1) Use strong passwords
A password is a basic way to protect your data. Its choice should be approached carefully. Primitive sets of numbers, words, including modified ones, any of your personal data contained in your password, and persons interested in hacking are selected quickly enough using special software.
It is recommended to use a combination of letters in different cases, special characters and numbers in the password. Even better, the password must be longer than 16 characters (P#$$M>Rd_wR1443N_c0Wpl1c4^3D). It will take attackers with state-of-the-art software tools more than 200 years to find such a password.
Another option is not to invent passwords yourself, but to use services like Genpas. They generate strong passwords from a random set of characters.
It is quite difficult to remember all complex passwords from dozens of accounts. So you can use a password store like KeePass or LastPass. They also act as password generators.
Passwords for the most important accounts - frequently used social networks and mail - will have to be remembered.
In addition, it is recommended to disable password saving in browsers.
Change your passwords periodically. You should not enter usernames and passwords in public places where video surveillance is installed.
It is not recommended to use the same password for different accounts.
If you are working with a laptop or computer in a public place and need to move away for a while, you should put the device in sleep mode or lock the computer screen. You can only return to work by entering your password. If there are video surveillance cameras in a public place, you should not enter any passwords, and in general, you should use Internet services very carefully.
In a public place with unsecured Wi-Fi, you should use a VPN. This technology not only hides your real location from the administrators of the sites you visit, but also encrypts the information you transmit. There are cases when attackers tried to intercept information from computers on public Wi-Fi. If VPN is enabled on your computer, they probably won't succeed.
If your device has been in the hands of special services - for example, it was seized when crossing the border or during a search-it is no longer safe for important correspondence and financial transactions. The same applies to the repair of your equipment. There is a high probability that after these manipulations, a virus, spyware, or an additional chip will appear on your mobile, tablet, or computer. It's best to get a new device - sometimes data security is more expensive than money.
On a Windows computer, you should not work under an account with administrator rights. It is better to use a regular user account. Then, if the malware tries to install without your knowledge, Windows will notify you that you need to enter a password from the administrator account.
You should not give your computer to strangers who need to make a Skype call or check their email. If you still had to do this, it is better to log in to the guest account in advance, from which the installation of new software is not available. Also, be careful when handing over your phone to a third party.
Beware of emails that ask you to provide your personal information, including registration data. Otherwise, you may become a victim of this type of Internet phishing.
Use an antivirus program. Many common antivirus programs have a free license, the capabilities of which are quite sufficient for the average user. For example, this is AVG or Avast. Don't forget to update it regularly.
A password is a basic way to protect your data. Its choice should be approached carefully. Primitive sets of numbers, words, including modified ones, any of your personal data contained in your password, and persons interested in hacking are selected quickly enough using special software.
It is recommended to use a combination of letters in different cases, special characters and numbers in the password. Even better, the password must be longer than 16 characters (P#$$M>Rd_wR1443N_c0Wpl1c4^3D). It will take attackers with state-of-the-art software tools more than 200 years to find such a password.
Another option is not to invent passwords yourself, but to use services like Genpas. They generate strong passwords from a random set of characters.
It is quite difficult to remember all complex passwords from dozens of accounts. So you can use a password store like KeePass or LastPass. They also act as password generators.
Passwords for the most important accounts - frequently used social networks and mail - will have to be remembered.
In addition, it is recommended to disable password saving in browsers.
Change your passwords periodically. You should not enter usernames and passwords in public places where video surveillance is installed.
It is not recommended to use the same password for different accounts.
If you are working with a laptop or computer in a public place and need to move away for a while, you should put the device in sleep mode or lock the computer screen. You can only return to work by entering your password. If there are video surveillance cameras in a public place, you should not enter any passwords, and in general, you should use Internet services very carefully.
In a public place with unsecured Wi-Fi, you should use a VPN. This technology not only hides your real location from the administrators of the sites you visit, but also encrypts the information you transmit. There are cases when attackers tried to intercept information from computers on public Wi-Fi. If VPN is enabled on your computer, they probably won't succeed.
If your device has been in the hands of special services - for example, it was seized when crossing the border or during a search-it is no longer safe for important correspondence and financial transactions. The same applies to the repair of your equipment. There is a high probability that after these manipulations, a virus, spyware, or an additional chip will appear on your mobile, tablet, or computer. It's best to get a new device - sometimes data security is more expensive than money.
On a Windows computer, you should not work under an account with administrator rights. It is better to use a regular user account. Then, if the malware tries to install without your knowledge, Windows will notify you that you need to enter a password from the administrator account.
You should not give your computer to strangers who need to make a Skype call or check their email. If you still had to do this, it is better to log in to the guest account in advance, from which the installation of new software is not available. Also, be careful when handing over your phone to a third party.
Beware of emails that ask you to provide your personal information, including registration data. Otherwise, you may become a victim of this type of Internet phishing.
Use an antivirus program. Many common antivirus programs have a free license, the capabilities of which are quite sufficient for the average user. For example, this is AVG or Avast. Don't forget to update it regularly.