In May of 2017, at least 230,000 computers were hacked across the world through the infamous Wannacry malware. This is a type of ransomware used by hackers to control computers running the Microsoft Windows OS. They encrypted the user data and demanded a ransom to be able to give back the accounts.
Apart from hacking, internet users are often confronted with the issue of total privacy while online. It is a popular belief that some governments spy on their citizens by keeping track of their internet footprints. One of the most searched for google answers is how to protect yourself from hackers, spies, and the government. Here is everything you need to know about online privacy.
Today, the world has become a global village where users can access different products and services from the comfort of their homes or offices. The internet is used for most aspects of everyday life, like searching for information, banking, shopping, playing games, and staying in touch with loved ones. This makes online security one of the greatest concerns for internet users.
Safety starts with protecting your devices. Whenever you use the internet through unprotected devices, you make it easy for hackers, spies, and even the government to see what you are doing and even gain access to your personal data. Spammers use unprotected devices as zombie drones to send spam and make it look like it is from you, therefore putting your contacts at risk of hacking.
By taking the necessary steps to protect your devices and online activities, you get to protect your privacy and your data. Here is how to guarantee your privacy while online.
Secure your device
This can be done by ensuring your phone’s software is up to date. Ensure you update the OS, especially for crucial programs like the browser. Having antimalware, antivirus, and antispyware programs installed can go a long way in protecting your device’s privacy.
Using antivirus programs
Antivirus programs protect your devices from viruses that can potentially destroy your device, compromise your das, or slow down the device. An antivirus will scan your computer and device files, including incoming emails. The program will delete any malicious files to keep the device safe.
Ensure you check which is best free antivirus for PC and other devices and ensure you keep the program updated with the latest bug fixes and updates. Most antivirus programs come with a feature for automatic update downloads whenever the device is connected to the internet.
Always ensure that your antivirus program is always running. This ensures that it is always checking the system for viruses, which ensures hackers and spies cannot access your internet devices. This is especially important when online and downloading new files to your device. Always perform a complete system scan at least twice a month.
Using antispyware programs
If you are concerned about the possibility of third parties checking your internet activity, investing in the best antispyware program for your devices is the best way to keep them out. Spyware is a program installed without your knowledge or consent. Their main purpose is to collect keyloggers, data, and records of all your system activities, including financial and password data.
Signs of spyware infection include a sudden increase in pop-up ads, redirection to unreliable websites or websites unrelated to your search query, and a decrease in system or computer speed. Some antivirus programs come with an antispyware capability. Ensure you check your antivirus for this function before investing in an antispyware program.
Just like antivirus programs, you should keep your spyware program updated and always running.
Using firewalls
A firewall is a type of software or hardware that blocks malicious programs from gaining access to a computer system. Hackers send pings to hundreds of computers and wait for responses. A firewall ensures that your computer does not respond to the pings. A firewall blocks communications between the malware source and your computer.
A firewall program is highly important, especially if you use an internet connection with a very high speed, such as cable or DSL. Some operating systems come with in-built firewall programs. You only need to turn it on to protect your computer.
Stay safe online
Apart from using antimalware, antivirus, and antispyware programs, there are other online practices you can adopt to ensure you remain safe online. These include:
Choosing and use strong passwords – the best password should include upper and lower case letters, special characters, and numbers.
Using string authentication – ensure you use two-factor authentication for all your online accounts. This makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your online accounts.
Checking before clicking – before you click on any link, check for signs of a hacking scheme through phishing content.
