The Price of Privacy: How We Can Safeguard Our Data in the Digital Age

Today, data breaches, online scams, and phishing attacks have become as common as the everyday cold. So, protecting our data has never been more important. With everything from private messages to online payments being shared across the internet, the losses can be catastrophic when hackers strike. 

The good news is that there are plenty of quick and simple ways you can improve your online safety. Today, we’ll share seven of the top steps to safeguarding your data in the digital age.

1. Always Use a VPN

Have you ever heard of data encryption? It’s a complex field, but for the layman, it involves scrambling your data so that nobody else can access your private information. This is where a virtual private network (VPN) comes in handy. With a VPN, your data is encrypted, creating a secure connection between you and the internet. It ensures that your private data remains, well, private.And with VPN prices getting lower, there’s never been a better time to invest in one for your devices.

1. Use Strong Passwords 

Let’s face it: we’ve all been lazy at one point or another, creating a password using our name, address, and date of birth. Although it ensures that we’ll never forget the login details, it also makes it easy for criminals to access our data.

If you want to get serious about protecting your data, you should stop using ‘Password123’ as a password and use more secure codes. These are passcodes containing a mixture of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Remember also to change your passwords from time to time and use different ones for each of your different accounts. 

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication 

You’ve probably heard about Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), but have you heard of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? This is another authentication method that requires you to verify your identity in multiple ways.

For example, some services might provide a security code sent via email or text. The code must then be provided alongside your password to access your accounts. This added authentication makes it difficult for cybercriminals to access your accounts. Remember to set up 2FA or MFA on all your digital accounts moving forward.

1. Avoid Public WiFi Networks

As tempting as it can be to connect to free WiFi networks, remember that by doing so, you are putting your private data at risk. Why exactly is this the case? Because public networks are often targeted by hackers and cybercriminals. These opportunistic third parties exploit security vulnerabilities in public networks to access your devices.

The obvious solution to this issue is to use your mobile data or even a WiFi dongle. But that isn’t always possible, especially when you’re overseas. By using a VPN, however, you can add an extra level of security to your connection. This will make it harder for your sensitive data to be stolen by third parties.

1. Be Vigilant About Software Updates

Do you know those notifications that you get on your computer or phone about a software update? While they may be annoying or inconvenient at the time, it’s important to respond to them promptly. They often contain crucial security fixes and patches for your device, keeping your data safe from hackers.

By ignoring them, you open yourself up to potential threats. So, embrace that familiar notification the next time you get it, as it’s only looking out for your safety. 

1. Don’t Click Unfamiliar Links or Attachments 

There’s one simple rule we should all live by, and that is to not click on links you don’t recognise. Phishing scams and other malicious cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated by the day. There’s every chance that what you perceive as a trusted link can end up providing an open door for hackers and malware.

From phoney texts from the ATO to toll invoices not paid and unidentified parcel re-directs, these days it’s harder and harder to determine if these are authentic communications or more spam messages. So, it’s wise to make sure you scrutinise emails/text messages before you click. You could save yourself from a whole world of cyber hurt there. 

1. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Have you ever lost your phone or computer that hasn’t been backed up? Even if you haven’t, you will have likely seen the devastation that occurs when this happens: photos, files and memories are gone forever, and it’s not pretty. The simple way to avoid this disaster from happening to you is to make sure you back up your data regularly. This could be on your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. 

But there’s more to it than mere convenience. When you back up your data, you’ll be able to wipe your stolen or lost devices clean with ease. Whether you’re using a manual hard drive or cloud storage solutions, it’s important to create some sort of backup system to ensure your data is well cared for. Not starting from scratch means there are fewer headaches.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – seven ways you can safeguard your data in the digital age. By putting these tips and strategies into practice, you’ll be one step closer to ensuring that your sensitive data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take charge of your digital security today. Good luck!