How to Protect Yourself from Data Leaks While Surfing the Internet?

Cybersecurity issues such as data leaks and digital scams have become extremely common these days. The world has surely digitized as pretty much everything is now digital. From communicating in a personality capacity and running businesses to shopping for your home or an event in life, pretty much all of it is digital. 

That being said, the number of cyber-attacks and data leaks has also increased. Every year, millions of people fall into the trap of cyber-attacks and as a result, most of them lose their data, which costs them huge amounts of money. So, the question is, how to eliminate the risk of data leaks and stay secure online? Fortunately, several things can help. Here's what you need to do:

1. Change Your Passwords Frequently

The first thing that you need to do is get in the habit of changing your passwords frequently. People usually take their passwords for granted. They keep the simplest password so that they can remember it easily without giving it a thought that it paves the way for hackers and invites cyber threats.

Therefore, it's imperative to have strong passwords and you must change them at least once a month. When setting up your password, make sure to use a combination of alphabets, digits, and special characters. The stronger the password, the harder it is for the hacker to crack it. Also, please don’t forget to change it once a month.

2. Switch on Two-Factor Authentication 

Thankfully, most mobile applications these days come with two-factor authentication. Switching it on adds an additional layer of security and makes it 10x harder for the hacker to hack into your device. The best part of the story is that nobody will be able to log into your mobile app even if they know the password.

After typing in the password and clicking enter, the two-factor authentication feature will send you an OTP code. You’ll only be able to log in after you enter that code. It’s on your accord to get the code via SMS or email. All you need to do is switch it on so that your device and data stay secure. 

3. Get a VPN

Having a VPN is essential if you want to stay safe while surfing the internet. VPN, an abbreviation for virtual private network, adds a layer of security between you and your browser. Not just that, it stops websites from keeping track of your data. If nobody is able to access you online or store your data, it means your data remains safe. 

The only problem is that there are certain myths about using a VPN. Some people believe that they make your device slow; however, it isn't entirely true. It all comes down to the VPN you choose. For example, Google Chrome offers a VPN extension and with that, you can experience fast and secure surfing in Chrome. Yes, it doesn't make your browser or device slow, so there's nothing to worry about. 

4. Use an Antivirus 

Most of the time, hackers don't directly hack into your system. Instead, they create malware like bots or viruses to hack your device and steal your data. Such risks can be easily avoided if you download and install antivirus software. 

Fortunately, there are a number of great antivirus software available out there, so you won't have a problem getting your hands on one. Not to mention, many of them are free while others come with a minimal cost. For the ones that are paid, remember that there's no harm in spending a little on your digital security. After all, it's for your own good.

The Final Word

Besides the tips mentioned above, we also suggest you enable the firewall on your device. It will filter the traffic coming from your network and alert you in case of malware or malicious traffic, keeping your device and data secure. And lastly, please be careful when browsing on the internet. Many websites are unsafe, so it's always good to listen to your system when it alerts you. 

Similarly, if a website keeps redirecting you to other websites or in case of too many ads, it's better to leave the page. Such things mostly happen when a website has malware or is hacked. These little things can go a long way when it comes to your digital security, so take care of them and you'll remain safe from data leaks and other cybersecurity issues.