As a greater part of our lives is increasingly based online, from shopping and studying to entertainment and work, it is more important than ever to make sure we take measures to stay safe and secure. With vast amounts of personal and sensitive information available, this can pose a huge safety risk, both for individuals and businesses alike. Read on for some key suggestions on improving your security when online.
Use a strong password – and keep it private
Passwords are your first line of defence when it comes to online security, and yet a surprisingly high number of people will use ones that are easy to guess. Some of the worst include obvious numerical sequences, birth dates or common names of people, pets or locations that they are familiar with.
While you want a password to be memorable, it should also be hard to identify. Try using a varied mix of letters in difference cases, numbers and symbols. The longer the sequence, the more challenging it will be to break. If you have difficulty in keeping track of various passwords, don’t share it with others to remind you, but instead, opt for a password manager instead. These will retain passwords in a secure and encrypted manner, and can be updated easily each time you change a password.
Invest in security expertise
If you’re working from home or running a business, then investing in online security with CloudCoCo or other providers can be a worthwhile option. Having expert advice can take the guesswork out of making your business secure, and give you greater confidence about how you operate.
There are numerous areas that can pose a risk for businesses, include potential breaches of secure and sensitive customer data, verifying identities, and keeping remote staff safe while they work from home. It’s essential not to overlook these areas, as they can have a costly and detrimental impact on your business and reputation, if things go wrong.
Be mindful of the networks you use
With greater connectivity wherever you go, it can feel like it’s possible to work from anywhere you like. You’ll find Wi-Fi services in almost all public spaces, from service stations and cinemas to cafes, restaurants and shopping centres. These can be advantageous when you want to access online information, such as checking messages or email, streaming video or taking a video call. However, you should be wary of using public or insecure Wi-Fi services when accessing more sensitive or secure information, such as online banking, or even when shopping on the internet. Public networks will often have little or no security, and it is possible for other online users to access or snoop on your activities, to insert harmful malware or spy on confidential information. If you do rely on public Wi-Fi for regular use, then adding a VPN, or virtual private network, can give you an extra level of security, as your information will be encrypted and harder to hack.
