee for pickup, stream a movie, shop online, log into your bank account, and even create a new account on a website you’ve never used before. Yes, all these touchpoints are digital, but more importantly, they all involve remnants of your personal information.
Every single one of these actions is a chance for this information about you to get into the hands of the wrong people. It’s exactly the same concept as having your wallet stolen on the street—the criminal can do just about anything they please with your ID and card details, whether it’s selling that information or committing fraud. Essentially, no one is immune to being targeted online, particularly not those who don’t pay any mind to digital security.
With Poor Cybersecurity Habits, What Could Go Wrong?
Put cybersecurity on the back burner, and you’re gambling with your safety and privacy every time you go online. Set your password as your dog’s name, and it won’t take long for a hacker to guess it. Fall victim to a phishing attempt, and you’re practically opening your front door wide open for a stranger. And these consequences are just the tip of the iceberg. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to deal with a stolen identity, financial loss, and countless hours trying to repair the damage.
That is why it’s important to think twice about the websites we share our personal details with them. If we look at the booming industry of online casinos, for example, choosing reputable casinos on the internet isn’t just about the latest games or best features, but trust. With real money on the line and the need to enter financial details, the stakes are just as high as banking or shopping. To cybercriminals, you’re nothing but a number. And the more reckless you are with your digital activity, the easier you make it for them to turn you into their next target.
Best Habits for the Biggest Payoff
In light of this information, how do you stay steps ahead of these opportunists lurking in the shadows? Well, it doesn’t mean going from careless to overly cautious. It just means staying proactive and being aware of these useful habits.
Create Strong and Unique Passwords
We know what you’re thinking—how am I supposed to remember distinct, complex passwords for every single website? With password managers and keychain tools available everywhere nowadays, there’s no excuse not to create strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Try to aim for at least 12 characters in length and use a combination of numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Whenever possible, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). This security measure requires the user to verify their identity using one method after another, such as a password plus physical token or biometrics. While it requires a little more effort every time you log into an account, it also provides extra layers of security in case your password gets stolen.
Use a VPN
You might’ve seen ads for virtual private networks (VPN) like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but what’s their real value? VPNs create a secure connection that hides your IP address and scrambles your data so it’s unreadable even when intercepted. Especially if you frequently use unsecured, public networks on your phone or computer, it can do wonders for your privacy and security.
Brush Up on Your Phishing Radar
Phishing is exactly what it sounds like—a scam method that works by reeling in vulnerable people using shady tactics and convincing them to hand over their personal information. Some scams are blatantly obvious, like job offer emails from “[email protected]” with dozens of spelling mistakes. However, phishing scams are becoming much more sophisticated, targeting specific organisations, trying novel forms like QR codes, and using AI scam tactics.
Browse the Internet Safely
Other than using a VPN, there are plenty of other best practices for browsing the internet, including:
- Checking to see that the site you’re on uses secure encryption (HTTPS, not HTTP).
- Keeping your operating system and browser updated with the latest security patches.
- Adjusting your privacy settings and using features like tracking protection and ad blockers.
- Logging out of personal accounts on shared and public computers.
- Clearing your cookies and cache from time to time to avoid security leaks.
Cybersecurity as Good Practice, Not Paranoia
The internet is an incredibly useful place. We can communicate with others, shop, bank, work, and entertain ourselves at will. But it’s also a playground for cybercriminals to lurk and prey on unsuspecting victims. Because everything is at our fingertips, we can get distracted by convenience and leave security behind. Once we put proven tactics in place, though, cybersecurity becomes just as natural as locking our front doors.
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